WINDSOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD
Windsor, VT – Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and co-developers Evernorth have taken a big step forward on a development that will bring 25 new homes to downtown Windsor. The non-profit announced that it has purchased 133 Main Street, a vacant lot adjacent to the Windsor Diner.
The Central and Main development will create a new, highly efficient building with 25 residential apartments affordable to a broad range of Windsor incomes. Six units will be designated for people who are at risk of, or exiting homelessness and will have supportive services attached; another six units will be affordable to households at 100% of Windsor’s median income (up to $65,000 for a single person household); the remaining units will be affordable to the range in between. The homes will remain affordable in perpetuity, becoming a lasting community resource for future generations. This model of maintaining modest rents over the lifetime of the building is unique to the State of Vermont — in other states, affordability requirements expire after a number of years and rents are allowed to increase.
The vision for housing creation and a vibrant economy in Windsor’s Historic Downtown has been a longtime in the making for both the Town and former property owners, Windsor Improvement Corporation. WWHT and its project partners are working closely with both entities to realize that vision. The building’s design references the history of Windsor’s built environment while making the existing landscape inviting and accessible. It will be accessible to vehicles via Central Street and pedestrians via Main Street.
“We are so pleased to be moving forward with the creation of 25 new homes in Windsor’s Historic Downtown,” says WWHT Executive Director Elizabeth Bridgewater. “Working with the previous landowners, Windsor Improvement Corporation, has been an excellent process, and we are grateful for their support. This important step puts us on schedule for spring groundbreaking and for construction to begin.”
Central and Main construction includes important environmental remediation work, involving the removal of contaminated soils from the site. This work is being supported through Mount Ascutney Regional Commission. The project is being co-developed by WWHT and Evernorth, and Neagley & Chase will handle the construction. The building will contribute to the Town of Windsor’s tax base.
More information and updates can be found at homemattershere.org/central-and-main-windsor/.
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Windham & Windsor Housing is a mission-driven non-profit organization, established in 1987 in response to increasing threats to the region’s supply of affordable housing. Their mission is to strengthen the communities of Southeast Vermont through development and stewardship of permanently affordable housing through ongoing support and advocacy for its residents. WWHT owns and services several properties in Windsor, including Phelps Court, Union Square and Olde Windsor Village. The organization also operates the impactful SASH program (Support and Services At Home), serving 90 elderly or disabled residents in Windsor, allowing them to live independently.
