Mayor LaFrance and ACDA announce builder for Microunit Recovery Residences project

 Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) are pleased to announce that Visser Construction has been selected to design and build 24 microunits on municipal land located near the Elmore Permit Center.

The Microunits for Recovery Residences project is a key element of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s Homelessness and Health Strategy. This innovative transitional housing project, done in partnership between ACDA and the Municipality of Anchorage, will help address Anchorage’s need for transitional housing options for people experiencing homelessness who are seeking treatment for substance misuse.

The contractor was selected through a competitive process and the contract is subject to final approval by the ACDA Board of Directors at its August board meeting.

“The proposals we received demonstrated creativity, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing housing solutions for our community,” said Mike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA. “We look forward to moving this important project forward for the Municipality of Anchorage.”

The selected proposal includes the construction of 24 microunits with supporting infrastructure and utility connections, with a goal to be fully operational and available for occupancy by October 15, 2025.

“These microunits will be a vital bridge to stability for people as they transition out of homelessness,” said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. “This pilot project exemplifies Anchorage's commitment to finding innovative solutions for homelessness and the substance use epidemic. It’s clear that making real progress requires all of us working together, committed to trying out new ideas and finding effective solutions.”

The Municipality will choose a site operator for the Recovery Residences through a competitive contracting process in the coming weeks. This pilot project will serve as a model for low-cost, low-barrier transitional housing that can be replicated by other groups in the community.

"I'm excited to see these kinds of partnerships come together and for Midtown to play a key role, as it has for years, towards finding creative solutions to address our community’s challenges," said Assembly Member Felix Rivera, who represents District 4 and co-created the former Complex Behavioral Health Community Task Force.

The microunit project was first identified by this taskforce in 2023. Mayor LaFrance’s team researched successful projects operating in other communities and in Anchorage.