Revitalizing McConaughy Terrace: Preserving Legacy & Building for the Future

You can’t erase history with new bricks.

That’s the guiding mission behind the revitalization of McConaughy Terrace in western New Haven.

Originally built in the 1940s on former farmland, McConaughy Terrace has long stood as a pillar of affordable housing in the city, shaped over generations by the families who lived there, the architecture that anchored it, and the culture it preserved.

Now, nearly 85 years later, the city’s largest family affordable housing development is undergoing a complete transformation with approximately 250 units and related community space.

With LaRosa Groups at the helm and support from Cross Key Architects, The Glendower Group, and the Housing Authority of New Haven, the project is breathing new life into this legacy community—by honoring what already exists.

Blending selective new construction with extensive renovations, the redevelopment balances progress with preservation. The result is more than a modern housing project—it’s a community, redesigned for the next generation without losing sight of the past.

“We’re not just modernizing buildings—we’re investing in the community that calls this place home,” said Rome Santilli, Senior Project Manager at LaRosa Groups.

McConaughy Terrace: A Strategic Blend of Preservation and Progress

Most affordable housing redevelopments follow a predictable formula: tear it down, start from scratch, and rebuild something new. But at McConaughy Terrace, the team took a different path—one rooted in both pragmatism and respect.

Rather than wiping the slate clean, the project takes a hybrid approach that preserves select existing structures while introducing thoughtfully designed new buildings. This strategy allows the community to retain its physical identity while upgrading for the future—enhancing energy efficiency, safety, and livability without displacing the people who call it home. And with phased construction designed to reduce disruption, the community’s continuity stays intact.

“Our goal is to make this as seamless as possible for the families here,” said Santilli. “It’s their neighborhood, and we want them to feel proud of it.”

In addition to minimizing displacement and preserving the neighborhood’s character, the hybrid redevelopment model also carries important environmental benefits. “By upgrading existing structures rather than demolishing everything outright, we’re dramatically reducing construction waste and embodied carbon,” said Santilli. “It’s a smarter way to build—economically and ecologically.” This approach aligns with broader trends in sustainable construction, as seen in LaRosa’s recent work with Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and energy-efficient housing design.

Challenges & Problem-Solving: Navigating the Unknowns of Legacy Construction

Revitalizing a decades-old housing development comes with its own unique set of challenges—especially when the original site records are incomplete, outdated, or missing altogether.

“Every day is like opening a new chapter in an old book,” said Santilli. “We’ll uncover undocumented water lines or buried foundations and walls that were built generations ago with no official record.”

These surprises could easily derail a less experienced team. But LaRosa’s ability to adapt in real-time—without losing momentum—has kept the project moving forward.

Through tight coordination with engineers, architects, and city agencies, the team solves problems as they arise, rather than letting them stall progress. Transparent communication and a solutions-first mindset have become defining traits of LaRosa’s construction management approach.

“The reality is that these issues aren’t unusual in redevelopment,” said Santilli. “What matters is how you respond—and how fast you can get everyone aligned on the fix.”

Inside LaRosa’s Real-Time Response Model How LaRosa Keeps Projects Moving, Even When the Unexpected Happens:

Daily Syncs Onsite: Field teams and project managers meet daily to assess progress and surface issues early.

Real-Time Collaboration: Engineers, architects, and subcontractors are looped in fast via collaborative platforms and on-the-ground walk-throughs.

Transparent Stakeholder Updates: Clients are never left in the dark—LaRosa keeps everyone aligned through proactive, honest communication.

Decision-Making on the Ground: Empowered project managers and site leads solve problems without red tape, reducing downtime and cost delays.

“We don’t wait for problems to escalate. We address them head-on—with the people, data, and experience to fix them fast.” — Rome Santilli

Community Impact: More Than Bricks and Mortar

While the physical improvements are vital, the project is about more than just the buildings.

New amenities—like upgraded play areas, open green spaces, and improved accessibility—are designed with families in mind. Safety upgrades, energy-efficient layouts, and modern unit configurations further reflect a deep commitment to resident well-being.

Santilli emphasized that preserving the character of the neighborhood was central to every decision.

“You’re preserving the fabric of the neighborhood while enhancing the quality of life,” he said. “That’s why we brought in features residents specifically asked for—like play areas for the kids, ADA-compliant pathways, and brighter, more open units.”

That balance—between honoring a place’s legacy and evolving it for modern living—isn’t just a construction challenge. It’s a philosophy that runs through every phase of the redevelopment.

LaRosa’s Core Values in Action

From navigating complex site conditions to building trusted partnerships with public agencies and residents, LaRosa’s core values—integrity, problem-solving, and community focus—shine through.

“At LaRosa, we believe revitalization isn’t just about construction—it’s about restoring dignity, preserving legacy, and creating lasting value for communities. Projects like McConaughy Terrace are proof that projects like this can be both thoughtful and transformative,” said James LaRosa, CEO at LaRosa Groups

“We’re not here just to finish a job,” said Santilli. “We’re here to make a difference in how people live.”

Whether it's managing unforeseen underground obstacles or making design decisions that prioritize dignity and livability, the team continues to show how values drive results.

A Clear Vision Forward

McConaughy Terrace stands as a powerful model for affordable housing done right: thoughtful, resident-focused, and rooted in the character of the community. It’s proof that revitalization doesn’t have to mean replacement—it can mean renewal.

With a strategic blend of renovation and new construction, and a clear vision to preserve both affordability and legacy, this project offers a blueprint for how to modernize without erasure.

Let’s Build What’s Next

Interested in how LaRosa Groups can bring lasting value to your next redevelopment project? Contact us today.