Michaels Organization strengthens Mid-Atlantic footprint with dual attainable housing milestones

Addressing housing accessibility for working families and older adults in DE and VA

The Helm and Deemer’s Landing Apartments

New Castle, DE and Fairfax County, VA — The Michaels Organization continues to expand its impact across the Mid-Atlantic with two major attainable housing milestones: the acquisition of The Helm and Deemer’s Landing Apartments in Delaware and the opening of the Lodge at Autumn Willow, a new 55+ community in Fairfax County, VA.

A significant expansion of Michaels’ Attainable Housing portfolio, the acquisition of the Helm and Deemer’s Landing Apartments preserves 220 units of critical middle-income housing, ensuring long-term stability for residents who are increasingly priced out of the region’s rental market.

“As housing costs continue to outpace wage growth across the Mid-Atlantic, this acquisition ensures that this community remains an asset to the neighborhood and continues to provide high-quality, stable housing for essential workers, including teachers, healthcare professionals, and first responders who often earn too much for traditional housing subsidies but are priced out of luxury market-rate rentals,” said Kunal Chothani, The Michaels Organization’s senior vice president of acquisitions.

The Helm and Deemer’s Landing comprise two apartment buildings, offering 220 apartment homes, along with modern amenities and a prime location in the heart of Old New Castle for the local workforce. Under the new ownership, Michaels will leverage its full-service capabilities—spanning investment, property management, and resident services—to ensure the community remains a vital, high-quality asset for the New Castle region.

Michaels, which is headquartered in Camden, NJ, has long been active in developing and managing communities in Delaware. By focusing on acquisitions as well as development, Michaels is spearheading solutions that expand housing opportunities for those who are often priced out of the areas where they want to live and work.

“Expanding our footprint in Delaware with attainable housing solutions is a critical step in addressing the regional housing crisis,” said Chothani. “By preserving attainable housing, we are directly aligning with our mission of creating communities that lift lives.”

Raymond James served as an investor.

The Lodge at Autumn Willow

Building on this commitment to attainable housing across multiple life stages, Michaels is also celebrating the opening of a new senior community in Northern Virginia. In Fairfax County, VA, The Lodge at Autumn Willow is now leasing and ready for move-ins for residents 55 years and older, with a preference for residents 62 and older.

Located on more than 20 acres at the intersection of Stringfellow Rd. and Autumn Willow Dr. in the Springfield District, this modern community is thoughtfully designed to foster an active and social lifestyle.

With access to I-66 and SR-29, as well as a variety of nearby shopping, dining, and recreational options, residents can enjoy the convenience of urban amenities.

The Lodge at Autumn Willow offers rent-restricted apartments, meaning that applicants must meet specific income requirements.