Transforming a Synagogue into a Vibrant Affordable Housing Development
May 01, 2025
By: Jamarl Mclean
The Elle at North Main transforms a historic synagogue into 49 new homes, strengthening West Hartford’s housing options.
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) is proud to be a financial partner of The Elle at North Main Street, an affordable housing development in West Hartford. CHFA is providing $10.5 million in LIHTC equity funds, $5.1 million in taxable bonds and an additional $1 million in CHFA Opportunity Funds. Construction started in fall 2024 and is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The development thoughtfully reimagines the historic Agudas Achim synagogue, preserving its legacy while breathing new life into the site as a vibrant mixed-income community.
After completion, The Elle will offer 49 units, 39 of which will be made available to households earning at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). The remaining 10 units will be set at market rate. The Elle also includes ten supportive housing units designated for intellectually disabled clients of the Department of Development Services (DDS), financed through rental subsidies from the State Rental Assistance Program.
The Elle at North Main demonstrates the importance of mixed-income housing in building strong, resilient communities. By offering affordable and market-rate homes side by side, the development promotes economic diversity and broadens access to opportunity for residents across a range of incomes.
Location and Amenities
The Elle at North Main is located at 1244 North Main Street in a West Hartford residential neighborhood near the Simsbury line. The site is approximately 1.83 acres and will offer 68 off-street parking spaces. Additional amenities in the neighborhood include grocery stores such as Big Y, Whole Foods and a Target, three libraries, three elementary schools, a high school, and pharmacies. A Connecticut Transit bus stop will be placed right in front of the building, granting residents access to public transportation options.
"The Elle at North Main embodies the future we are striving to build—one where history is honored, partnerships are leveraged, and housing opportunity is expanded for all,” said Nandini Natarajan, CEO and Executive Director of CHFA. “This development shows what’s possible when public and private sectors work together to create vibrant, sustainable communities. We’re proud to support The Elle and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for generations to come."
About the Developer
With four active developments comprised of a total of 310 units in the CHFA portfolio, Trout Brook Realty Advisors, Inc. has a successful track record of working with multiple funders and stakeholders as well as delivering its construction efforts on time and on budget. Through its development, asset management and acquisition efforts, TBRA seeks to promote viable and dynamic communities through leadership and collaborative activities.
About Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- and moderate-income families and people in this state and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of this state through employer-assisted housing efforts.
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Jamarl Mclean is a current graduate student at the University of Connecticut - Hartford campus focusing on Public Administration and Research Analysis. He recently received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban Studies from UCONN with a focus on affordable housing and law and serves as CHFA's Research and Outreach Intern.