Hula announces ambitious housing development project in Burlington's South End

The Vermont House General Committee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss a significant housing development project aimed at addressing the state's ongoing housing crisis. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to create more housing options in Vermont, particularly in the Burlington area.

The session began with an introduction emphasizing the importance of the proposed housing project, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the state. The discussion underscored the intersection of innovative policies and entrepreneurial initiatives that have been cultivated over the past several years. The committee has been working on legislation to enhance regulatory certainty at both local and state levels, facilitating the development of public infrastructure necessary for large-scale housing projects.

Lucia Campriello, team lead at Hula, presented an overview of the Hula innovation hub, which serves as a coworking space and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Burlington. She detailed Hula's mission to support Vermont entrepreneurs and startups, noting that the hub has become home to over 1,200 members and hosts numerous events aimed at fostering community and innovation. Campriello emphasized the critical role of housing in supporting the growth of businesses and attracting talent to the area.

Russ Scully, founder of Hula, further elaborated on the housing development project, which aims to transform a large surface parking lot adjacent to the Hula campus into a residential area. He explained that the lack of housing has been a significant barrier to job growth in Vermont, and this project is designed to alleviate that issue by providing more living spaces for workers. The proposed development encompasses approximately 13 acres of land, involving collaboration with local property owners and the city of Burlington.

The meeting also included a presentation from Andrew Foley of the Jonathan Rose Company, who is partnering with Hula on the housing initiative. Foley is expected to provide insights into similar projects undertaken in other regions and discuss strategies to ensure the project's financial viability.

As the meeting progressed, committee members expressed interest in understanding the relationship between Hula and the housing project, with assurances that all questions would be addressed by the end of the session. The discussions highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for continued support from the state to facilitate the successful implementation of the housing project.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a proactive approach to tackling Vermont's housing challenges through innovative partnerships and strategic planning. The proposed development is seen as a crucial step toward fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the region. Further updates and follow-up actions are anticipated as the project moves forward.