Chamberlain Heights

Jonathan Rose Companies was selected by the Meriden Housing Authority to assist them with the redevelopment of Chamberlain Heights, an existing 124-unit development. The 22-acre property, situated on a wooded and rolling site, consists of 36 residential buildings ranging in size from two-to four-bedroom flat townhouse-style units, and a community center. The property is surrounded by woodlands on two sides, but is also well situated in close proximity to public transit and downtown Meriden.

Built in 1953, the existing masonry veneer and wood framing structures remain in good condition. Although the Housing Authority has invested in the buildings over the last several decades, the increasing challenge of maintaining aging buildings led the Housing Authority to seek a developer to help them execute a redevelopment plan to provide more substantial and long-term improvements to the property for the residents.

The renovation was a complete gut rehabilitation of the units and includes: redesign of the building facades; replacement of all of the windows, electrical and mechanical systems; renovation of the interiors including bathrooms and kitchens; expansion of square footage to add bathrooms and living space; and improvements to the exterior open space.

Green design principles were incorporated into the rehabilitation with a particular focus on creating a better insulated building envelope and improving performance of the heating and cooling system needed to achieve greater energy efficiency. The project received LEED for Homes Gold certification and Enterprise Green Communities certification. The development also includes 25 units of supportive housing with services for families at risk of being homeless. The project has received 9% LIHTC tax credits and a loan from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; as well as state housing funds from the Department of Economic Community Development.