Village Center Apartments Update: 4/17/23 and 5/5/23

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 4/17/23 and 05/5/2023, mechanical room equipment finalized. Painting will finish walls on floors 3, 2, and 1. Trim materials completion on floor 1. Door hardware installation on all floors. Plumbing fixture installation complete on all floors. Exterior siding completion on all elevations. Begin exterior painting. Countertop installation on floors 2 and 1. Electrical fixtures and lights installation on floors 1 and Garden Level. Stairwell rubber flooring installation completion. HVAC unit equipment installation on all floors. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite will be removed. Begin final grading and exterior site work, with forklift, excavator and man lift utilized outside of building. 15-20 workers on site daily. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business.

*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST SUMMARY, APRIL: In April 2023, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio had 6 vacancies and the applicant waitlist had 591 household applicants.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin with local fundraising and Town Appropriated funds, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

Village Center Apartments Update: 3/21/23 - 4/14/23

Studio apartment facing municipal parking lot and Worcester Range.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 3/21/23 and 4/14/23, mechanical room equipment installation. Painting will finish walls on floors 4, 3, and 2. New flooring installation on garden level hallway. Door and trim materials installation on floor 1. Door hardware installation on floors 4 and 3. Begin plumbing fixture installation on floors 1 and garden level. Exterior siding reinstallation on North and West elevations. Countertop installation on floors 2 and 1. Electrical fixtures and lights installation on floors 2 and 1. Toilet accessories and shelving installation on floor 2 and 1. Stairwell rubber flooring installation completion. HVAC unit equipment installation on all floors. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite. Generator, forklift, and man lift utilized outside of building. 15-20 workers on site daily. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business.

*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST SUMMARY, MARCH: In March 2023, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio had 6 vacancies and the applicant waitlist had 558 household applicants.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin with local fundraising and Town Appropriated funds, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

Village Center Apartments Update: 2/17/23 - 3/11/23

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 2/17/23 and 3/11/23, mechanical room equipment installation. Painters will prime walls and ceilings on floors 1 and 2. New flooring preparation and installation on floors 3 and 2. Door and trim materials installation on floors 1, 2, and 3. Cabinet installation on floors 2 and 3. Begin installation of plumbing fixtures on floors 2 and 3. Exterior siding reinstallation on North and West elevations. Countertop installation on floors 3 and 4. Electrical fixtures and lights installation on floors 3 and 4. Toilet accessories and shelving installation on floor 3. Final paint units on floor 4. Stairwell rubber flooring installation completion. Begin installation of the unit HVAC equipment on all floors. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite. Generator, forklift, and man lift utilized outside of building. 15-20 workers on site daily. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business.


*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 


*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST SUMMARY, JANUARY: In February 2023, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio had 3 vacancies and the applicant waitlist had 507 household applicants.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin with local fundraising and Town Appropriated funds, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

Village Center Apartments Update: 1/27/23 and 2/17/23

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 1/27/23 and 2/17/23 Installation of mechanical room equipment. Drywall installation on floor 1 and garden level. Restoration of permanent power. Completion of fire and finishing tape on floors 1 and 2. Painters will prime walls and ceilings on floors 1 and 2. Installation of gypcrete on the first floor. Preparation for and installation of new flooring on floor 3. Installation of new flooring on floor 4. Installation of doors and trim materials on floors 1, 2, and 3. Installation of cabinets on floor 4. Begin installation of plumbing fixtures on floor 4. Begin reinstalling exterior siding on the North and West elevations. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite. Generator, forklift, and man lift utilized outside on building. 15-20 workers on site daily. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business.

*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST SUMMARY, JANUARY: In January 2023, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio had 4 vacancies and the applicant waitlist had 537 household applicants.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin and gain traction with local fundraising, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

Village Center Apartments Update: 1/9/2023 - 1/27/2023

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 1/9/23 and 1/27/23 completion of thermal / acoustical insulation on floor 1 and garden level. Installation of mechanical room equipment. Drywall installation on floor 1 and garden level. Completion of electrical rough-in and restoration of permanent power. Completion of fire and finishing tape on floors 1 and 2. Painters will prime walls and ceilings on floors 2 and 3. Preparation for and installation of new flooring on floor 4. Installation of doors, cabinets, trim materials on floors 3 and 4. Installation of replacement windows, and continued exterior work. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite. Generator, forklift, and man lift utilized outside on building. 15-20 workers on site daily. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business.

*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST 12 MONTH SUMMARY: During 2022, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio averaged 5 vacancies per month; the monthly applicant waitlist averaged 496 households.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin and gain traction with local fundraising, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.


Village Center Apartments Update: 12/19/2022 - 1/8/2023

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 

*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between 12/19/22 and 1/8/23 insulators will work on floor 1 and garden level to complete thermal / acoustical insulation. Plumbers will work on floor 1 to install plumbing and tub / showers. Drywall crews will work on exterior carport and floor 2 to install drywall. Electricians will work on floor 1 and garden level to complete electrical rough-in and restore permanent power. Tapers will work on floor 3 to complete fire and finishing tape. Painters will prime walls and ceilings on floor 4. Flooring subcontractors will prep floor 4 units for new flooring installation. Exterior work will happen until at least the New Year with replacement window installation. Temporary storage containers placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite for storage of interior wood doors and other finish materials. Minor equipment utilized outside building including a generator, forklift, and man lift. 15-20 workers on site. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business. 

*FAQs: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, plus Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.

*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST 12 MONTH SUMMARY: During 2022, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio averaged 5 vacancies per month; the monthly applicant waitlist averaged 469 households.

*SUPPORT FUTURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: LHP is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin and gain traction with local fundraising, followed by federal and state resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing development in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider donating to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

Village Center Apartments Update: 11/28/2022 - 12/15/2022

Image courtesy of Neagly & Chase Construction Company.

*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS SUMMARY: Located on Hutchins Street in Morrisville, Village Center Apartments repurposes an unused, infill lot into 24 income eligible, affordable rental apartments for lower and moderate income earning households. The all-electric building is a mix of studios, one, and two bedroom rental apartments with monthly rates affordably proportionate to resident income ranging from $650 - $1,000 including heat and utilities. 


*3 WEEK COMMUNITY PROJECTION: Between November 28 and December 15 insulators will be working on floors 1,2, and 3 to complete installation of thermal / acoustical insulation. Plumbers will be working on the first floor to complete the installation of plumbing and tub / showers. HVAC contractors will be working on all floors to complete the installation of fire radiation dampers in the HVAC system. Electricians will be working on floors 1,2, and 3 to complete electrical rough-in and restore permanent power to the building. Work on the outside of the building will be at a minimum until the New Year. Temporary storage containers will be placed in the public lot adjacent to the jobsite for the storage of interior wood doors and other finish materials. Minor equipment utilized outside building including a generator, forklift, and man lift. 15-20 workers on site. Impacts to Morrisville outside the construction site should be minimal and businesses adjacent to the construction site are open for business. 

*FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Who will live here? Where will the residents park? Is this a taxpayer funded project? Learn more on the Village Center Apartments FAQ page: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/village-center-apartments-blog/village-center-apartments-frequently-asked-questions 


*VILLAGE CENTER APARTMENTS FUNDING SOURCES: State and federal grant and program funding from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Vermont Community Development Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, LIHTC investors, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Ministries of New England. Additional funding came from local donors to Lamoille Housing Partnership's (LHP) Housing Opportunity Fund, as well as Community National Bank to partially fund municipal parking lot redesign and expansion collaborative effort with the Town of Morrisville, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union and TD Foundation to partially fund additional solar capacity.


*APPLY FOR HOUSING: LHP is accepting rental applications for Village Center Apartments and affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, apply online or call to request an application:  https://www.lamoillehousing.org/apply-for-housing, (802) 888 - 5714.

*LHP VACANCY AND WAITLIST UPDATE: Last month, LHP's 300 unit apartment portfolio had just one vacancy; 450+ households had applied and were on the waitlist for an affordable home.

*SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS LIKE THIS: Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) is a 501c3 nonprofit affordable housing development organization. LHP’s affordable housing developments begin and gain traction with local level fundraising, followed by federal and state funding resources that fund the lion’s share of a development’s overall budget. To support future affordable housing developments in Hardwick and Lamoille County, consider making a donation to LHP’s Housing Opportunity Fund: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/donate-online or contact Kerrie Lohr to learn about gift impact and giving options: kerrie@lamoillehousing.org, (802) 888-5714. Examples of donor support can be viewed in our development portfolio: https://www.lamoillehousing.org/our-affordable-housing-projects.

Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.

DRAGON LANDS IN MORRISVILLE

Artist Martin McGowan and his son Beck pose with their welded dragon sculpture.

Morrisville, November 21, 2022 — A dragon has found its new home on Hutchins Street in downtown Morrisville at Village Center Apartments, an affordable housing development by Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) and Evernorth.

“We’re beyond excited to bring this striking, wild sculpture to Morrisville and contribute to the community’s vibrant public arts culture and downtown revitalization,” says LHP Executive Director Jim Lovinsky. 

The eye-catching creature is not a rogue Targaryen dragon from the “Game of Thrones'' book series, but rather the creation of Vermont artist Martin McGowan. McGowan is known for creating abstract and figurative sculptures, typically animals and mythical creatures in motion using forged and welded steel, recycled scrap metal, abandoned tools and rusty farm equipment.

“The rusted scraps of tools and machines are intentionally crafted to capture a rugged, robust and lively energy,” says McGowan. In hues of rusty red and orange, the scaly dragon is decked out with a mouthful of sharp teeth and a forked tongue, a long curved neck, twisted wings, elongated spines down its back, and talon-like claws. The tip of the dragon’s tail evokes a torch casting a dramatic shadow on the building’s terracotta colored facade. Perched on Village Center’s portico, the mythical metal beast appears poised to soar skyward.

In choosing the dragon, Lovinsky imagined a dramatic sculpture that could be visible from River Arts, the Morrisville Co-Op, the municipal parking lot, and downtown pedestrians. “The inspiration came from a famous Slovenian bridge guarded by dragons. We sent out requests for proposals, and Martin’s drawings blew us away. We knew that was it!” 

McGowan’s sculpture is not the first time LHP has incorporated public art into its affordable housing developments. LHP’s renovation of the Arthur’s Department Store on Morrisville’s Main Street features a sculpture in the landscaped entry courtyard that greets residents. 

“LHP intentionally includes art into the design and planning of each affordable housing development to cultivate a deep sense of connection and ownership among residents and community members, and to contribute back to our communities through creating vital, vibrant spaces,” explains Lovinsky. “Similar to making housing attainable, ‘art helps transform the world we live in for the better.’”

LHP enhances their affordable housing developments with public art using funding support from Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB,) a state agency that provides funding resources for affordable housing and conservation nonprofits throughout Vermont to carry out resource intensive community projects including affordable housing development, agriculture, forest and recreational land conservation, and historic preservation. In Morrisville LHP and River Arts leveraged VHCB funds, respectively, to create Village Center Apartments affordable housing and preserve the Lamoille Grange building where the River Arts community art center is based. Other VHCB projects in the Morristown area include preservation of the Green River Reservoir, Lepine and Valcour family farms, the Beaver Meadow land parcel and hiking trails, as well as Lamoille View Apartments and several other affordable housing developments by LHP. 

LHP has dubbed the dragon Robert, in memory of Lovinsky’s longtime and dear friend Robert Lamarre who passed away in March. Village Center Apartments is currently under construction and slated for opening in the summer of 2023. 

Martin McGowan lives and works in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. His artistic work, both abstract and figurative, is created using forged and welded steel - recycled scrap metal, abandoned tools and rusty farm equipment. Running horses, mythical beasts, gestural abstractions, figures, and birds are displayed publicly and in private collections from coast to coast. Near Morrisville, McGowan’s work can be seen at the Museum of Everyday Life in Glover and Route 114 in East Burke. Learn more at http://mcgowansculpture.com/

Lamoille Housing Partnership collaborates with communities to create and preserve quality affordable housing opportunities for lower and moderate income earning households in Hardwick and Lamoille County. Since 1991, the nonprofit organization has developed more than 300 income eligible, affordable rental homes. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.