Middlebury College Housing Project: A Beacon of Development in Vermont
On a crisp February day in 2025, Middlebury, Vermont, witnessed the birth of Stonecrop Meadows, a groundbreaking mixed-income housing project that promises to revolutionize the landscape of the town. The project, initiated by Summit Properties, is a testament to the power of collaboration between officials, developers, and the local community.
The Stonecrop Meadows project, located a mere half-mile from the heart of Middlebury, is set to introduce over 250 new homes for both sale and rent, catering to a wide spectrum of income levels. This ambitious endeavor marks one of the largest developments in the region, signaling a new era of growth and prosperity for the town.
Zeke Davisson, Summit’s chief operating officer, described Stonecrop Meadows as an “all-electric, innovative neighborhood” that will redefine rural living in Vermont. With a vision to create a community that thrives on inclusivity and sustainability, Summit is poised to set a new standard in residential development.
The genesis of Stonecrop Meadows can be traced back to Middlebury College, whose recognition of a pressing workforce housing issue prompted them to kickstart the project. By acquiring the Seminary Street lot and later entrusting it to Summit, the college paved the way for the creation of housing that transcends institutional boundaries. The seamless execution of this endeavor was made possible by a legislative amendment in 2023 that streamlined the approval process for such projects, eliminating unnecessary delays and red tape.
The path to realizing Stonecrop Meadows was paved with challenges, but with unwavering support from various stakeholders, the project is now well on its way to completion. Middlebury College’s contribution of $2.5 million in gap financing was instrumental in bridging funding gaps, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering community development beyond its campus borders.
Governor Phil Scott, a staunch advocate for infrastructure development, seized the opportunity presented by the groundbreaking event to advocate for a new financing program aimed at supporting rural communities. Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in catalyzing growth, the governor’s proposal holds the promise of unlocking new avenues for progress in Vermont’s housing landscape.
As the first phase of Stonecrop Meadows takes shape, with 45 duplexes and townhomes set to hit the market later this year, the project is poised to address the diverse housing needs of Middlebury residents. From affordable housing options to market-rate homes, Stonecrop Meadows aims to create a vibrant tapestry of residential offerings that cater to a wide range of prospective homeowners.
Looking ahead, plans for a 35-unit apartment building, financed through federal low-income housing tax credits, signal the project’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility. While the roadmap for the remaining 174 homes is still being charted, the overarching vision of Stonecrop Meadows as a beacon of progress remains unwavering.
The collective efforts of stakeholders involved in Stonecrop Meadows have not gone unnoticed, with officials lauding the project as a shining example of community-driven development. In a region grappling with a severe housing shortage, Stonecrop Meadows stands out as a testament to what can be achieved when disparate entities come together with a shared vision.
Alex Farrell, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, encapsulated the spirit of Stonecrop Meadows by describing it as a community-driven initiative that embodies the essence of collaboration and progress. As Middlebury College Housing Project: A Beacon of Development in Vermont continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of unity and vision in shaping the future of a community.
