The Michael’s Organization recently celebrated the grand-opening of the Lower Stilwell neighborhood – a brand new Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) community – with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of 108 new homes at Monterey Bay. It will be the 16th neighborhood in the Monterey Bay community, which services the Presidio of Monterey U.S. Naval Base and the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.

The 44-acre development was made possible by an $80 million investment and includes 3- and 4-bedroom single-family or duplex-style homes. The new homes replace 180 legacy homes built in 1959 and feature high quality appliances, finishes, and utility saving features to reduce water and energy consumption. Military families will also enjoy new community amenities, including a fitness trail and common area park complete with a playground, pavilion, outdoor-sport courts, and hammock seating.

“This modern environmentally friendly community will provide an outstanding quality of life for our junior enlisted service members and their families,” said U.S. Army Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander, Col. Sam Kline. “Our Army prioritizes a ‘people first’ mentality, and the new Lower Stilwell community is exactly what putting people first looks like. This is a place where military families will build community and lasting memories.”

“The new Lower Stilwell neighborhood will provide modern and safe homes for our troops and their families serving and living at the Presidio of Monterey,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta at the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “As a community member, a veteran, and as the U.S. Representative for our area, I’m obligated and proud to fulfill that obligation to improve the quality of life for those and their families who serve our nation.”

Military Housing Association member companies are dedicated to meeting the Department of Defense’s (DoD) energy-saving goals that are critical to national security. The Lower Stilwell project helps meets these goals by providing the first all-electric homes in the Monterey Bay Community. In addition, the homes include water-saving features and energy-conserving Nest thermostats.

The MHPI program facilitates crucial investments that support the development of new and improved military family housing communities, allowing private sector partners to reinvest in installation communities and provide upgraded amenities, new infrastructure, and additional housing.