Mission First Housing Group is actively working on new projects across its portfolio with the support of federal, state, local and community partners. A mix of new construction and housing preservation, these communities will add 280 new housing units in Maryland and preserve 143 existing homes in Pennsylvania.

The Blake at Somerset

In early February, Mission First closed on financing for The Blake at Somerset, a brand-new housing community with 190 apartments and more in Baltimore, MD. Construction is currently underway.

The Blake at Somerset will consist of two projects that share one physical structure resulting in a new construction of mixed income, family apartments. The property will provide 153 affordable apartments and 37 market rate apartments with modern kitchens, Energy Star Appliances and spacious floor plans. Residents will have access to community spaces, such as a rooftop terrace, club room, business center and fitness center. The Blake at Somerset will also include a grocery store and two levels of structured parking open to the whole community.

The Blake at Somerset joins 1234 McElderry Apartments, The Ruby at Somerset and The Ella at Somerset as part of Mission First’s work in partnership with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and The Henson Development Corporation for the Perkins Somerset Oldtown Transformation (PSO) – a new and vibrant mixed-income community stretching from Fells Point and Harbor East to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The long-term plan for PSO is to transform this area into a Community of Choice, where individuals take pride in their home, their neighborhood and their community. 

University City Preservation

In late February, Mission First’s Real Estate Development team closed on the financing for its University City Preservation project. This preservation initiative includes extensive renovations and modernization of 83 apartments at four communities already owned and operated by Mission First: Powelton Heights (48 apartments at 4413-43 Warren Street), Powelton Gardens (16 apartments at 4046R-50 and 4052 Powelton Avenue), 245 S. 46th Street (4 apartments) and Larchwood Apartments (15 apartments at 4501 Larchwood Avenue) in West Philadelphia.

To ensure their continued viability as an affordable housing resource in the City of Philadelphia, the properties require new roofs and replacement of multiple building systems, as well as updated kitchens, baths and updated finishes. Common spaces, including the leasing office, community room and laundry facilities, will be upgraded and energy efficiency measures will be incorporated in the project.

The physical renovation will improve the buildings and further strengthen these neighborhoods. The recapitalization will preserve the rental affordability of these units for very low-income households.

University City Preservation is funded through equity from R-4 Capital, pursuant to the low-income housing tax credit program, the PHARE program from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the City of Philadelphia, Capital Magnet Funds through the Sponsor and permanent financing from Community Lenders Community Development Corporation and the University of Pennsylvania.

The team is working with support from the City of Philadelphia and Councilmember Gauthier to preserve these important affordable housing assets. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026.

Hudson Park Towers

Construction on the renovation at Hudson Park Towers, an affordable housing development consisting of 70 apartments in York, PA, is currently in Phase 3 out of 6.

This 70,000 square foot four-story brick building includes 60 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. Originally constructed in 1900 as the Diamond Silk Mill, the building was converted to housing in 1989 using an allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Hudson Park Towers was awarded a 2024 allocation of 9% LIHTCs from PHFA to recapitalize the building. Hudson Park Towers includes a property management office, laundry facilities, on-site parking and a community room.

Hudson Park Towers is the last of four preservation projects in our 194-unit York/Lancaster portfolio, along with Sassafras Terrace in Mt Joy, Park Place in Elizabethtown and Princess Street Apartments in West York, acquired by Mission First in 2018. Passed over by many other housing developers, Mission First stepped in to fulfill the needs of these properties, ensuring this community would not lose much needed affordable housing.

Hudson Park Towers has experienced normal wear and tear over the last 37 years. To ensure its continued viability, the property requires replacement or repair of major systems including the building envelope, aesthetic and quality of life improvements and energy efficiency upgrades to stabilize operations and improve financial performance. The project will also seek certification under the National Green Building Standard, and sustainability features will include Energy Star rated appliances, efficient LED lighting, and plumbing fixtures with water saving features.

The renovations are expected to be completed in fall 2026.

The Reeds at 1910

Mission First is 60% complete on the construction of The Reeds at 1910 (formerly known as 1910 University Senior Apartments) a new 90-unit affordable housing community for seniors near downtown Wheaton, MD on the former parking lot of the Har Tzeon – Agudath Achim synagogue.

The project includes a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that are all affordable between 30% Area Median Income (AMI) - 70% AMI. The building will include an onsite management office, fitness room, club room with raised patio, laundry lounge on each floor and outdoor terrace. Along with housing, Mission First will create a new public multiuse path through the site, providing connectivity to downtown Wheaton for the community.

Expected to open in summer 2026, the project is financed by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Truist and National Housing Trust.

Heading into spring, we look back at this past winter. It was brutally cold and one of the snowiest seasons in many years for the properties in the Mission First Housing Group footprint. In some communities well over a foot of snow fell overnight, and some days, thick ice accumulated. These intense weather conditions present challenges to our residents, staff and properties.

Throughout the winter, many of us were fortunate enough to stay at home and wait for the storms to blow over. However, Mission First’s Maintenance staff showed up time and again, early and ready to work in shifts to tackle the task of monitoring and managing the accumulation of snow to keep the properties accessible for everyone.

While these weather occurrences are beyond our control, with planning, leadership and outstanding coordination, Mission First’s Maintenance Team of over 70 staff members worked diligently to mitigate the risk for over 7,000 residents.

In January, Mission First published its annual Year in Review. The 12-page, year-end wrap-up highlighted the achievements and activities of Mission First Housing Group that continued its mission to develop and manage affordable, equitable, sustainable homes that support residents and strengthen communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The publication included updates on real estate development projects, resident services programming, changes in staff and Board of Directors, resident stories and much more!

Click here to read the publication.