Lonsdale Village
Cumberland, Rhode Island

[ photograph by Taintor & Associates Inc. ]

The Town of Cumberland's Housing Authority has a not-for-profit arm, the Valley Affordable Housing Corporation, which spearheaded this award-winning example
of historic preservation.

Eleven vacant, foreclosed 19th century mill housing structures were transformed into 43 affordable apartments, creating a vibrant neighborhood. According to Peter Bouchard, Director of the Cumberland Housing Authority , the project was carried out in three phases involving major renovation, creation of handicapped accessible units, and careful preservation of historic detail in conjunction with receipt of historic tax credits. Beginning in the summer of 2002, VAHC built upon these successes and converted two vacant, multi-unit buildings behind the Main Street village into 32 additional homes as well as constructing 12 new, compatible units on the same site.

Creative project financing drew upon several resources, including Community Development Block Grants, HOME funding, Low-income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and private investment by VAHC. The Lonsdale Village project won a 2001 Preservation Merit Award from Preservation Rhode Island and has been featured as a “example of excellence” by the Council of State Community Development Agencies.

Contact:

Peter Bouchard, Director
Cumberland Housing Authority
401.334.3678