For more than 15 years, the Borough of Haddonfield has worked to bring affordable housing to its downtown. In built-out communities, finding opportunities for new housing can be challenging. The redevelopment of an underutilized parking lot gave the municipality a chance to address the long-standing need for housing. The culmination of those efforts is The Place at Haddonfield, a 20-unit, 100% affordable development located behind Borough Hall.

The Place at Haddonfield demonstrates how a small-scale, context-sensitive development can transform an underutilized municipal parking lot into much-needed affordable housing in the heart of a historic, walkable downtown. The project provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes for families, seniors, and individuals earning 60% or less of Area Median Income (AMI), with some units reserved for households earning 30% AMI. By placing affordable homes within walking distance of schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and Kings Highway’s commercial corridor, and less than a half mile from the PATCO Speedline, the project connects residents to essential services, transit, and regional employment opportunities.

Because of its location within a historic neighborhood, The Place at Haddonfield required careful attention to scale and design. The architecture reflects the materials and character of the surrounding community and underwent extensive review by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and Haddonfield Historic Preservation Commission. When concerns about the building’s three-story height arose, the project team responded by creating a stepped-down design, reducing the portions closest to neighboring properties to two stories while maintaining three stories in the center. This approach preserved the project’s density and unit count while responding to community concerns.

The project’s success also depended on sustained collaboration and commitment. The Borough contributed the publicly owned land and remained committed to the project through more than a decade of challenges, while state agencies provided critical financing and oversight, including approximately $4.75 million from the state’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Nonprofit partners helped navigate the complex development process, demonstrating the persistence and coordination needed to bring even small-scale affordable housing projects to fruition.

New Jersey Future is excited to recognize The Place at Haddonfield with a 2026 Smart Growth Award. By transforming an underutilized public asset into 100% affordable housing, the project advances walkability, transit-oriented living, housing accessibility, and economic and social diversity. Its thoughtful design and long-term commitment demonstrate how “missing middle” housing can be integrated into established communities while respecting local character. The Place at Haddonfield provides an exemplary model for municipalities looking to use public land and smart growth strategies to create more inclusive communities.