A partnership between a nonprofit housing provider and private developer announced it has completed a 155-unit affordable apartment complex just south of downtown Hartford, replacing a decades-old public housing development.
Sheldon Oak Central partnered with Simsbury-based affordable housing developer Vesta Corp. to redevelop the 60-year-old, 64-unit Martin Luther King affordable housing complex at 85 Van Block Ave. into a new $65.5 million mixed-income development.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday.
Tenants began occupying finished apartments in February, with the project reaching full completion recently, said Sheldon Oak Executive Director Emily Wolfe. She said the development — a mix of townhouses and one, three-story apartment building — is 57% occupied and is expected to fill quickly.
“I know there has been a lot of demand, it’s just a question of processing the applications,” Wolfe said. “There has been a lot of excitement and many more applications than we can accommodate.”
The new development caters to tenants earning 30% to 60% of area median income. Monthly rents range from $1,259 to $1,713.
The energy-efficient complex includes 70 one-bedroom units, 63 two-bedroom units and 22 three-bedroom townhouse-style apartments. Amenities include a fitness center, community rooms, outdoor gathering spaces, EV charging stations, off-street parking and gated security.
The project received financing from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, state Department of Housing, Department of Economic and Community Development, National Equity Funds and Local Initiatives Support Corp.
The City of Hartford and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development also provided project-based Section 8 rental subsidies.
Sheldon Oak is continuing to expand and modernize its housing portfolio. In June, the nonprofit plans a ribbon-cutting for a major renovation of a 78-unit affordable housing property in northeast Hartford.
Wolfe said her nonprofit plans to launch additional major renovations to several existing and newly acquired apartment buildings beginning in early 2026.
