Midtown Villages (Melrose Homes Redevelopment) recently earned the 2022 Affordable Housing Finance Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Housing Redevelopment! This extensive project consisted of a major renovation of an affordable housing asset comprised of 200 units spread across 54 buildings at 6 different sites. Conquering a tight schedule, the Choate project team turned over 66 units every 30 days, based on stakeholder needs. This project also achieved National Green Building Standard certification.

The $44.5 million redevelopment provides residents with significant physical upgrades, including central air conditioning and green building features that provide a healthier living environment. Midtown Villages created a public arts initiative aimed to increase arts education and appreciation among its residents, who have historically faced a lack of access to the arts. Three outdoor sculptures by local artists greet residents on the property, and the community’s Melrose Art and Activity Center (the MAC) serves as the hub for arts classes and programs.

Congratulations to Collaborative Housing Solutions, Gainesville Housing Authority, Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc., and Columbia Residential for a successful project and this well-earned recognition!