Blue Ridge Cascade breaks ground on new affordable housing project

Blue Ridge Cascade, an affordable housing developer, broke ground Friday morning on its new affordable housing project in Summit Classic City Heights, Athens.

The Details

This is Blue Ridge Cascade’s first project in Athens. Summit Classic City Heights will consist of 68 units targeted at adults age 55 and older that make 30%–70% of the median income for Athens-Clarke County (ACC).

Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz was in attendance, who feels this project meets the needs of Athens residents.

“We're really excited to have this project underway, and I can't wait to see it become home to many dozens of folks,” Girtz said.

Summit City Heights is being developed with the help of the Athens Housing Authority (AHA), which aims to provide safe and affordable housing options for ACC.

Sheila Crisp, executive director of AHA, said this project is important to the organization because it specifically targets the senior population.

AHA has approximately 4,100 on its waiting list for affordable housing 400 of whom are seniors, according to Crisp John Maddox, vice president of development for Blue Ridge Cascade, said he was excited the project has finally broken ground.

“It's just been a great process, and it's so fun to see it finally happening. It's been a long time coming, and I can't wait to see the final product,” Maddox said.

The project is expected to be completed in October 2027.