For many Chattanoogans, buying a brand-new home can feel out of reach, but a new South Chattanooga development could help change that.

Somerville Cottages is bringing 160 homes to a 10-acre site at West 35th Street near St. Elmo. The $65 million project is designed as a “cottage court” community, with homes centered around shared green spaces and front porches that encourage interaction with neighbors.

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Homes will have one of six floor plans ranging from 640 to 1,400 sqft. Prices start at $219,000, and buyers may also qualify for zero-down-payment loans or up to $15,000 in down payment assistance.

“We wanted to build something close to downtown that first-time buyers could actually afford,” said Adam Kinsey, president of The Kinsey Company development firm.

Thirteen homes have been completed so far, with three sold and three under contract. The development is expected to be completed in three to four years.