Breaking Ground on Affordable Energy-Smart Homes in Lexington Park

Groundbreaking for Villas at Lexoods

On December 2, 2025, significant progress was made in affordable housing as Green Street Housing (GSH) in partnership with TM Associates Development and the Housing Authority of St. Mary's County (HASMC) officially broke ground on the Villas at Lexoods. This new community will feature 40 family homes situated along Lexwoods Drive, designed to be both energy-efficient and deeply affordable for residents.

Every unit in this development is targeted for households earning up to 40% of the area median income (AMI). To support long-term affordability, Project-Based Vouchers will be provided through HASMC, ensuring that families can access stable, well-built homes.

Community-Centric Design

The Villas at Lexoods embraces a community-first approach, with townhome-style buildings surrounding a central community center and playground. The design features inviting front porches, pedestrian pathways, and shared green spaces, promoting neighborly interactions that strengthen the local community. Notably, eight of the 40 residences will be equipped with enhanced accessibility features, catering to individuals with disabilities and ensuring that everyone can enjoy safe and modern housing.

Committed to Sustainable Living

In alignment with contemporary sustainability goals, the homes will meet rigorous standards, including ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Construction, National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Silver, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home benchmarks. The project will include rooftop solar arrays designed to reduce common area electricity costs, subsequently lowering utility bills for residents.

Collaborative Funding Approach

Financing for the $20.2 million redevelopment comes from a diverse range of sources. This includes Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity Investments from The Richman Affordable Housing Group and Discover Bank, loans from the Maryland DHCD Rental Housing Program, Permanent Mortgage financing from Boston Capital Finance, and various other funding initiatives. Additionally, a Payment in Lieu of Taxes has been proposed by St. Mary's County to help support the project.

Groundbreaking Remarks

Leading figures of the project shared their sentiments during the groundbreaking ceremony. Tom Ayd of Green Street Housing emphasized the significant investment in the Lexwoods neighborhood, stating, "With Villas at Lex Woods, Green Street Housing is fulfilling a decade-long vision that has leveraged over $50 million to reinvigorate the Lex Woods neighborhood—benefiting not only the 40 families who will move into these new homes, but also residents of the revitalized Lex Woods Apartments, Great Mills Court, and Joe Baker Village."

Bob Margolis, CEO of TM Associates Development, expressed pride in collaborating with local officials to deliver high-quality homes, highlighting the project’s potential for long-term housing stability.

Local Support and Impact

Recognizing the importance of this endeavor, a proclamation from the St. Mary's County Commissioners commended the partnership for creating high-quality affordable housing that will contribute to the growth and stability of local families, schools, and the economy.

Project Team and Timeline

Harkins Builders will act as the General Contractor, while Architecture by Design, Inc. is responsible for the architectural design. TM Associates Management will oversee operations post-construction, with various civil engineering firms supporting the project.

The first residences are projected to welcome families in April 2026, with total project completion anticipated by July 2026. In addition to providing affordable housing, this initiative is expected to generate over 60 jobs during the construction phase, significantly contributing to the local workforce and economic landscape.

About the Developers

Green Street Housing, established in 2004 and based in Salisbury, Maryland, has successfully financed, built, or preserved more than 1,500 affordable rental homes across seven Mid-Atlantic states. They focus on high-performance community developments that balance deep affordability with long-term sustainability. For more details, visit Green Street Housing.

TM Associates, with a history dating back to 1978, has developed and manages over 14,000 affordable apartments across the United States. They ensure vibrant and financially stable communities through comprehensive development and management services. Learn more at TM Associates.