Former public housing complex transformed into high-quality, mixed-income community

Pennrose and the Housing Commission of Talbot (HCT) today celebrated the grand opening of Doverbrook Apartments, bringing 64 brand-new affordable homes and community amenities to the town of Easton, Maryland. The energy-efficient, mixed-income community replaces the 40-year-old, 50-unit public housing community on Dover Street.

Speakers at the grand opening ceremony included, Rev. Elmer Neal Davis Jr., 4th Ward Councilman, Town of Easton; Patrick Stewart, Regional Vice President, Pennrose; Don Bibb, Executive Director, Housing Commission of Talbot; Jacob R. Day, Secretary of Housing & Community Development, State of Maryland; Megan Cook, Mayor, Town of Easton; Chuck Callahan, President, Talbot County Council; Johnny Mautz, State Senator; Thomas Hutchinson, State Delegate; Kimmel Cameron, Senior Vice President, Hudson Housing Capital; and Ivy Dench-Carter, Senior Vice President, Community Revitalization & Public Partnership, Pennrose.

Doverbrook Apartments is 100% affordable, with all units available at 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), about $24,150 to $64,400 for a one-person household. The community includes a one-for-one replacement of the 50 public housing units, converted to Section 8 via the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Streamlined Voluntary Conversion program, and 14 new units supported by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

“In an area with a severe shortage of affordable housing and a growing wait list, we’re proud to help preserve long-term affordability and add new housing opportunities for local families,” said Patrick Stewart, regional vice president at Pennrose. “Today begins a new chapter for Doverbrook Apartments, one marked by sustainable, amenity-rich housing that will benefit the community for many years to come.”  

“The Housing Commission of Talbot is excited about the dedication of the new Doverbrook community,” said Don Bibb, executive director at Housing Commission of Talbot. “We are proud to stand with our partners Pennrose as we dedicated the much-awaited new community. The opportunity to house 64 families in this magnificent community is indeed a great contribution to the Town of Easton and Talbot County.”

Doverbrook Apartments offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units across five residential buildings. The brand-new apartments feature modern, fully-equipped kitchens; in-unit washers and dryers; open concept floor plans; walk-in closets; ceramic-tiled baths; and more. Residents will also enjoy access to upgraded amenities spaces, including an inviting community room; cyber cafe; recreational sports courts; and playground.

The community was designed to meet the National Green Building Standard’s Silver certification, the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program standards, and achieve ENERGY STAR certification. The emphasis on sustainable, energy-efficient design ensures a healthier and lower cost living environment for residents.

Former Doverbrook Apartments residents were given the first right to return to the revitalized community.

The project was funded with various state and local proceeds, equity generated from competitive 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and a loan from M&T Bank guaranteed by HUD as part of the FHA program. The project received a soft loan and a seller take-back note from HCT, $2,400,000 from Maryland DHCD, and a $400,000 grant from the Town of Easton and a $400,000 grant from Talbot County.

With a regional headquarters in Baltimore, Pennrose has experience developing high-quality mixed-income housing communities throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. The organization previously worked with Wicomico County Housing Authority, which falls under the management of HCT, to develop Square at Merritt Mill, a 75-unit affordable housing community in Salisbury, and Stone Grove Crossing, the redevelopment of the former Booth Street Apartments public housing community.