The first of two Habitat for Humanity modular homes arrived Thursday on Robbins Avenue.

The homes will be available for residents earning between 55 and 65 percent of the area median income. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The first of two below-market modular homes arrived on the West Side on Thursday, and both are expected to be move-in ready this summer.

The other is expected next week.

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is building two below-market condominiums at 112 Robbins Ave. for families earning between 55 percent and 65 percent of the area median income. Monthly costs for the three- and four-bedroom units are expected to be less than $1,500 with Habitat's subsidies.

Modulars allow for quicker construction to get more families into quality, affordable housing.

"Just because we have such an aggressive schedule this year, we are doing many modulars in addition to the stick-built that we usually do," communications manager Erin O'Brien explained.

Just this year, the nonprofit is constructing five homes in Pittsfield and 10 in Housatonic.

The two homes at 112 Robbins Ave. will come to $148,000 for a three-bedroom with the 20 percent subsidy and $156,000 for a four-bedroom. Similar homes in the Pittsfield area are valued between $225,000 and $250,000.

While prices are subject to change, the three-bedroom condo will cost owners about $1,430 per month and the four bedroom $1,495 per month, compared to renting in the city for more than $1,800 per month. Habitat noted that this provides a potential annual savings of $4,500 to $6,000, while building equity and long-term financial security.

The eligibility range between 55 percent and 65 percent AMI is said to support families who earn too much for most housing subsidies but still struggle to afford market-rate homes.

The nonprofit's construction professionals and Walker Excavation have been working with AmeriCorps crew members and vocational students from Taconic High School, providing hands-on training in the profession.

Mike Caryofilles, a general contractor and licensed construction supervisor, said the trainees have learned a lot.

"It's an invaluable experience to witness this process of modular home construction, along with other traditional framing and other parts of construction," he explained.

O'Brien said work will be as quick and involve as many volunteers as possible because at the end of May, infrastructure will be ready for the Housatonic homes.

Building the units cost $438,000 and $444,000 due to inflation in construction materials, labor shortages, and tariffs on imported supplies. Habitat was allocated $240,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust and received support from MassHousing's Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Combined, this will contribute $791,000 towards five affordable homes in Pittsfield: two at 112 Robbins Ave., two at Murphy Place, and one home at Curtis Terrace built by Taconic's vocational carpentry and electrical program.

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