Marlton, NJ (PRWEB) July 09, 2013

The Michaels Development Company’s $ 135 million renovation of Hawaii’s largest public housing community, The Towers of Kuhio Park, has been presented with a 2013 Vanguard Award from the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA).

The massive revitalization, undertaken in partnership with The Hawaii Public Housing Authority and The Vitus Group was recognized for demonstrating an exceptionally creative and innovative solution to an affordable housing challenge.

“We are very proud to receive this honor from NAHMA,” said Ava Goldman, president of Michaels Development Company, who noted that rehabilitation of The Towers was Michaels’ largest single-phase development ever. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized, and the best part of all is knowing what a difference this effort has made in the lives of the residents and the community of Kuhio Park,” Goldman said.

The rehabilitation of Kuhio Park’s 555 units marked the first public-private partnership in Hawaii to transform public housing and included major infrastructure upgrades at the two 16-story towers as well as interior improvements.

Each unit received new interior finishes, flooring, windows, doors, energy efficient appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures. To increase living space and natural lighting, each apartments lanais were enclosed. The renovation also included reconfiguring 33 apartments for handicap accessibility and creating 12 units specially designed for those with visual and hearing impairments.

Updates to the exterior included island inspired decorative screening, a vibrant paint scheme for the fa