Middlebury Is Experiencing A Building Boom

By Dale Piper

photo by Mike Cameron Construction workers line up materials during work on the new Middlebury South Village project on Thursday afternoon, January 11th, 2007. The warmer winter weather has helped to keep the project moving forward at a brisk pace.

   Despite recent news that the housing industry has taken a hit, the town of Middlebury is going through a period of growth in terms of housing starts.  According to Fred Dunnington, Middlebury's Planning and Zoning officer, the town has permitted 500 units during the last two years.  This is up astronomically from previous years which normally saw only 20 or so.  All permits do not necessarily result in projects, but a significant number are currently underway.  Dunnington said that these projects are a result of a few specific market forces.  There is an increased interest in living in town, sometimes because folks are tired of commuting to Middlebury jobs, sometimes because of an increased interest in being able to walk to destinations for economic or health reasons.  Another factor driving the market is the number of older residents interested in communities or complexes that can provide assisted living and other amenities needed in an aging population.

    Two projects in particular are moving ahead in response to the latter need.  The Lodge at Otter Creek, in the Middle Road area, will see 100 units of assisted living apartments in addition to over 30 cottages (smaller single family homes) and 42 attached town houses.  This is in addition to 42 lots for larger, upper end single family homes in the $200,000 and up range.  The second major assisted living project is Eastview, just beyond Porter Hospital and Helen Porter Nursing Home.  Although it is currently tied up in an Act 250 appeal, it will consist of approximately 100 units at various levels of support for residents, starting with single family cottages and moving up to assisted living apartments and eventual full nursing care.

    The former Maple Manor property is one of the most visible projects, where 10 homes have already been built and sold.  Also planned for the site are 18 more similar lots, 24 cottages and a 30 unit apartment building.  What Dunnington refers to as “The Great Wall” is a retaining wall for the future site of what will be Chittenden Bank's main building in Middlebury, which will incorporate the offices currently in the Court Square location and their business banking offices across Route 7 from the new site.  The Court Square building will become a branch and drive-through site.

    The Marble Works Residences is another project that is well on its way to completion.  Modular units are being installed and finished as the complex grows in size.  This will accommodate higher end condominiums for those who want to enjoy in-town living within a short walk to most amenities.

    Less far along in the process are two projects in East Middlebury.  Forest Ridge, 43 planned lots in the Schoolhouse Road area, is awaiting plans to improve access before final permits can be issued.  Currently, the only road into the planned project is Schoolhouse Hill Road.  In addition, Carrara's gravel pit is slated for future development once the site is tapped out for its current purpose.

    Despite dire predictions on the national level regarding the housing market, Middlebury seems to be able to absorb these projects.  The closing of Specialty Filaments, should it become permanent, may have some negative impact on the market, but other populations seem to be taking up the slack.  In any case, there is no shortage of jobs in the construction field in the area.