WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — Construction is moving forward on a $36 million affordable housing development in Waynesboro that will bring 96 new apartments to the city.

Enterprise Community Development joined Waynesboro Mayor Kenny Lee, state and local officials, business leaders and community members Thursday for the groundbreaking ceremony at 1030 Alston Court.

The development will include 96 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for families earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income.

Alston Court marks the first new affordable housing development in Waynesboro in 15 years, according to Enterprise Community Development.

“The Council has made it a top priority to foster and support initiatives that create affordable rental opportunities for our community, and the Alston Court project truly reflects that ongoing commitment,” Lee said. “We believe that the development of workforce housing will positively impact many residents and strengthen our city’s foundation.”

The project is being funded through a combination of private, state and local support. Funding partners include Virginia Housing, CAHEC, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, LOCUS and the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge.

The City of Waynesboro and a local philanthropic donor also contributed nearly $800,000 in additional funding after the project encountered a funding gap late in the financing process.

“Virginia Housing is proud to support developments that expand access to quality, affordable homes,” said Tammy Neale, CEO of Virginia Housing. “Alston Court will provide housing in the city of Waynesboro and the Shenandoah Valley where we are seeing a continued need to increase the affordable housing stock to create thriving communities for all who call this region home.”

In addition to affordable apartments, the development will connect residents with community resources and supportive services.

Enterprise has partnered with the Valley Community Services Board to provide referrals and wraparound services for 11 households through its Permanent Supportive Housing for Serious Mental Illness program and the State Rental Assistance Program.

The apartments will be designed to accommodate a range of household needs. Sixteen units will meet Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards, while 11 apartments will be designated for households with disabilities.

The development will also follow the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home and Enterprise Green Communities standards. Rooftop solar panels are planned as part of the project.

Additional amenities will include a shared clubhouse with a community room, fitness center, leasing office and secure package room. All apartments will have in-unit laundry.

Enterprise Community Development President Janine Lind said the project reflects the support of local and regional partners working to address the area’s need for affordable housing and supportive services.

Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

Winks Snowa is serving as the project’s architect, Timmons Group as engineer, UrbanCore as general contractor and Enterprise Residential as property manager.