Pillar Breaks Ground on $22 Million Choice Landing Apartment Community in Kentucky
Pillar, a leading social service agency in Kentucky, has officially broken ground on Choice Landing, a new affordable residential community designed to support independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Oldham County, the $22 million development will provide 72 residential units and is expected to welcome its first tenants in early 2028.
The project represents a major investment in accessible and supportive housing, providing residents with an environment designed to encourage independence while maintaining access to services and community resources.
Choice Landing is being developed with a focus on creating a safe, affordable and inclusive residential community. The development is also expected to become the first community in Kentucky to receive Kelsey Certification, a designation focused on advancing accessibility and inclusive design beyond minimum building codes and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
$22 Million Development
Choice Landing is being financed through several sources, including Kentucky Housing Corporation tax credits, a $6 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly and a $1 million Community Development Block Grant.
Construction is expected to begin by October 2026, with the first residents anticipated to move into the community in early 2028. The development is intended to provide long-term housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to live more independently.
The project also aims to address the need for affordable housing that combines independent living with access to appropriate support services.
Focus on Accessibility and Inclusive Design
A key element of Choice Landing is its pursuit of Kelsey Certification. The certification establishes design standards that address accessibility across the planning, development and operation of a residential community.
Rather than focusing only on individual accessibility features, the certification considers how accessibility is incorporated throughout the design and resident experience. The process also includes input from a peer advisory board, allowing people with lived experience to contribute to decisions affecting the development.
Pillar’s peer advisory board includes Sarah Malone, Peter Campbell and Alicia Rexroat, who are residents of the organization’s existing community. Their firsthand experiences are being incorporated into the planning and design of Choice Landing.
The approach is intended to help create a residential environment that supports independence, accessibility, choice and community participation.
Community Features and Support
Choice Landing will be structured to give residents greater independence while ensuring that support is available when needed. Among the planned features is a front desk staffed around the clock, providing residents with access to on-site assistance at any time.
The community will also offer optional technology support designed to help residents manage daily activities and strengthen their independence. Additional amenities and services will include weekly transportation to shopping, community activities and access to green space.
Residents will also have access to additional support services, including day training, community living support and community access services. These options are intended to provide flexibility, allowing residents to access assistance based on their individual needs.
The combination of residential independence and available support is central to the project’s design.
Officials Attend Groundbreaking
The official groundbreaking brought together state and local officials, Pillar representatives, housing professionals and others involved in developing the project.
Attendees included Kentucky General Assembly Speaker of the House David Osborne, Kentucky State Senator Lindsey Tichenor, Oldham County Judge Executive David Voegele, Pillar Chairman Alex Campbell and Sara Gibson, Project Representative for Multifamily Programs at Kentucky Housing Corporation.
Pillar Executive Director Karri Gerdemann and other project partners also attended the event.
Alex Campbell, Chairman of Pillar’s Board of Directors, said the groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new approach to inclusive housing. He highlighted the involvement of the peer advisory group during the planning and design process, noting that firsthand experiences helped shape the apartments and community.
According to Campbell, the development will provide independent living opportunities for 72 individuals while also helping families find suitable housing solutions and reducing pressure on state resources.
Creating a Supportive Residential Community
Pillar Executive Director Karri Gerdemann described Choice Landing as a long-term effort focused on creating a place where residents can live independently while being part of a safe and supportive community.
The development is intended to provide more than housing by creating an environment where residents can establish connections, participate in community activities and access services that support daily living.
Pillar has expressed appreciation for the Kentucky General Assembly, Speaker Osborne and other organizations and individuals whose financial and institutional support helped advance the project.
Setting a New Standard for Disability Housing
Choice Landing’s pursuit of Kelsey Certification is expected to distinguish the project within Kentucky’s affordable and supportive housing sector. By incorporating accessibility and inclusion throughout the design and development process, the project aims to establish a model for disability-forward housing.
The development is designed to promote greater independence, choice and belonging while providing residents with access to practical support.
With construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and the first tenants expected in early 2028, Choice Landing will add 72 purpose-designed homes to the region’s housing supply. The $22 million project combines public funding, accessible design and supportive services to create a residential community focused on independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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