A new 106-unit public and affordable housing complex has broken ground in Darien.  The Heights at Darien will replace 40 existing units at the former site of Allen O’Neill Homes. The new development will include 23 new townhomes and a community center. Completion is expected in 2014.

"This project marks another critically important step forward in keeping Connecticut diverse and vibrant as a community," U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said at the ceremony. "Connecticut thanks Darien – as well as the developers and state agencies – for their faith and fortitude in pursuing this promising project and overcoming many challenges."

The project is being carried out through a partnership between private developers John McClutchy and Arthur Anderson and the Darien Housing Authority, the owner of the site. The developers will incorporate sustainable features throughout the development with a target of a Silver LEED certification. A community center will be added to the site and each unit will include a washer and dryer and new Energy Star appliances.

Construction and permanent financing, as well as low income housing tax credit equity, was provided by Citi Community Capital, Citi’s community development lending and investing group, and The Richman Group Affordable Housing Corporation. Additional sources of funding were provided by the Darien Housing Authority, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the town of Darien.

"The project is an exemplary example of a transit-oriented in-fill development. The site is within walking distance to the Metro-North commuter rail and the design will double the number of housing units while preserving green space and the area’s suburban feel," said Jason Wilber, vice president of Richman, in a statement.