For Immediate Release 

Date: September 16, 2026 

Contact: Marisa Naughton
press@beaconcommunitiesllc.com 

Beacon Communities Begins Construction on Avon Village
Adaptive reuse project will transform vacant office building into 76 affordable homes as the second phase of the redevelopment of an underutilized office park in Avon 

AVON, CT – Beacon Communities has officially begun construction on Avon Village, the second phase of a multi-phase redevelopment that is turning a long-underutilized office park at 20 Security Drive in Avon, CT, into a residential community. The adaptive reuse project will convert a vacant office building into 76 affordable apartments, building on the momentum of The Homes at Avon Park, a 100-unit mixed-income development currently under construction on the same site. 

Avon is the next Connecticut municipality to embrace adaptive reuse of office space to tackle its housing challenges, an approach that uses 50-75% less carbon than rebuilding the property with traditional construction methods. Reusing existing footprints also curbs urban sprawl by keeping housing contained in areas where buildings and infrastructure have already been created, rather than clearing new spaces or infringing on existing neighborhoods.  

“Projects like this are the realization of Connecticut’s commitment to expand housing opportunities, increase affordability, and create communities where working families, seniors, and young people can thrive,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “Transforming underutilized properties like this is a way that we can help address our housing challenges and make progress toward strengthening our towns while preserving the unique character that makes every Connecticut community special.” 

Once completed, Avon Village will feature 55 one-bedroom, seven two-bedroom, five three-bedroom, and nine four-bedroom homes. Sixteen apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 50% of Area Median Income, while the remaining 60 apartments will serve households earning at or below 60% of Area Median Income. The building will also include eight fully accessible units and two units designed for residents with hearing or visual impairments. 

“We are honored to partner with the state of Connecticut on another innovative office-to-housing conversion at Avon Village,” said Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities. “Thanks to Gov. Lamont’s administration and our partners in the Town of Avon for their extraordinary support and vision. We’re excited to officially begin the process of turning this vacant office building into high-quality affordable homes, part of the new neighborhood we are building in the heart of Avon.” 

The redevelopment will incorporate significant sustainability and resilience improvements. Avon Village is designed to achieve ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction V1.2 standards. Planned improvements include a highly efficient building envelope, heat pump-powered heating and cooling systems, energy recovery ventilation to support healthy indoor air quality, LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and backup power for critical building systems. 

Residents will have access to a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a community room and kitchen, fitness and wellness spaces, bicycle storage, walking trails, gardens, a multi-use lawn, playground, outdoor courtyard and terrace, and a dog run. New walking paths will connect directly to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, further linking residents to the surrounding area. 

Financing for the project includes a combination of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority tax-exempt bonds, CHFA Opportunity Funds, Connecticut Department of Housing financing, and deferred developer fee. Private construction debt and equity are being provided by M&T Bank. The Town of Avon has also supported the redevelopment through a 20-year PILOT agreement. 

“Expanding housing options in Avon Village Center has been an important priority for our town, and it’s exciting to see that effort come to fruition through the thoughtful redevelopment of this property,” said Brandon Robertson, Town Manager, Town of Avon. “The start of construction on Avon Village is the next step in developing this innovative and unique community in the heart of our town center. Thank you to Beacon, our state partners, and all those who played a role in bringing this vision from planning to reality.” 

The start of construction at Avon Village marks another major milestone in Beacon Communities’ long-term vision for the property. What was once an abandoned office park is becoming a mixed-income residential community that expands housing options, supports sustainability goals, and brings new life to an underutilized site. When completed, Avon Village and The Homes at Avon Park will together provide 176 homes in a location that connects residents to jobs, services, recreation, and the heart of downtown Avon, with future phases to come. 

 ### 

About Beacon Communities LLC 

Beacon Communities LLC is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multi-family housing. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate housing, and mixed income-housing. Their developments range from new construction to historic adaptive reuse to the renovation of existing housing. Guided by Living Well by Design—a commitment to creating healthy, thriving communities—and Working Well by Design—an intentional, collaborative approach to executing complex work—Beacon takes on challenging developments and makes them succeed while enhancing the neighborhoods in which they are located. For more information about Beacon Communities LLC, please visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com.