WALTER I.M. HODGE PAVIILION

Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion in Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI won the 2025 Recognition of Housing Tax Credit Excellence in the Resilient and Healthy Housing category.

Originally built in 1971, Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion, located in St. Croix, USVI, sustained severe damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Working within the Territory’s broader disaster recovery efforts, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) assembled a robust team—including New York-based MDG Development Partners as co-developer—to rehabilitate the property through unique, comprehensive funding opportunities. The revitalization modernized 248 homes while preserving affordability and strengthening the site’s resilience to natural disasters. All homes are reserved for residents at 60 percent of area median income (AMI).

VIHA and MDG implemented Bright Path, a robust resident wellness and empowerment program, and the development has secured long-term funding to support additional educational opportunities, job placement, and the physical and social health of the residents. In 2021, VIHA announced a comprehensive affordable housing revitalization plan to address economic challenges impacting Virgin Islanders and enhance the quality of life for residents. J. Benton Construction, the project’s St. Croix-based general contractor, has driven job creation within the local community by providing residents and St. Croix-based subcontractors with job opportunities.

The development represents the efforts of MDG Design & Construction, MDG Development Partners LLC, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, and Goldman Sachs to preserve, improve, and increase affordable housing opportunities in Frederiksted, St. Croix VI.