Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County broke ground on Summer Meadows, the first affordable housing development in Alexandria since 2002 and the largest project in the 27-year history of the organization. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the community gathered on July 9, 2024.
“Today is not only an historic day for Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County, but a truly transformative one for the City of Alexandria,” stated Lori Anderson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County. “Through building 42 affordable homes, we're not just building houses, we're helping families stay afloat and build a brighter future.”
Located adjacent to Summer Meadows Park in Alexandria, the development will allow 42 homes to be built over the next 10 years, with four to five homes built each year. Sidewalks will exist on both sides of the street with trees to enhance the interconnectedness of neighborhoods allowing easy access to bike trails and a buffer of native plantings.
Timeline
About the Homes
The homes of Summer Meadows will feature two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet utilizing five different house plans that include two-stall garages. Homes will be built slab-on-grade with in-floor heat to optimize energy efficiency and upgraded exteriors with stone veneer and porches.
Why Summer Meadows?
Homeownership is about stability, health, and opportunity. Owning a home allows families to build wealth, invest in their children's education, and contribute more meaningfully to our community.
In 2023, the City of Alexandria Housing Update painted a clear picture: there's a significant affordability gap in our community. Home values are rising faster than incomes, and we desperately need more affordable options. The study calls out the need for 8 to 10 affordable homes built annually, and recognized Habitat as well-positioned to meet this need.
City of Alexandria and AAEDC Support
At the June 26, 2023, meeting, the Alexandria City Council approved a request from Habitat for a planned unit development on existing vacant property. Through partnership with the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC), Habitat applied and was approved for tax-increment financing (TIF) from the Alexandria City Council. “We’re thrilled the city has chosen to support our efforts to create affordable homeownership opportunities through this development,” stated Lori Anderson, Habitat’s Executive Director. Heather Smith Ahrens, Director of Operations at Habitat added, “By having a partnership with the city, we’ll be able to move forward with our goal of building four to five homes a year and perhaps even accelerate that as the need continues.”
Your Support for Summer Meadows
Together, we can build a brighter future for Douglas County. A future where everyone has the opportunity to own a home, to feel secure, and to contribute to a thriving community. Like our future homeowners, Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is dreaming big and courageously broadening our horizons to serve more people. Homeownership is a life-changing opportunity, and it's impossible without you: a community that believes we can do better.
For more information on how you can support Habitat, please contact Lori at 320-762-4255.
