Nearly every community in the U.S. has a shortage of attainable housing. These needs are even greater in older core neighborhoods as the housing stock ages and costs of construction increase. In many of these neighborhoods the construction costs exceed the areas appraised values needed for a mortgage creating an 'appraisal gap' of tens of thousands of dollars. The KAHP aims to re-invest in Kalamazoo's core neighborhoods with new construction to boost appraised values and over the long-term ultimately making new construction, remodeling and re-investment in residential properties economically viable.
The Home Builders Association of Western Michigan (HBAWMI) is proud to partner with KNHS (Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services), LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and now the city of Kalamazoo's Foundation For Excellence to build quality, attainable homes in Kalamazoo’s core neighborhoods.
High quality homes. Low utility and maintenance costs.
A COLLABORATIVE MISSION
The Kalamazoo Attainable Homes Partnership (KAHP) seeks to provide high-quality homes built by HBA members that are both attainable in cost and provide homeowners with low maintenance costs. KAHP homes feature the same quality construction that goes into many custom homes, such as 50-year roofing, energy saving insulation, heating and air conditioning systems, durable flooring materials and so much more – saving families in these homes thousands a year in utilities bills and maintenance for generations to come.
IT BEGAN WITH DESIGN
After being tasked by one of our partners to bring new construction to the city, one of the unique efforts that made this project possible was the collaborative design effort of several HBA builders. By bringing their knowledge together to integrate the most efficient design possible, they were able to come up with an exterior asthetic that fit the look and feel of the neighborhood. Being that many city lots are narrow, the width of the home was taken into consideration. By limiting the width of the floor joists, it eleminated the need for a supporting wall across the basement, which kept material costs low. Another effort to keep the design efficient in the two-story plan, is that the bathrooms are stacked above/below each other while also being located near kitchen walls for minimal plumbing materials. Nowhere in the plans did the HBA sacrifice quality over cost.
A COLLABORATIVE GOAL
To bring new homes to neighborhoods that haven’t seen new construction in decades. We’re so proud to be working with our partner organizations to make new home ownership equitable throughout Kalamazoo – building new homes that will serve families for generations.
INTERESTED BUYERS
All KAHP home buyers will go through KNHS's first time home buyer program. Those interested in purchasing should work with their homeownership specialist and let them know you are interested in this program. Please note, there may be a waiting list. If you're considering purchasing or want to know where you stand financially, click the button below.
One & Two Story Plans Available!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMPIONS
KAHP Champions help support the mission of this worthwhile partnership by providing materials or services in their sector with the quality HBA builders are accustomed to, while simultaniously maintaining the attainability by meeting strict budgets. This is often done by providing material discounts at the supplier level.
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QUALITY. ATTAINABLE. LIFE CHANGING.
Meet the Builders.
This group of HBA builders have taken the mission of Building Homes, Strengthening Communities to a whole new level. We're grateful for their commitment to this program with the goal of building quality, attainable housing in the city of Kalamazoo.
Round 2- 2020
Thanks to a collaboration with Consumers Energy, the second round of homes were constructed with an "All-Electric Homes" model to produce super-efficient, all-electric homes at attainable costs. These homes were: net zero-ready or net zero with solar panels, utilize cold climate heat pumps, and include appliances and equipment requiring no fossil fuels. Learn more HERE.
Round 1 - 2019
Built in four of Kalamazoo's core neighborhoods, this project started with the 4 bedroom 2 bath two-story plan, so as to fit the current asthetic. The Stockbridge home, built by Wausau Homes Kalamazoo, was constructed with a panelized method where the home's structure gets set in just 24 hours. This home was also featured as house #3 in the 2020 Parade of Homes.
1403 Stockbridge
Built by Wausau Homes (now Building Dreams Construction) located in the Edison Neighborhood.
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