Housing Authority Breaks Ground on $116.7 Million Rehabilitation of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Housing Community

The V.I. Housing Authority along with MDG Design + Construction on Friday held a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the $116.7 million rehabilitation of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion, a 248-unit affordable housing development in St. Croix. The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently provided $73 million toward the project.

The project will preserve affordability for residents, modernize the development, and strengthen the site’s resilience to natural disasters, said MDG. The project is the first of VIHA’S long-term plan to renovate and rebuild its affordable housing portfolio throughout the USVI, according to the release.

“The revitalization of Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion will allow residents to remain safely and affordably in their homes, with the added piece-of-mind that their home will be safe and protected from future storms,” said Michael T. Rooney, founding principal of MDG Design + Construction. “As our first project outside of the continental US, we are grateful to all our incredible partners who share our passion and excitement for this important work and allowed us to bring our expertise and resources to St. Croix.”

Located at the corner of Centerline Road and Sandy Point Road in Frederiksted, St. Croix, and originally built in 1971, the project suffered significant damage as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, Hodge will receive critical investments to enhance operational efficiency and improve resident quality of life while retaining affordability.

Project upgrades will include new kitchen and bath fixtures and cabinets, new highly efficient plumbing and electrical systems, LED lighting, EnergyStar appliances, ceiling fans, new flooring and painting, and resiliency measures including solar PV, emergency generators, and a reestablished cistern system. Additionally, the site will receive a new senior center and recreational spaces to support residents including a new playground, gardening and planting area, redesigned walkways and seating areas, refurbished basketball courts, and a renovated community center featuring a computer room and library. Upgrades will include substantial storm hardening measures including the installation of a new façade system incorporating new hurricane-wind resistant windows and louver systems, and entry doors and storefronts.