Housing Assistance Team to Create Affordable and Attainable Homes in Orleans
You may soon notice a revitalization of vacant property if you drive along Route 6A in Orleans – a positive development for affordable housing and homeownership opportunities on the Lower Cape.
Following an extensive public bidding process, the Town of Orleans awarded Housing Assistance, in partnership with Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Habitat for Humanity, the right to redevelop the former Governor Prence Inn property. Being selected for this project underscores Housing Assistance’s longstanding commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for the Cape community.
The underutilized, 5.5-acre site of the Governor Prence Inn – which closed in 2019 – will be transformed into a very active use and breathe new life into the area. Plans include 61 affordable rental homes for families and seniors, 10 middle-income townhomes for ownership, and seven single-family homes for ownership by lower-income residents. This thoughtful mix of housing options is designed to meet the diverse needs of Orleans residents.
“We envision a development that respects the charm of Orleans while providing modern, sustainable living options,” said Housing Assistance CEO Alisa Magnotta. “This project is about creating a community of which the town can be proud. We appreciate the efforts of Town Manager Kim Newman and the Orleans Select Board for the opportunity to bring this plan to fruition and we look forward to working closely with town officials throughout the development process.”
The project comes as the cost of housing on Cape Cod has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for essential workers – educators, health care workers and safety personnel – to live in the communities they serve. The collaborative initiative aims to address the housing issue and keep more families and workers on the Cape. This effort is also part of the long-term strategic plan for Housing Assistance to develop needed attainable housing and help protect the American Dream of home ownership for Cape Codders.
The project is designed with the town character in mind as it intends to re-establish Route 6A frontage and enhance the village center. Rather than large, boxy apartment buildings, the project will feature smaller-scale, multi-unit developments that will blend into the surrounding neighborhood.
Housing Assistance, POAH and Habitat for Humanity each bring a wealth of expertise and a shared vision of improving lives through housing. The design team, including Union Studio, Halvorson and Coastal Engineering, has a deep understanding of the local context and a strong emphasis on sustainable and community-oriented design.
“Since 2009, POAH and Housing Assistance have jointly developed nine successful affordable communities on the Cape, collectively creating over 600 homes in the region,” said POAH Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Julie Creamer. “The Governor Prence project is another opportunity to create a vibrant, attractive residential community that will serve Cape Cod residents for decades to come.”
Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod President and CEO Wendy Cullinan is confident the project will “bring the best possible opportunities for affordable housing to Orleans.”
