Tomorrow, Washington County officials and community members will gather to mark the completion of a renovation project at Holly Tree Village. Nearly 600 apartment units have been updated to maintain affordability for low-income residents amid the current housing shortage. The renovation, which began in 2022, covers properties established as early as 1974 across six communities within the county.
The project involved significant investments to secure and upgrade the housing facilities. A total of $258 million was spent on construction and acquisition costs, with $60 million raised from private sectors through a public-private funding model. The Housing Authority of Washington County partnered with development consultant Brawner, LMC Construction for the building work, and Pinnacle and Ink Built for design services. Financing included a loan from JP Morgan, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and additional funding from RBC.
"Tomorrow we recognize a key milestone that proves aging affordable housing communities can be modernized, made sustainable, and ultimately fiscally responsible," Washington County Chair Commissioner Kathryn Harrington said in an interview with the Washington County. Molly Rogers, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County, stated, "Our residents moved in having found a permanent, affordable place to call home." She added, "And with the successful execution of this project, we have strategically reinvested to safeguard housing stability for 1,152 residents, while also meeting the highest standards of accessibility and efficiency."
For the residents, like Melanie Fletcher, who organizes a local food bank and has resided in the community for more than 20 years, the transformation has been personal. "Having lived here for over two decades, I can attest to the profound impact of these upgrades—safer roofs, warmer homes, and renewed pride in our neighborhood," Fletcher told the Washington County.
The Housing Authority of Washington County, with over 50 years of experience in developing and maintaining affordable housing, manages these programs through the County’s Department of Housing Services, which was established in 1992. The Authority’s ongoing dedication to offering housing solutions that support community stability is evident in the recent completion of this major renovation project. Additional details about these initiatives and the Housing Authority’s mission are available on their official website.
