$16.3M affordable housing project to transform former Hadley EconoLodge

HADLEY — A $16.3 million development that will bring 50 affordable apartments to a former hotel on Route 9 will soon get underway.

With Valley Community Development earlier in July securing the final financing for what will be known as Russell Crossing, crews from Keiter Corp. of Florence will be at the 329 Russell St. site to begin transforming what had been an EconoLodge.

“Renovation will begin in August 2026 and finish in late spring 2027, with residents moving in during summer-fall 2027,” Valley CDC Executive Director Alexis Breiteneicher wrote in an email.

Located in front of the Mountain Farms Mall, the perimeter of the property has been secured by a chain-link fence in advance of the arrival of construction crews.

When complete, Russell Crossing will include 12 one -bedroom apartments and 39 studio apartments, all with kitchens, with enough room for up to 63 low- and moderate-income individuals.

Breiteneicher said there will be units set aside for veterans as part of the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, or VASH program, with support from the VA in Leeds. There will also be units reserved for people coming out of homelessness and other units considered “workforce housing,” for those earning up to 60% of the area median income, generally minimum wage earners. Valley CDC is also partnering with Clinical & Support Options to offer support services at the property.

Article by Scott Merzbach
Read the full article at the Daily Hampshire Gazette

About Valley Community Development 

Valley Community Development is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting communities through affordable housing development, small business assistance, and homeownership programs throughout Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. Since 1988, Valley has remained steadfast in its mission to create economic opportunity and housing stability for entrepreneurs and residents across the CT River Valley.