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Office of Disaster Recovery updates timelines for Dunu, D. Hamilton Jackson and owner-lot build-a-home program
Summary
ODR told the housing committee that major CDBG-DR and FEMA-backed housing projects are advancing — D. Hamilton Jackson is 30 percent complete, Dunu has restarted construction and owner-lot build-a-home applications have strong interest but varied readiness among applicants.
The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery gave the Legislature a status update on several large recovery-driven housing projects and a homeowner construction assistance program.
Director Adrienne Williams Octalin and Deputy Artra Watlington Francis told lawmakers the office is managing multiple federally funded projects with target completions over the next two years and actively supporting a homeowner build-a-home program for property owners.
Key project updates
- D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace (St. Croix): The project will rehabilitate 106 units and a community center. Williams Octalin said the project is federally funded with approximately $121.6 million in commitments (CDBG-DR and FEMA contributions plus other financing), achieved financial close in January 2025, and is about 30 percent complete with a target finish of December 2026.
- Dunu redevelopment (St. Thomas): The first phase will construct 84 new units and a community center on the former Estate Dunu site. The development team restarted construction after resolving financing; work restarted in June 2025 and was reported at about 13 percent completion with a target completion date of June 2027. The ODR said construction financing includes CDBG-DR and additional tax credit equity.
- Loveland Phase 2 and Lebanon Phase 2 (preservation and rehab): ODR said it is providing project management for rehab and preservation work on existing affordable rental properties, with acquisition and rehab phases moving through bid evaluation and planned construction in the coming months.
Owner lot build-a-home program
Launched in June 2024 and funded with CDBG-DR allocations, the owner-lot build-a-home program provides a forgivable grant to eligible first-time homebuyers who already own land. Williams Octalin said the program has generated strong interest — more than 200 inquiries — but readiness varies: several applicants are in permitting or prequalification, a few are progressing to construction and others are still resolving title or debt issues.
Why it matters: ODR projects are among the largest territorial housing investments since the storms; their pace affects the territory's affordable housing supply and local contractor employment.
Next steps and concerns
ODR said it will continue to coordinate with VIHFA, developers and lenders to finalize closing and to help applicants move from inquiry to construction. The office also said environmental clearances and lender commitment letters remain gating items for owner-lot applicants and that additional construction lenders are being sought to expand financing options.
"The restoration and expansion of the territory's housing stock remain one of the top priorities of the recovery," Williams Octalin said.
