NEWPORT NEWS, VA. — Merchants Capital has arranged $97.8 million in financing for the rehabilitation of Stuart Gardens, a 491-unit affordable housing property located in Newport News. Merchants Capital secured a $62.8 million HUD 221(d)(4) loan and $35 million in equity bridge loans provided by Merchants Bank, an affiliate of Merchants Capital. Stuart Gardens’ capital stack also includes low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity, federal and state historic tax credits and Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) financing via HUD for energy efficient improvements.
The current owner and developer, Vitus Group, is leading the rehabilitation of the property, which will include exterior improvements like a new playground, connections to an adjacent park and walking path, and fresh roofing, siding and exterior doors and windows. In-unit repairs will include the replacement of existing flooring, updated appliances, new kitchen cabinetry and updated bathrooms.
Stuart Gardens comprises 109 two-story buildings. All residential units are reserved for families earning 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) under a Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract. Built in 1941 by the Defense Homes Corp. during World War II, the property has been designated as a historic property by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources.
Upon completion of the rehabilitation, Stuart Gardens will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a playground, clubhouse and onsite management. Construction began in August 2026 and is expected to be completed in January 2028.