Trumansburg Community Development awarded Project of the Year

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) and HOLT Architects are proud to announce that INHS’s latest community development, Village Grove, has been named Upstate Project of the Year by the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH).

Completed in December 2024 and fully leased in 2025, Village Grove is located in the village of Trumansburg. A vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income residential development that includes 46 affordable rental apartments; a new stand-alone facility for the Trumansburg Community Nursery School (designed by Claudia Brenner Design); ten for-sale townhomes that will be sold into the INHS Community Housing Trust, a shared equity model that promotes permanent affordability; and a new public road to support connectivity and growth.

Village Grove has also achieved Passive House Certification, making it one of the first affordable housing communities in New York state to earn both Passive House and NetZero certifications. These rigorous standards ensure exceptional energy efficiency, superior indoor air quality and long-term sustainability.

Designed by HOLT Architects for INHS, the development reflects a shared commitment to high-performance building and equitable housing solutions. The project includes both apartment-style multifamily housing and townhouse-style units, all built to reduce energy consumption while enhancing resident comfort.

INHS and HOLT Architects will be honored at the Awards for Excellence & Innovation in Affordable Housing Development on Nov. 13 in New York City.

“We’re thrilled to see Village Grove recognized for its innovation and impact,” said INHS Executive Director Kate de la Garza. “This project reflects our deep commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities, which would not have been possible without the support of our partners, community members and neighbors.”

“For us, this isn’t just about building structures; it’s about honoring the awesome responsibility we have as designers to create the spaces where people live, work and thrive,” said Steve Hugo, a principal of HOLT Architects.  “We have dedicated ourselves to the work of merging quality design with the highest levels of sustainable performance. The result is a building that is not only beautiful but also a responsible, healthy and high-quality home for its occupants.”

For a full project overview, visit ithacanhs.org/vgoverview and holt.com/village-grove.