Community First Inc is your trusted community development partner. Whether you’re working on a small scale mixed-use project or a Low income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project, we can help! We understand the needs of the community and want to make sure your project succeeds. Our goal is to develop quality affordable housing people consider home.

37th Street School Apartments

Milwaukee WI

In partnership with Heartland Housing, Community First co-developed the 37th Street School Senior Apartments, an award-worthy transformation of a long-vacant school into 49 high-quality, affordable homes for seniors (ages 55+). Located in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, this four-story redevelopment preserved key historic features while integrating modern amenities such as wide corridors, natural lighting, in-unit and floor-level laundry, a secure access system, and generous community spaces including a kitchen-equipped gathering room, computer lab, fitness area, and outdoor patio with walking paths. The project utilized LIHTCs, AHP, HOME and Trust Funds.

villard commons

Milwaukee WI

Villard Commons is a development located in Milwaukee’s Old North neighborhood, offering 43 one, two, and three-bedroom contemporary apartment homes in a vibrant, mixed-use setting. Designed with sustainability, comfort, and community in mind, the four-story building includes eco-conscious amenities such as energy-efficient appliances, a multi-use community center, a fitness facility, and generous storage space. A prominent ground-floor retail space adds vitality to the corner of Villard Avenue and 37th Street.

This LIHTC-financed development was delivered through a unique public-private partnership including Brinshore Development, Index Development Group, and other community-minded stakeholders. Index Development, co-founded by graduates of the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program, played a key role in the project’s community engagement and equity centered approach. Community First’s Executive Director, Rafael Garcia, contributed as a development partner through Index, continuing his mission to uplift Milwaukee neighborhoods through place-based, inclusive real estate.

Development Partners and Supporters