Reese Apartments grand opening marks 48 new affordable housing units, fully leased in six weeks

Governor Matt Meyer joins DSHA Director Matt Heckles, Carson Development CEO Danielle Smith, Brett and Carson Smith from Carson Development, Robin Steininger from Gillis Gilkerson, Chris Tully from RBC, Delaware State Representative Lyndon Yearick and community partners during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Reese Apartments.

FELTON, DE — Carson Development LLC celebrated the grand opening of Reese Apartments, a 48-unit affordable housing community in Felton, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Matt Meyer, local leaders, community partners and residents.

Originally breaking ground in 2024, the community reached full occupancy within six weeks, drawing more than 330 applications, underscoring the region’s ongoing housing shortage and strong demand for quality, attainable housing.

Located at 130 Reese View Circle, the development offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed for households across a range of income levels. Residences feature energy-efficient appliances, modern finishes, and access to amenities including a community room, walking paths, playground, and planned on-site services.

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), Kent County and financing partners through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program have supported the project since its early stages, serving as key partners throughout development.

As part of the grand opening celebration, local community organizations were also on-site connecting residents with educational resources and support services

Construction, led by general contracting and construction management firm Gillis Gilkerson, was finished in March 2026.

“Completing a project like Reese Apartments takes strong coordination, a shared vision, and a solid commitment to quality from start to finish,” said Robin Steininger, Project Manager at Gillis Gilkerson. “We’re proud to deliver a community that will serve residents well for years to come.”

Key infrastructure improvements were also made to the surrounding area, including expanded water and sewer capacity and enhanced transit access with a new on-site bus stop. Located along the Route 13 corridor, Reese Apartments improves connectivity to nearby job centers and regional employment opportunities.

“Access to stable housing plays a direct role in the health and economic strength of our communities,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Developments like Reese Apartments support working families, strengthen local economies, and help ensure more Delawareans have the foundation they need to succeed.”

“Reese Apartments is a great example of how strategic investment and programs such as LIHTC can help solve Delaware’s housing crisis for people across the income spectrum,” said DSHA Director Matthew Heckles. “For every $1 of tax credits invested, we raise a minimum of approximately 90 cents in equity. That allows developers like Carson to build and preserve rental housing, and it creates a priceless investment for all the families who call this modern community home.”