A local development group is moving forward with plans to build duplex homes in La Crosse amid a shortage of affordable housing throughout Mecklenburg County.
Tiffco, LLC, led by Mike Dotti and Kevin Kenny, has applied for a special exception permit from the Town of La Crosse to build approximately 11 duplexes on a four-acre site near the intersection of Seaboard Avenue and Sycamore Street, within town limits.
To carry out the project, Tiffco is partnering with Virginia Homes of Boydton, in what Dotti described as a shared commitment to deliver “quality, affordable, and energy-efficient housing” for a growing community. Tiffco and Virginia Homes, which manufactures modular housing, previously collaborated to build the first two duplex homes at the site, which was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting in November.
Dotti said the initial phase of the project has already attracted strong demand, as all four of the two-bedroom, two-bath units from the first two duplexes are fully leased. He added that Tiffco is preparing to break ground on a third duplex unit in the spring, ensuring that their efforts to expand affordable housing continue without delay.
If the special exception permit is granted, Dotti said he expects construction of the 11 new duplex units to begin in late spring or early summer. The company’s broader vision is to build between 30 and 40 units, a mix of duplex units and single family homes in La Crosse over the next five years, significantly increasing the availability of affordable homes for families in the area.
“Feedback from the community has been positive, with no opposition voiced thus far, “ Dotti said. He praised the Town of La Crosse for being “very easy to work with and supportive of the project.”
While the current focus has been on single-story duplex homes, Tiffco is considering expanding their offerings to add in a mix of one- and two-story single-family homes, while maintaining their core mission of providing affordable, family-oriented housing.
The public hearing on Tiffco’s application is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. on January 12 at the La Crosse Fire Department, 202 Carolina Street in La Crosse. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the project and share their perspectives.
