Townhomes at former Penn Avenue School set for summer completion

inte8821 • March 7, 2012

Townhomes at former Penn Avenue School set for summer completion

25 units, clubhouse being built
Elaine Blaisdell, Cumberland Times-News

An artist’s rendering shows the layout of Penn Avenue Townhomes, which is being constructed at the site of the former Pennsylvania Avenue School building. The project is expected to be finished next summer.
CUMBERLAND — Cumberland Family Homes II, to be located at the site of the former Pennsylvania Avenue School, is slated for completion in the summer and is taking applications for renters, said Bryan Lyburn, vice president of Business Operations of Interfaith Housing Alliance, Inc.

“The former Pennsylvania School has been completely demolished and they (the Partnership for Income Restricted Housing Leadership) will begin framing the first unit on Monday. Three out of the six foundations have already been put in,” said Lyburn.

Interfaith Housing, which is based in Frederick, was awarded a low-income tax credit to construct the 25 lease-to-purchase townhomes and a community clubhouse in partnership with the city, the state of Maryland, Partnership for Income Restricted Housing Leadership Developers, LLC and Boston Financial Investment Management.

“I think the townhomes will be a wonderful boost to the neighborhood. The buildings will have a wonderful handicap access for seniors,” said Terri Hast, the city’s economic development specialist. “Our code enforcement officer said everything (thus far,) is built very well.”

The housing complex will consist of four two-bedroom units, 17 three-bedroom units and four four-bedroom units, each with two bathrooms ranging from 1,279 to 1,649 square feet. The rooms will boast walk-in closets, ample storage space, private balconies and patios, central heating and air conditioning and Energy Star rated windows and appliances. The townhomes are for low- and moderate-income families earning at or below 50 percent of the county median. Rent ranges between $420 and $647.

There is no application fee, but the application requires a landlord reference, a credit and background check and applicants must be within the income limits, said Becky Broussard, Interfaith’s asset manager.

“Thus far, about 12 applications have been received,” she said. “That was done with no advertising but just through word of mouth. Applications will not be processed until three months before the completion of the project and they will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a waiting list.”

The project is so far two years in the making, Lyburn said, after site selection, design process, competitive application process and financing from the state.

“It’s a big project and long process. It took a lot of people coming to the table at the same time with common ideas to make an affordable, green, energy efficient, well-built, state-of the art project,” said Lyburn.

Interfaith, which will own and maintain the complex, also owns and maintains Washington Ridge in Frostburg.

Founded in 1990, Interfaith is a regional nonprofit, that aims to provide affordable housing opportunities and supportive services to improve the quality of life and economic stability of seniors, working families and individuals, according to the group’s website.

For an application for the townhomes, go to the website www.interfaithousing.org or contact Patti Penn, local property manager, at 301-622-4225, ext. 1306 or at ppenn@interfaithhousing.org.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

http://times-news.com/local/x345563976/Townhomes-at-former-Penn-Avenue-School-set-for-summer-completion

Fall Updates from IHA

September 2, 2026
A quarter of grant wins, community partnerships, and small moments that remind us why this work matters. Here's what's been happening at Interfaith Housing Alliance since the summer. GRANTS & FUNDING: Four New Grants Fuel IHA's Work This Quarter Interfaith Housing Alliance is proud to announce four funding awards totaling $220,000 during the last quarter from our community partners. In June 2026, IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant by Ausherman Family Foundation. This capacity-building grant will provide funding support for the organization during its transition to new leadership. It will also support IHA's work with key community consultants with the goal of recentering IHA's programs and services in Frederick, MD. In July 2026, IHA was awarded a $125,000 grant from Morgan Stanley. This operational grant supports IHA in its ongoing quest to create and provide affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income (LMI) community members. It also supports IHA's continued community programming, which provides access to financial education and affordable homeownership opportunities. In August 2026, IHA received two funding awards in support of IHA's Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services. IHA was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Maryland Housing Counseling Fund (MHCF). IHA was also awarded a $35,000 grant by Rural Maryland Council (RMC) through their Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) program. These grants will support the full spectrum of community programming IHA offers, including group educational workshops on financial health, individualized financial coaching and housing counseling, and pathways to affordable homeownership. We are deeply grateful to these partners for their continued investment in this community.

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.
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