A major affordable housing redevelopment project in Wheaton is moving forward with new federal funding.
Nonprofit developer Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) announced it has been awarded $1 million through Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to support the Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment. The funding, secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, was included in a federal spending bill recently passed by Congress and signed into law.
The funding will support the broader Amherst Wheaton Arts Project, which will redevelop MHP’s existing Amherst property alongside a neighboring parcel. Plans call for replacing an aging 125-unit, three-story garden apartment community with a new mixed-use development featuring 272 rental units, 39 for-sale townhomes, and a cultural arts center.
In total, the project will deliver 311 affordable homes, with a focus on deeply affordable housing options. Located within half a mile of the Wheaton Metro station, the redevelopment is designed to provide residents with easier access to public transit, jobs, and services. The addition of for-sale townhomes is also intended to create opportunities for affordable homeownership and long-term wealth building.
Officials emphasized the importance of expanding affordable housing as costs continue to rise. Senator Alsobrooks said the investment will help create pathways to homeownership and economic opportunity, while Senator Van Hollen noted the funding will support more stable and accessible housing options for Montgomery County families.
The $1 million will be used to cover early-stage project costs such as design, permitting, and land-use approvals, helping move the development forward without requiring additional debt.
MHP President Robert A. Goldman said the project will both preserve and expand affordable housing near transit, while continuing the organization’s longstanding investment in the Wheaton community.
MHP has been active in Wheaton for decades, developing multiple properties including Pembridge Square, Amherst Square, Amherst Gardens, and Earle Manor. The organization also operates community programs and services, including youth education initiatives, food and diaper distribution, ESOL classes, and workforce development efforts.
A groundbreaking for the Amherst Square/Wheaton Arts redevelopment is currently planned for fall 2026.
