For first-time buyers. WWHT photo.
Vermont Business Magazine A long-blighted, fire-damaged property in Springfield has taken a dramatic turn toward renewal. On November 18, a brand-new zero-energy modular home was lowered by crane onto its foundation at 316 South Street, signaling a major investment in neighborhood revitalization and first-time homeownership.
The project—led by Windham & Windsor Housing Trust—replaces a burned, vacant structure with a high-efficiency home, made permanently affordable through the organization’s Shared Equity program. Funding was provided by the Vermont Housing Conservation Board, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Champlain Housing Trust’s Manufactured Home Loan Program, and Efficiency Vermont.
“This home represents precisely the kind of innovative, community-focused redevelopment our region needs,” says Bruce Whitney, WWHT Director of Homeownership. “And because this is part of our Shared Equity program, this home will stay affordable to the next and future buyers on a permanent basis.”
The transformation began in early 2024 with site cleanup and demolition of the former building, followed by WWHT’s process to identify eligible buyers through its Homebuyer Education Program. Once selected, the Springfield couple purchasing the home teamed up with WWHT to choose contractors, prepare the site, and coordinate final “button-up” work.
For the new homeowners, the project is life-changing.
“We’re in desperate need of affordable homes in towns like ours. Being chosen for a brand-new, energy-efficient home is truly exciting. This program makes the American Dream possible—and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped us get here.”
The three-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers durable, energy-efficient construction, a full basement, outdoor shed, porch, and walkable access to schools, shopping, and downtown services. Assembly and delivery were completed by Huntington Homes of East Montpelier, with Brennan Construction managing onsite work. Final steps—including siding, plumbing, and electric—are now underway.
More information about WWHT’s Homeownership Center, including the Shared Equity Homeownership Program, is available at www.homemattershere.org.
Windham & Windsor Housing is a mission-driven non-profit organization, established 35 years ago in response to increasing threats to the region’s supply of affordable housing. Their mission is to strengthen the communities of Southeast Vermont through development and stewardship of permanently affordable housing through ongoing support and advocacy for its residents. WWHT builds concrete solutions to the region’s housing challenges, and provides better housing opportunities to more than 1,500 Southeastern Vermonters each year. To learn more about our upcoming development work visit our webpage www.homemattershere.org and scroll to the FAQ section.
12.5.2025. Springfield, VT – Windham & Windsor Housing
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