The Drew Lewis Foundation, the nonprofit behind The Fairbanks community hub and the Blue House Project in Grant Beach, plans to build 10-15 homes on 1.2 acres at Broadway Avenue and Poplar Street by the end of 2025 if all goes as planned, according to CEO Amy Blansit.
The homes will be two-story, three-bed, two-bath Craftsman style and will be around 1,800 square feet. Because one of the goals of the project is to increase Springfield’s affordable housing stock, Blansit said at least half the homes will be priced around $135,000 with the others sold at market prices. Donations, down payment assistance and other affordable housing financing options will be utilized to assist qualifying buyers purchase the homes. Next steps are to work with the City of Springfield’s Planning and Development Department to begin the process for the development plan to go before City Council. She hopes to break ground this summer.
Blue House Project
The foundation’s Blue House Project has purchased and renovated 19 homes in Grant Beach over the last six years and has four more underway. Once complete, the homes are rented primarily to the foundation’s RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) program graduates with the goal to sell them the home within two years.