The Missing Middle – Is This You?

There is a gap in the housing availability for residents who wish to live and work in this community they call home in Nelson County. This housing gap has been termed by many as the Missing Middle.

As the development team began working on Renaissance Ridge, a key housing marketing study was performed to help identify some of the greatest housing challenges for Nelson County. During this survey, a long-serving member of the Nelson workforce commented, “I would like to live and support the community that I have worked for over the past 14 years. In addition to my love of the people in the community, I also would have a strong desire to live and thrive in the luscious scenery that is Nelson.” With just 2 out of every 10 people living in Nelson County who work in Nelson County, this clearly is a problem. Factors such as current inflation, the lasting effects of COVID-19, long-standing issues of racial inequity, coupled with high rents and home prices all have a large impact on how this can community can grow or not. Housing is foundational for households, communities, and economies.

These people are young professionals, workers in construction trades, firefighters, police officers, teachers and other public employees who are integral to a community, yet who often cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Workforce housing is most commonly intended for households with incomes between 60 and 120% of AMI. This project has received financing through the state via Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) loans, which combine state and federal resources. Households whose income is at or below 80% AMI, will be eligible for special financing assistance. With cost burdens at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to work on workforce housing solutions. If you make less than the amount listed for your household size, then you may qualify for financing assistance to buy a home at Renaissance Ridge: 

Income Limits pulled from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s website

Renaissance Ridge plans to help fill in the gap for the missing middle and provide options for single-family attached and detached homes, townhomes and cottages to those that want to live in Nelson County. 

As evidenced by data recently released by CAAR in their Home Sales Report, finding workforce housing in Nelson County continues to prove difficult. The third quarter median sales price in Nelson County was $400,000, up 10% from the previous year, a $35,000 price increase. Prices are now $185,500 more than they were at this same time four years ago. 

To learn more, register for a webinar on November 17 at 12 p.m. hosted by the Charlottesville Area Alliance concerning missing middle and ADU housing in the context of age-friendly communities.

Renaissance Ridge Partners with Nelson County Community Development Foundation to Bridge the Gap of Workforce Housing in Nelson County

Renaissance Ridge has created a partnership with the Nelson County Community Development Foundation (NCCDF) to create more workforce housing in Nelson County as a part of the new development which plans to incorporate high-quality design, sustainable construction and community connectivity. With growing concerns over the lack of inventory and different housing types, this partnership intends to help fill in the “missing middle” gap.

Founded in 1985, NCCDF has been fostering and promoting community development that primarily benefits low- and moderate-income citizens of Nelson County with housing, health, water and wastewater, recreation, education, and economic development.

Executive Director and long-time resident of Nelson County, Margaret Clair says, “This project, in partnership with Renaissance Ridge, represents the largest opportunity for the Foundation in about 10 years. NCCDF, under the leadership of George Krieger, has completed a number of housing developments that have benefitted first-time homeowners and working families of modest means in Nelson. The pressure of the market on middle-income families is higher than ever right now. We are excited and grateful to be a part of it.”

Renaissance Ridge will also be working with other community partners, non-profits, and businesses across the area to promote more workforce housing for its community members.

To learn more about NCCDF and Renaissance Ridge, see their project page on their website and here to sign up for updates regarding this project.   

To learn more about the missing middle, sign up for an upcoming webinar this Thursday, January 20th, 12-1p.m., part of the Central Virginia Regional Housing Partnership’s 2021 Fall/Winter Speaker Series here.

Renaissance Ridge Hopes to Help Bridge the Gap of Workforce Housing in Nelson County

Nelson County boasts farms and orchards, outdoor recreation, mountain views, historic sites, artisan traditions, and award-winning wineries and breweries. And everyone who comes here, loves it here. Why wouldn’t they? But, as evidenced by data recently released by CAAR in their Home Sales Report, there is a gap in housing availability for residents who wish to live and work in this community they call home. This housing gap has been termed by many as the Missing Middle. And it is an essential part of the housing equation.

Missing Middle Housing, a term coined by Daniel Parolek of Opticos Design, refers to the size and type of home that falls between a single-family detached home and a mid-rise apartment. They are housing types that we know well: townhomes, small courtyard apartments and more. They are modest housing types that offer additional options for people who are essential to making our economy and community strong, like teachers and other public employees, nurses, fire fighters and wait staff. It also means empty-nesters and retirees can downsize and stay in their neighborhood—and their adult children can find a place to live where they grew up. Because of the rich community resources Nelson County provides, many people choose to live here and the rising housing costs are making it more and more difficult for those same people to live in the same community in which they work.

Missing Middle Housing can also help protect our trees, update infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes, and stormwater management, and even create new green spaces. Renaissance Ridge plans to follow a similar development path while still creating a nice aesthetic for everyone to enjoy.  

If this type of housing interests you, please stay tuned as we continue with the development of Renaissance Ridge and use this blog as a way to update you. Feel free to also share our information with any friends or family that could be interested as well.