The Cathedral Palms Apartments is a 231-unit affordable senior apartment community, originally built in the mid-1960's. The thirty-year old community was deeded as an endowment to Casa Colina Hospital, who owned and managed the apartments for approximately 20 years. In the mid-1990's, as the need for repairs continued to grow and the cost of operation continued to increase, Casa Colina Hospital made the decision to sell the property and began negotiations with the Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency and National CORE, to acquire, rehabilitate, and manage the community as affordable housing for seniors.

Working closely with the City Council and the Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency, National CORE developed a complex and long-term creative financing structure to purchase, rehabilitate and renovate the aging property. To develop the financing structure, National CORE utilized the resources of the tax increment housing set-aside funds from the Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency, as well as loans and grants from Union Bank, Hemet Federal Savings Bank, the County of Riverside Economic Development Department's Federal HOME Investment Partnership program, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program.

The rehabilitation efforts undertaken by National CORE were extensive and included major improvements and repairs on both the exteriors and interiors of these apartments. Rehabilitation included new cabinets, flooring and light fixtures. Old swamp coolers were replaced with energy efficient window air conditioner/heater units. Screen doors were added and an old storage room was converted to a new community room with kitchen and restroom facilities. In addition the old leasing office was converted to a library/conversation and activity room. The laundry room was completely rehabilitated with new flooring, laundry equipment, lighting and tables for folding clothes. The two pools and spa were re-plastered, decking was replaced with a textured, non-skid coating and new pool furniture was added. All asphalt was removed and replaced, the parking area was re-striped, block walls replaced decayed wood fences, new signage and a water fountain was added, and security gates were added.

The residents and staff at Cathedral Palms have developed a special and unique relationship. An on-site activity coordinator organizes:
	Free Food Distribution Program
	Weekly Continental Breakfast
	Movie Days
	Community Pot-Lucks
	Guest Speakers to talk about vital Senior Community Resources and Services

This unique relationship was exemplified on Valentines Day 2000. A couple, who met at the property, decided to get married. They went to the office and asked the Property Manager to give away the bride. In fact, the entire staff was asked to participate by fulfilling very special roles. One Maintenance Technician was the best man, the other Maintenance Technician ushered the guests. The Activities Director was the maid-of-honor and the Leasing Agent helped to plan the poolside wedding which was held at the property. It is this sense of community that sets National CORE apart from other property management companies.