A celebration marking the completion of the 10th Cavalry Apartments at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester happened on April 28. Several partners, funders and investors including the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), joined developer Evernorth, Champlain Housing Trust, and others to celebrate the transformation of the historic property into 65 permanently affordable rental homes at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester.
Named for the Buffalo Soldiers, members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Cavalry stationed at the Fort from 1909 to 1913, the property includes three brick buildings which were later purchased by Saint Michael’s College and converted into dormitories. The buildings are now a mix of energy-efficient studio and 1-bedroom apartments. Featuring modern amenities, the construction of the apartments also preserved many of the three buildings original features including support columns and beams, large windows, and decorative ceilings.
Funding through VHFA covered 44% of the $31 million project development costs which included housing tax credits, a permanent loan from VHFA, and funding through VHFA’s Housing Investment for Vermont (HIVE) Fund. HIVE has helped fill gaps in affordable housing projects throughout Vermont, allowing the construction and rehabilitation of 1,198 affordable homes with more in the pipeline. Other sources of funding include Evernorth, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Economic Development Authority, NeighborWorks America, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas, and 3E Thermal.
Occupancy for the 10th Cavalry apartments began at the beginning of 2025 and full occupancy is anticipated this spring. Of the 65 apartments, 18 will have vouchers from the Burlington Housing Authority, and 15 apartments will serve families or individuals who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. For more information about the 10th Cavalry Apartments, visit the Champlain Housing Trust website.
Photo: The 10th Cavalry Apartments located at Forth Ethan Allen, Colchester, VT.