In 2022, a decade after Chestnut Housing began,
the organization set out to respond to the increasingly urgent need for more affordable housing solutions in Lancaster by creating a five-year plan to significantly grow its program and impact. One clear, overarching goal emerged as the heart of that plan – to create or preserve 100 affordable homes in five years.
At the time, Chestnut Housing operated 12 affordable apartments and homes. Today over 50 apartments and homes are in operation, and another 25-30 are in various stages of planning, development, and construction.
Halfway through its five-year plan, Chestnut Housing well on the way to creating or preserving more than 80 affordable apartments and homes!
Dinah’s Hill Apartments
In early 2024 Chestnut Housing was awarded site control of the “former Strawberry Hill” properties by the City of Lancaster’s Land Bank Authority. The development will include the complete rehabilitation of these historic properties to create 8-12 new affordable apartments, as well as office and meeting space for the organization and local neighborhood groups.
Budget: $3.8 Million
Timeline: 2024-2027
Partners: Tippetts/Weaver Architects and RGS Associates
Bridgeport Housing
In 2024 Chestnut Housing partnered with members of Forest Hills Mennonite Church to purchase a property on Lincoln Highway East in East Lampeter Township, with a plan to create 12-15 apartments serving residents of the Conestoga Valley School District. CV Seeds and Bridge of Hope are key service and fundraising partners.
Budget: $3.2 Million
Timeline: 2024-2027
Partners: Tippetts/Weaver Architects and RGS Associates
Milburn Apartments
In 2022 Chestnut Housing purchased two properties on Rockland Street from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster. The properties had suffered substantial fire damage and are in need of total rehabilitation. This development will create eight new affordable apartments.
COMPLETED. In service.
Budget: $2.2 Million
Timeline: 2022-2025
Partners: EG Stoltzfus Construction, Envision Architecture, RGS Associates
