Local officials, community members, and team members from Habitat for Humanity gathered in celebration as they officially broke ground on a long-anticipated affordable housing project at 487 Main Street.

Members of the Ashland Select Board, town staff, local legislators, and the Ashland Affordable Housing Trust joined team members from Habitat for Humanity at the event, marking the start of construction on what will soon become a safe, energy-efficient, and affordable home.

Currently a vacant lot, the site will soon be transformed into a single-family home built from the ground up. Located in an ideal location in downtown Ashland, the property is within walking distance of the Town Center, just over a mile from Ashland State Park, and convenient to highways and shopping, making it a perfect spot for a future homeowner.

 The home is designed to be all-electric, with energy-saving features including mini-split heating and cooling systems and a hybrid hot water tank. In addition to offering a much-needed affordable homeownership opportunity, the project will enhance the neighborhood by bringing life and purpose to an underutilized space.

The Ashland community expressed deep gratitude to the Ghilani family, who made this project possible by generously donating the land to Habitat for Humanity.

“This partnership between the Town, the Ghilani family, and Habitat for Humanity has been years in the making, and we are thrilled to finally see it move forward,” said local leaders at the ceremony.

Construction will begin soon, and volunteers from across the area will be needed to help bring this home to life for a deserving family. For those interested in lending a hand or learning more about the project, keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Together, Ashland is taking a meaningful step toward creating more affordable housing and strengthening the community.