Elderly/Disabled Housing Provider In West Hartford Celebrates First Phase Of Renovation

West Hartford Fellowship Housing

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local nonprofit housing community serving the elderly and disabled celebrated the grand opening of a major addition to its campus on Thursday.

West Hartford Fellowship Housing (WHFH) celebrated the grand opening of Phase 1 of its redevelopment project during a special ceremony .

The town leases property on Starkel Road in the Bishops Corner part of town to West Hartford Fellowship Housing Inc., which operates a 169-unit affordable rental housing campus for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals on town-owned property.

But the aging site was in need of a renovation and overhaul, with state leaders and local dignitaries attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the project in November 2023.

Ultimately, this endeavor will replace 23 of the existing 24 buildings with six new buildings and add 87 additional units to the 169 units WHFH provides.

Meanwhile, WHFH updated the existing units by improving accessibility, creating program areas and program spaces, and improving security and safety.

That was the phase celebrated on Thursday at the ribbon-cutting, which marked a major milestone for the organization.

It drew a crowd of more than 200 attendees, including residents, partners, and key government and community leaders.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Keith Robertson, president of the WHFH Board of Directors, who expressed gratitude for the collaboration and dedication that made the project possible.

Featured speakers included:

• Rob Michalik, director of government relations at the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
• Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno of the Connecticut Department of Housing.
• Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
• State Sen. Derek Slap, D-West Hartford.
• West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor.
• WHFH board member Leon Davidoff, who is also West Hartford's town clerk.
• Mark Garilli, chief executive officer of WHFH. He delivered the closing remarks.

The project features modern, energy-efficient designs and improved accessibility, and expanded amenities.

Following the remarks, attendees gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and photo opportunity to commemorate the occasion.

“This day is a celebration not only of beautiful new buildings but also of the commitment our town and partners have made to preserve and expand affordable housing in West Hartford,” said Garilli. “Phase 1 is just the beginning.”

For more information about West Hartford Fellowship Housing, visit this link.

From Nov. 29, 2023: 'Massive WeHa Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground'