Solar Champion Stories

New Chapter for Affordable Living in Salem, Massachusetts

There are some big happenings close to ReVision’s Massachusetts branch! Construction on Leefort Terrace, made up of 124 affordable homes on Salem’s waterfront, is now complete. Community-centered, climate-resilient housing – it's a win for everyone, bringing together sustainability, accessibility, and long-term affordability for Salem.

From Vision to Reality

1780700234493.jpgOriginally launched through a partnership between Callahan Construction Managers and Beacon Communities, Leefort Terrace was conceived as a full redevelopment of an aging residential site on Salem Neck. The completed community replaces outdated garden-style apartments with a modern, energy-efficient building, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes designed to meet the needs of individuals, families, and seniors. It’s both affordable AND forward-thinking.

Located in a coastal floodplain, the development was engineered to withstand the impacts of the climate crisis. The new buildings are built to exceed projected 2070 floodplain levels and meet the rigorous energy efficiency standards required of Certified Passive House buildings. With all-electric systems, EV chargers, and lots of bicycle parking, the completed development decreases the community’s carbon footprint while reducing long-term costs for residents.

Powering the Future with Rooftop Solar

1780700233756.jpgReVision's Employee-Owner Jen Stevenson Zepeda visits the array. A key feature of Leefort Terrace’s sustainability strategy is its rooftop solar installation, designed to deliver both environmental and economic impact. The system includes a 146.8 kW array made up of 277 Silfab solar panels, mounted on Ecolibrium racking, and powered by SolarEdge inverters.

This system is expected to generate approximately 164,925 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the total energy use of several homes. That production translates to about 40 metric tons of carbon emissions avoided each year. A meaningful contribution to reducing the community’s carbon footprint while helping stabilize energy costs for residents.

True Affordability in Action

All 124 homes in Leefort Terrace are income-restricted, with many supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and rental assistance programs, allowing residents to pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent.  

Leefort Terrace is more than just housing; it creates a place where people can connect, recharge, and feel at home. Residents have access to a fully equipped fitness center, community and wellness spaces, shared outdoor areas with gardens and gathering spaces, computer stations, and other resources.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

The completion of Leefort Terrace demonstrates what’s possible when public and private partners come together with a shared mission: to create housing that is accessible, resilient, and built with people in mind.

As residents move in and the community comes to life, Leefort Terrace stands as a powerful example of how we can address housing challenges while planning responsibly for the future.