It’s Official: The Taylor Street Apartments are Open!
The afternoon of October 25th wasn’t just a typical Friday in downtown Montpelier – it was the day that over 550 people walked through the Taylor Street Apartments and Montpelier Transit Center for the first time. The ribbon cutting and community celebration was hosted by Downstreet, Housing Vermont, and the City of Montpelier. The formal ceremony began with remarks from honored guests, including Congressman Peter Welch, Montpelier Mayor Anne Watson, Montpelier Town Manager Bill Fraser, and Pollaidh Major, a representative for Senator Patrick Leahy. Downstreet’s Eileen Peltier and Housing Vermont’s Kathy Beyer introduced the special guests and acknowledged funding partners and the many individuals and organizations whose hard work and determination made the project possible. Before inviting all present to join in a group photo commemorating the inaugural ribbon cutting, Peltier encouraged everyone present to be sure to reach out to fellow community members and make connections.
Guests arrive for the Taylor Street and Transit Center ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration on Friday, October 25th. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests arrive for the Taylor Street and Transit Center ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration on Friday, October 25th. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
The new media speak to event participants and community members before the start of the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Downstreet's Executive Director Eileen Peltier highlights the importance of community during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Congressman Peter Welch addresses the audience with his comments about the Taylor Street project. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Pollaidh Major represents Senator Leahy and shares his comments with the audience. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
City of Montpelier Mayor Anne Watson shares her comments with the crowd during the formal ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Montpelier City Manager Bill Fraser addresses the audience during the formal ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Vermont Housing and Conservation Board Executive Director Gus Seelig shares his comments with the community. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Community members listen to special guests' remarks during the formal ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins makes her remarks during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Vermont's Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford makes his remarks during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
City of Montpelier Mayor Anne Watson and City Manager Bill Fraser look on during the formal ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Downstreet's Eileen Peltier and Housing Vermont's Kathy Beyer invite the community to gather for a group photo. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Honored guests and community members gather for an official ribbon cutting picture. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Special guests cut the ribbon outside of Taylor Street Apartments and Transit Center. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests at the Taylor Street event look on from the roof deck on the second floor of the residential building. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Congressman Peter Welch speaks to the press at the OCtober 25th event. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Event guests gather in the transit center space after the formal ceremony. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Inside the City of Montpelier Transit Center. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests mingle inside the Transit Center space. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Community members make connections. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
The Sky Blue Boys provided live musical entertainment throughout the celebration. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Giant Connect Four is enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Guests enjoy a game of giant Jenga. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests enjoy lite fare from local food vendors. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Community members make connections. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Community members learn more about Downstreet. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests enter the Taylor Street Apartments for self-guided tours. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Community members get a first glance at the new apartments. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Inside the kitchen of one of the residential units. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
A community member snaps of shot of the view from inside an apartment. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests gather outside on the second floor roof deck. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
Guests gather outside on the second floor roof deck. Photo credit: Sally McCay.
“Going beyond four walls and a roof and harnessing the power of our collective community is transformational change. And that is exactly what this project was all about. In the spirit of harnessing the power of community, I ask that as you wander around the property, take the time to connect with someone. It could be someone new, an old friend, or someone you came with…what’s important is making the connection.”
The end of the formal ribbon cutting marked the beginning of a lively community celebration, which featured music by the Sky Blue Boys and food from Mo’s Backyard BBQ, Paquet’s Apple Shack, and Mediterranean Mix. A quick glance in any direction made clear the celebratory mood, unified support for the project, and the strong sense of community.
You understand the positive impact safe, stable, affordable housing can have on your community, and you want to do more to help support affordable housing in Vermont. But, aside from donating, what can…
The end of the formal ribbon cutting marked the beginning of a lively community celebration, which featured music by the Sky Blue Boys and food from Mo’s Backyard BBQ, Paquet’s Apple Shack, and Mediterranean Mix. A quick glance in any direction made clear the celebratory mood, unified support for the project, and the strong sense of community.
