AVON, CT — Construction is moving forward on The Homes at Avon Park, a multi-phase redevelopment that will transform a long-vacant office park into a 176-unit mixed-income housing community in Avon.
Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined Beacon Communities, state and local officials, financing partners and community stakeholders on July 28 to mark construction progress on the first phase of the project at 20 Security Drive.
The first phase, The Homes at Avon Park, will include 100 apartments, with 85 affordable units for households earning 25%, 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income, along with 15 market-rate apartments.
According to Beacon Communities, affordable housing currently accounts for just over 4% of Avon's housing stock. When complete, the overall redevelopment will add more than 50% to the town's existing affordable housing inventory.
The second phase, Avon Village, is expected to begin construction later this summer and will convert a vacant office building on the property into 76 additional apartments, creating a total of 176 homes.
Twenty-two apartments in the first phase will receive operating subsidies through the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services Rental Assistance Program, with supportive services provided by Oak Hill.
The development will include a community room and kitchen, fitness and wellness spaces, walking trails, gardens, outdoor gathering areas, a multi-use lawn and a dog run.
The all-electric community is being built to meet the Emerald Level of the National Green Building Program and is located near downtown Avon and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said redeveloping an underused office park demonstrates an innovative approach to addressing Connecticut's housing shortage.
"Avon Park is proof that our best housing solutions aren't always new construction," Bysiewicz said. "Building several new units out of what used to be an empty office park is exactly the kind of idea we need to get us closer to solving Connecticut's housing shortage."
Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel said the project demonstrates how underutilized commercial property can be repurposed to increase housing opportunities.
"In partnership with the Town of Avon, we are creating a model for building more affordable homes through the redevelopment of underutilized property," Kovel said.
Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson said the project reflects years of planning to bring more housing to the Avon Village Center area.
"It's rewarding to see the progress here today and anticipate how this exciting new community will bring new activity and investment to the town center," Robertson said.
State Sen. Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, noted the development is being constructed to Passive House standards, which are designed to significantly reduce energy use.
The project is financed through a combination of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, funding from the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, a 20-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the Town of Avon, construction financing from Bank of America and CHFA, and tax credit equity provided by Bank of America.
Construction on The Homes at Avon Park is expected to continue through 2027, with Avon Village scheduled for completion in 2028.
From Feb. 3: 'Construction Starts On 100-Unit Mixed-Income Housing At Former Avon Office Park'
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