Project Overview
Roughly 7.825 City-owned acres adjacent to A Dream Come True playground will be conveyed at zero cost to a development partner in order to create new affordable housing in the City of Harrisonburg. Find updates and information about the project, including public meetings and community events, on this page.

Project Goals
In response to community concerns about housing affordability, the City of Harrisonburg commissioned the Comprehensive Housing Assessment and Market Study to explore housing needs and possible solutions. That study – and a follow-up site analysis – identified this property as a strong candidate for affordable rental housing, due in part to its size and its proximity to schools, transit, parks, and shopping. 

This project is one of several that encapsulates the City’s commitment to Available Housing For All and is part of a larger plan to meet a spectrum of housing needs through innovative planning and effective partnerships. Our goal is to support local families, workers, and seniors by creating high-quality, well-managed affordable housing – while respecting the character and needs of the surrounding neighborhood. To learn more about the City’s vision for the future, see the 2045 City Council Vision Plan.

Community Engagement
The proposed use of this site for affordable residential development is supported by the City. Project specifics will be finalized over time, with opportunities for public comment related to the contract and land entitlement, and broader engagement between the developer and the community. The City will work with the developer on this project as part of our standard review processes and to ensure a robust schedule of community input/engagement sessions.

Stay Informed
The City is committed to keeping the community informed as planning moves forward. Project updates, news, and announcements will be posted on this webpage. 

Updates and Information

  • On November 12, 2025, prospective development partner Pennrose was introduced during a City Council meeting presentation. Pennrose is a national development company with decades of affordable housing experience. The next step, executing a contract, will require a public hearing as a future City Council agenda item.
  • On July 2, 2025, the City listed a Development Opportunity at https://eva.virginia.gov/ seeking proposals from qualified, interested developers with successful track records in affordable multifamily housing to design, build, own, and operate high-quality rental housing with long-term affordability. The City received twelve proposals from capable, experienced firms.

References

Related Pages
Housing