Manitou Park Neighborhood Revitalization

The Manitou Park Neighborhood Revitalization project, an affordable housing community located in Toms River, New Jersey, offered the local community newly-constructed or rehabilitated affordable housing intended for homeownership. The design included five single family prototype models, which led to the construction of 82 homes. The models ranged from 1,500-2,300 SF with a variety of bedroom, bathroom, and garage configurations.

The project is located in an historically depressed area of Toms River, and for years had suffered from a lack of investment in both the local housing stock and infrastructure—with failing septic and well water systems a common occurrence throughout the community in the early part of the 2000s. At a cost of nearly $20 million, and over a decade in the making, the revitalization of the Manitou Park Neighborhood represents what can be achieved when public and private agencies work together to solve real-world issues affecting the quality of life of residents within their local communities.