The First Affordable Housing High Rise in Seaford, Delaware

On a sunny autumn day in November 2012, Better Homes of Seaford President Norman Poole cut the ribbon to officially open its newest project, Hampton Circle. The 35 affordable rental apartment complex is home to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Each unit has a spacious family room, a large kitchen, energy efficient appliances including a washer and dryer, and a balcony that backs up to woods. There are 31 one-bedroom and 4 two-bedroom apartments in the new development. The hallways are arched giving an interesting presentation as you walk down the hall, and on the second and third floors there are common areas where residents can visit with one another, put together a puzzle, or soak up the natural light that comes through the windows while waiting to get on the elevator.

At the grand opening celebration, HUD Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent reflected on the three market studies she did in a former position for Hampton Circle.

Exterior view of Hampton Circle in Seaford, Delaware

Hampton Circle ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Norman Poole, President of Better Homes of Seaford, Inc., is holding the scissors and is flanked by partners and funders of the project. To the right of Mr. Poole, is Bill Roupp and his wife.

"It's hard to believe that Hampton Circle was just a concept in 2007 when I completed the first market study-and then the second-and the third in 2010," Vincent said. "I think we all believed at one point or another, that this project might never make it past the market study phase."

After doing the studies during the conceptual phase of the project, Vincent was pleased to be invited to return to the site as HUD Regional Administrator to see the fruits of her labor.

"I always enjoy 'coming home' to Delaware and today's homecoming is a very special one for me," explained Vincent.

HUD invested $1.5 million through the Delaware State Housing Authority in the $5.8 million project. Other funders included the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and the Wilmington Savings Fund Society. NCALL Research, Inc. provided technical support in assembling the application for financing and served as part of the development team and monitoring construction and rental of the units.

Vincent says the new three story complex is the first affordable high rise in Seaford. Hampton Circle is just one of several communities that Better Homes of Seaford has provided for seniors. The other one-story complexes include Yorktowne Woods, Williamsburg Manor and Virginia Crest Village.

Hampton Circle is the newest addition that provides access to banks and shopping with low or no cost transportation from Delaware's ParaTransit. Residents who moved in on October 15 provided tours of their units. They were all smiles and gleefully shared that they are enjoying their new apartments. They have adorned their doors with the symbols of the season. They're looking forward to enjoying pot luck suppers, barbeques, bingo, movie showings and other activities supported by Better Homes of Seaford throughout the year.

Interior view of arched hallways

Second floor common area for residents of Hampton Circle

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