Accomack, iUnit win Virginia Housing Innovation grant to set two factory-built demonstration units in Parksley
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Acomack County partnered with iUnit to win a Virginia Housing Innovation grant of roughly $500,000 to site two demonstration factory-built units in Parksley; the county will administer the grant and a ribbon cutting is expected in December.
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.
