Accomack County staff reported that iUnit and county partners won a Virginia Housing Innovation grant of approximately $500,000 to demonstrate two factory-built housing units in Parksley.

Project summary

- Award: Virginia Housing Innovation grant, approximately $500,000.
- Applicant/partner: iUnit (founder Bryce Loconte) in partnership with Accomack County; county staff will administer the grant on iUnit's behalf.
- Scope: Two factory-built demonstration units set on lots in Parksley (one modular unit and one manufactured unit); the project features energy-efficiency measures (heat-pump mechanical systems, heat-pump water heaters, energy-efficient appliances, factory-installed solar shingles) and insulated construction techniques intended to reduce operational costs with a goal toward net-zero potential.

Why it matters: The award was one of five initial winners statewide in the inaugural Virginia Housing Innovation program and funds demonstration of replicable factory-built methods that could reduce per-unit costs and increase production speed for affordable housing. The county planner leading the project, Shontice Ridley, is administering reporting to Virginia Housing.

Next steps and context

- The units were transported to Parksley in September; a ribbon cutting is planned for December (date to be confirmed).
- The grantee (iUnit) is considering applying for funds for additional units in the future.
- The town of Parsley granted a variance for the manufactured home sited inside town limits.

Speakers and attributions

- County planner Shontice Ridley cited the award and project features; Deputy County Administrator Mike Mason and Deputy Community Development Lee Pambit also described the grant background and planning status.

Ending: The demonstration intends to show cost and energy benefits for factory-built units; staff encouraged the board and public to visit the site once the ribbon cutting is scheduled.