Infill Investments Inspire Innovation

Infill development describes the process of reutilizing urban or neighborhood properties for new building. Infill development targets abandoned, underutilized, dilapidated, and problem properties in neighborhoods for redevelopment. This reduces blight and increases opportunities for residents to rent or purchase a new, quality built house in our treasured older neighborhoods. It can help stabilize property values up and down the street.

Critics of infill development often argue that structures do not blend in with a neighborhood’s existing homes, it can be difficult to find buyers for the home, and difficult to fund infill projects. In our experience, obtaining property rights, demolition of the old structure, and potential contamination can add to the challenge of these sorts of projects. Nevertheless, infill development aligns so closely with Woodlands’ commitments to environmental responsibility and community development, that these challenges are worth taking on. It is considered a key tenet in Green Building and in fact, helped our 2012 project on Porter Avenue in Elkins qualify as the first LEED Platinum multi-family building in West Virginia.

As explained in the graphic above, the Porter Ave. Triplex was certified LEED Platinum for exemplary attention to the health of a building for its residents, the community, and the environment. The house, and its many green features, blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood and tenant turnover at this property is very low. We see again and again that healthy, affordable housing helps increase life stability for residents of all income levels.

The River Street house (pictured at top) that we are building in Elkins, is an interesting case study for infill housing development. It is one of several blighted, neglected, and under utilized properties in its Riverside neighborhood. Located only blocks from downtown and with Big Timber Brewing developing a large commercial property at the end of the block, the area has potential to be a prime living location in the heart of Elkins.

The original house at 5 River Street (pictured at right before and after demolition) had been abandoned by the owner but was being lived in by three squatters in 2020 when it caught fire. Two of the residents died in the fire while one survived and the house next door suffered significant damage. We worked with the City of Elkins to acquire the property, demolish the house, and abate asbestos contamination.

With funding from the WV Housing Development Fund, the partnership of the City of Elkins, and a loan from Community Works, we are building back a similar sized house on the small lot that will be sold at an affordable price. The financing is flexible enough that if we are unable to sell the house, we will be able to rent it as a single unit until a buyer can be located.

We see infill development as an ideal way to reduce blight in neighborhoods and provide new affordable housing opportunities that are close to amenities and the resources in our towns.

If you or someone you know might be interested in purchasing the River Street house, please reach out to us through our online contact form.