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Mario Brown, CEO & Co-Founder of Affordable Upstate, recently visited the site to discuss the project’s goals and progress with Matt Foster. As Matt explained, this redevelopment goes far beyond typical cosmetic upgrades like new flooring and paint. “This is going to be a brand-new complex,” Matt shared, emphasizing that everything from mechanicals and windows to the exterior will be replaced. “Typically, most rehabs are just flooring, new appliances, and repainting cabinets… Here, everything’s going to be brand new.”

The project is currently in its demolition phase, with crews working diligently to strip the property down to its core. On just the second day of demo, significant progress is already visible. Within a week’s time, the entire corner of the complex will be cleared, paving the way for the next stage of construction—rebuilding from the ground up. The speed and precision of this phase highlight the project’s momentum and our commitment to delivering quality housing on an ambitious timeline.

One of the standout features of this project is our decision to renovate the entire complex at once, rather than piecemeal. Matt highlighted the benefits: “This approach saves a lot in productivity and improves the tenant base. If you only did half the building, recruiting tenants at a newer price point becomes challenging while construction is ongoing in the other half.”



While this approach may temporarily impact cash flow, the long-term advantages far outweigh the short-term inconveniences. Completing the project quickly means prospective tenants can see the full vision and move into a community that feels complete and cohesive from day one.

The excitement about this redevelopment isn’t limited to our team. Two former residents recently stopped by the site after noticing the rapid progress and immediately asked to be placed on the waitlist to return. This kind of enthusiasm fuels our mission and reminds us of the deep connection people have with their communities.

As Matt explained, “They want to move back here because they love the area, and they can see the vision we’re creating.” We’ve started a waitlist to ensure these residents are among the first to call the new units home once completed.

This ambitious project is slated for completion in just four months. According to Matt, the team plans to finish 6-8 units per month, while exterior renovations will be completed simultaneously. “Exterior work will take about 4 to 6 weeks,” Matt noted, adding that this streamlined approach allows us to showcase model units quickly, helping prospective tenants visualize their future homes.

This efficiency is made possible by leveraging strong relationships with material suppliers and contractors. “We’re able to get materials at 40% off retail and have labor-only quotes from our contractors,” Matt revealed. This strategic approach not only keeps costs down but ensures the highest quality finishes for our future tenants.