MICHELLE SPEICHER, GARDENS PROPERTY MANAGER
The Gardens Property Manager contributes to
the effectiveness of the Housing Authority’s
daily operations relating to the property
management functions in the Tax Credit
Division.
Michelle has been with the Housing Authority
for 3 years.
The Gardens at Flint Hills Place is a 48-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development that
was constructed on 2.5 acres of excess and unused land previously owned by the City of Manhattan, and
part of the Flint Hills Place public housing development operated by the Manhattan Housing Authority.  
On August 11, 2005 the Manhattan Housing Authority submitted an application to the Special Applications
Center of HUD to dispose of the 2.5 acres of land to the Manhattan Area Housing Partnership (MAHP)
for $1 to facilitate this development; this request was approved on October 13, 2005.  The development
is financed through Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in the amount of $3,940,869 ($421,519
Tax Credits which created $3,519,350 in Tax Credit equity), and HOME funds in the amount of
$200,000.  Kansas State University granted an Easement on their property for construction of an access
road to the Gardens development at a cost of $1,000.  Groundbreaking was in December 2005;
completion is anticipated by December 31, 2006.  

The development consists of two and three bedroom units, all with two baths, in three buildings;
amenities include a clubhouse with common areas for residents, an exercise room, and an office.  A
playground and picnic area is located on site as well.  An on-site manager will reside in one of the units.  
Leasing of the units in building #1 began on December 13, 2006.  Applicants must be income eligible,
meeting 50% and 60% of Area Median Income guidelines in addition to other screening criteria.

The partners in this development include the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the
City of Manhattan, Manhattan Housing Authority, Manhattan Area Housing Partnership, R&J Investments
LLC, Kansas State University, and Kansas Equity Fund.  The Manhattan Housing Authority will serve as
Property Manager.
     Bedroom Size                                # of Units        % of Area Median Income        Monthly Rent        Square Footage
     2 Bedroom / 2 Bath                          13                               50%                                $400                        970
     3 Bedroom / 2 Bath                            6                               50%                                $450                        1,160
     2 Bedroom / 2 Bath                          19                               60%                                $540                        970
     3 Bedroom / 3 Bath                          10                               60%                                $590                        1,160
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Michelle Speicher, Gardens Property Manager
Manhattan Housing Authority
PO Box 1024
Manhattan, KS  66505-1024

Phone:  785-537-3422
Fax:  785-537-0269
email:  speicher@mhaks.org