reating vibrant downtowns requires creativity, foresight, and planning. Where some may have seen an old vacant mill, Bill Casselden, principle of Great Bridge Properties, envisioned new apartments that added affordable housing and drew more people to downtown.

Using $500,000 in CDBG Affordable Housing funds, Great Bridge Properties rehabbed the mill into 30 affordable rental housing units. Located in Jaffrey’s Main Street Community District, rents are set by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. One-hundred percent of the units are occupied by people of low and moderate income. There is another benefit as well, “Having residences downtown helps…as far as retail activity with smaller stores and restaurants,” points out Casselden..

Great Bridges Properties took great care to preserve the historic look and feel of the building. From the exterior, the mill retains its authentic character. Formerly a building that was deteriorating over time, it now anchors the central business district.

“I think the receipt of CDBG funds was a key component to proceed with the project…It was a positive impact to take an old mill building in the center of town and put it to reuse.” Randal Heglin, Former Acting Town Manager, speaking about the rehab.

Project Facts:

Total project cost	$6 million
Total amount of CDFA grant	$500,000
Apartment units created	30
Percentage occupied by low- and moderate-income people	100%
CDFA Funding Source – CDBG Affordable Housing