The Michaels Organization, a national leader in residential real estate that manages the privatized housing for servicemembers and their families on the U.S. Army Garrison, Presidio of Monterey, celebrated the grand opening of the new Lower Stilwell neighborhood with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
“Today marks nearly a decade of planning and resourcing by Army officials and their partners at The Michaels Organization and the Parks at Monterey Bay. I’d like to thank all the people and community members who’ve worked on this project to get us here today,” said U.S. Army Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander, Col. Sam Kline. “This modern environmentally friendly community will provide an outstanding quality of life for our junior enlisted service members and their families. 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 44-acre $80 million development replaces 180 unrenovated legacy homes built in 1959 that were demolished in 2020. In their place, Lower Stilwell now comprises 108 three- and four-bedroom single-family and duplex-style units. Units feature stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, ceramic-tiled bathroom floors and showers, water-saving fixtures, and energy-conserving Nest thermostats.
“Michaels is honored to house heroes and serve their families,” said Adam Hay, Michaels’ Regional Vice President. “The new homes in the Lower Stilwell development represent our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for our service members by ensuring they not only have a modern, safe and secure place to call home, but also one that incorporates the latest in sustainable energy-efficient design.”
Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who represents California’s 19th District, was among the distinguished speakers at the ceremony.
“Due to their service to our nation, the least that we can do for our servicemembers and their families is provide them with the peace of mind of quality, and affordable housing,” said Rep. Panetta. “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. 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.”
Homes at Lower Stilwell are solar-ready and have been designed to meet Federal Title 24, CAL-GREEN, and LEED “Silver” standards. The new homes will also be entirely electric, with no gas infrastructure or appliances – the first of its kind in the history of military housing in Monterey.
Additionally, Lower Stilwell will also provide community amenities for residents including a fitness trail with exercise stations, a common area park complete with a playground, picnic pavilion, cornhole and bocce ball courts, and hammock seating.
