By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
Ground has been broken on a new workforce housing development in Thomas. Blackwater Ridge has broken ground on “The Rapids Apartments,” designed to bring an additional 20 affordable housing units to the Thomas area. Completion of initial units is expected as soon as late summer 2026.
The housing complex is designed to include 14 one-bedroom apartments, including two ADA-accessible units, with rents of approximately $850 per month with utilities included. Six, two-bedroom apartments with rents of approximately $975 per month with utilities included are also slated to be in the project, as well.
“This project represents a major step forward in addressing the housing challenges facing our community,” Blake Truman, CEO of Blackwater Ridge said. “We are expanding our footprint to create housing opportunities for the local workforce. With the growth of short-term rentals in the area, it has become increasingly difficult for residents to find reliable long-term housing.”
Blackwater Ridge also stated that as part of its mission to serve the area workforce, there will be a portion of the units reserved for those individuals or households who earn 80% or less of the area median income, in order to help address a critical shortage of attainable housing in the region.
The project is being constructed on Blackwater Ridge’s existing 35-acre campus, located approximately one mile west of downtown Thomas. The Rapids Apartments complex will be available to adults of all ages and is designed to complement the organization’s existing housing portfolio, which includes units designed for older residents, the organization said.
The Pines at Blackwater Ridge is an existing development that offers Condos and duplexes to those ages 55 and over. The facility offers lawn care and snow removal, as well as 24 hour fire and emergency health monitoring, community and social events and priority access to the adjacent skilled nursing facility.
Pineview Apartments are an existing development on the 35-acre wooded campus that offer one-bedroom rentals to those 62 years of age and older or disabled (regardless of age.) The apartments feature independent living options with a range of services designed to meet the needs of its residents as health or lifestyle needs change. These apartments are also subsidized for low-income residents.
The 35-acre campus is also home to Mountain Top Clinic with a pharmacy and dental services provided through Preston-Taylor Community Health. The site also offers residents access to a large on-site greenhouse where vegetables, flowers and herbs are grown.
Blackwater Ridge was formerly known as the Cortland Acres Association and transitioned its mission following the sale in 2024 of its nursing home and rehabilitation center operations. It retained the residential housing assets and focused on expanding affordable housing options for the area. The organization said that the proceeds from the sale of the nursing facility are being reinvested directly into developments like The Rapids Apartments.
“This is just the beginning,” Truman said. “We are committed to continuing our efforts to bring sustainable, affordable housing to Tucker County and support the long-term vitality of our community.”
For more information on The Rapids Apartments or any of Blackwater Ridge’s other housing projects, go to www.blackwaterridge.org email: blake@blackwaterridge.org or call 681-228-9078.
