Celebrating New Beginnings: WHFH Ribbon Cutting Marks Major Milestone in Campus Redevelopment
June 12th, 2025
Under sunny June skies in West Hartford, West Hartford Fellowship Housing (WHFH) celebrated a major milestone in its multi-phase redevelopment with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase I of its campus transformation.
This project, for which Construction Solutions Group (CSG) proudly served as Owner’s Project Manager, is the first step in a visionary plan that will ultimately bring 300 new or renovated affordable housing units to low-income seniors and disabled residents.
The event underscored local, state, and federal partnership and collective effort required to make this long-standing vision a reality.
WHFH Board President Keith Robertson opened the ceremony, reflecting on the decade-long journey and the organization’s guiding belief: that everyone deserves the comfort, dignity, and security of a home. He also noted the progress ahead, with Phase II poised to deliver an additional 77 new units.
Speakers included Rob Michalik of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno of the Connecticut Department of Housing, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Derek Slap, Representative Jillian Gilchrest, and Mayor Shari Cantor — whose decades of public service were honored with the unveiling of the newly named Shari G. Cantor Community Room.
Their remarks underscored a consistent theme: the importance of preserving and reimagining housing as an essential part of community well-being, especially in desirable, inclusive places like West Hartford.
Senator Slap and Representative Gilchrest addressed Connecticut’s broader housing crisis, reminding the audience of the urgent need for 300,000 housing units across the state, while uplifting WHFH as a model for community-driven solutions. A heartfelt highlight of the event showcased resident video testimonials, capturing emotional reactions as seniors stepped into their new apartments for the first time.
Leon Davidoff, WHFH board member, called the project one of the most meaningful professional accomplishments of his career. CEO Mark Garilli, formerly a project executive at CSG, closed the program with a reminder of WHFH’s mission-driven culture, captured in two simple but powerful words: Be kind. He praised the 6 days a week, 18-month effort of Haynes Construction and its subcontractors, whose tireless dedication brought Paul B. Bailey Architect's design and the organization's vision a reality.
As Phase I residents settle into their new homes, WHFH is just a few thousand dollars away from meeting its $100,000 fundraising goal — a testament to the deep generosity and shared belief in the power of home.
The celebration concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, refreshments, and a shared sense of pride in what’s been accomplished — and what’s still to come.
