FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2021
CONTACT: Lisa Patlis, (802) 861-3814
Brattleboro Celebrates Opening of Second Phase of Red Clover Commons Apartments – completing the Red Clover Commons Neighborhood
[Brattleboro, VT] The completion of the second phase of Red Clover Commons represents the culmination of an important community building effort begun 10 years ago when Tropical Storm Irene severely flooded the 80 apartments at Melrose Terrace, a public housing development in West Brattleboro. This second phase at Red Clover Commons is comprised of 18 newly constructed homes for former residents of Melrose Terrace. The 3-story, energy efficient building offers 17 one- bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment and completes the Red Clover Neighborhood.
The first phase of Red Clover Commons was completed in 2016 and created 55 apartments for former Melrose Terrace residents, onsite management and SASH services (Support and Services at Home), a large community space with a full kitchen, and an outdoor patio and sitting area, all of which are now accessible to the entire Red Clover Commons community.
The Brattleboro Housing Authority d/b/a Brattleboro Housing Partnerships and Evernorth (formerly Housing Vermont) partnered to create the second phase of Red Clover Commons to accommodate the remaining residents of Melrose Terrace, adjacent to the site of the first building completed in 2016.
“While Tropical Storm Irene made a move necessary, we used the opportunity to construct a new building that meets the needs of our residents and is high quality, attractive, and energy efficient,” said Brattleboro Housing Partnerships Executive Director Christine Hazzard. “We are thrilled to reunite the Melrose Terrace residents and share the results today with the community and the funders who made Red Clover Commons possible.”
Funding totaling $6.1 million from numerous sources was raised to cover the total development costs for phase two of Red Clover Commons. Housing New England, Fund I is the equity investor in this project, investing $3.5 million through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program which is administered locally by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board provided $375,600. People’s United Bank is providing the permanent loan as well as funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Affordable Housing Program. Other sources of funds include the Vermont Community Development Program through the Town of Brattleboro, the US Department of Housing’s HOME program, Windham Regional Commission Brownfield Revolving Loan Funds and an energy incentive through Efficiency Vermont.
“We are excited to welcome residents to this thriving new community,” said Nancy Owens, Co-President of Evernorth. “Red Clover Commons embodies the collaboration and deep commitment of federal and state leaders, organizations, and funders. In an area that has increasing need for affordable housing, this community will be a valuable resource to the residents of Brattleboro and Windham County.”
Gossens Bachman Architects was the project architect and H.P. Cummings Construction Company was the Construction Manager.
For more information on renting at Red Clover Commons apartments, visit brattleborohousing.org or call 802-254-6071
Please see video remarks and a virtual tour of the building below:
Brattleboro Housing Partnerships: Red Clover Commons 2 Virtual Tour
Brattleboro Housing Partnerships, provides quality, affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families with low and very low incomes through a range of programs and services including the administration of the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, the Moving To Work Program, the Housing Choice Voucher program, Shelter Plus Care and a two-year transitional program, Transitions to Housing. BHP is also responsible for providing a Family Self Sufficiency program, Resident Service Coordination to our residents and the services of two SASH Coordinators. A five-member board of commissioners provides oversight. www.brattleborohousing.org
