WASHINGTON, D.C. — UMH Properties, Inc. participated in the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development’s Innovative Housing Showcase, which took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from Sunday, September 7, through Tuesday, September 9. The exhibit spotlighted three manufactured model homes, demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing affordable housing through innovation and sustainable development.
The event, hosted annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), highlighted emerging trends in construction, design, and housing delivery. As one of the participants, UMH Properties featured an interactive display that offered a hands-on experience with modern manufactured home living.
UMH Properties’ participation in the Innovative Housing Showcase reflected its ongoing effort to deliver practical, forward-thinking housing solutions to both urban and rural communities. The exhibit demonstrated how manufactured homes function as a reliable and accessible alternative to site-built housing.
Increasing Access to Affordable Housing in Washington, D.C.
The event came at a time when affordable housing remained a top priority for federal and local agencies. Rising housing costs and limited availability prompted renewed interest in alternative housing models. UMH’s exhibit was designed to raise awareness about the capabilities of modern manufactured homes, helping to fill this gap.
The showcased home on the National Mall included full-size rooms, contemporary finishes, and energy-efficient technologies. The intent was to dispel outdated stereotypes about manufactured housing and highlight how today’s designs can match, and exceed, site-built housing in both quality and affordability.
UMH’s homes offered scalable housing opportunities for municipalities, developers, and residents seeking cost-effective pathways to homeownership. The company’s inclusion in this event positioned its model at the forefront of housing innovation.
Spotlight on Innovative Housing Technologies
UMH’s display contributed to the broader focus of the event on innovative housing technologies. The showcase featured prototype structures, building systems, and construction materials intended to streamline the building process while lowering costs and environmental impact.
As part of its exhibit, UMH also highlighted its partnership with GAF Energy, showcasing its solar shingle roofing product. This integrated system is installed during factory construction, helping to reduce on-site installation time and long-term energy costs. By featuring this solution, UMH emphasized the potential for factory-installed solar to make renewable energy more affordable and accessible for homeowners.
Through its exhibit, UMH demonstrated how manufactured housing integrates factory precision, speed of delivery, and energy-efficient materials to address the dual challenges of cost and availability. In an urban context like Washington, D.C., these efficiencies translated into quicker project timelines and more equitable access to housing.
The exhibit was located between the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. You can find the exact GPS location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/74ECxgV6buyKBqdr5.
UMH Properties Exhibit Highlighted Community Benefits
The UMH Properties exhibit was designed to offer a realistic, walk-through experience of a fully built manufactured home, including the kitchen, living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms. This immersive format allowed attendees, including policymakers, planners, and the general public, to explore the construction quality, space optimization, and livability of a modern manufactured home.
With its long-standing focus on community building, UMH utilized durable materials, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful layouts to support the long-term satisfaction of its residents. The company emphasized that its homes are not temporary solutions but permanent housing assets that can serve individuals for generations.
Manufactured Homes in Washington, D.C.: A Scalable Solution
While zoning and space limitations have historically restricted the deployment of manufactured homes in the nation’s capital, the showcase allowed for an open dialogue about how policy and planning can evolve to support broader adoption. Manufactured housing played a crucial role in addressing urban housing shortages, particularly in areas facing growing pressure from gentrification and population growth.
UMH’s participation in the showcase aligned with a national conversation on how alternative housing models can supplement, rather than replace, existing frameworks. The goal was to provide multiple pathways to stability, affordability, and homeownership.
About UMH Properties, Inc.
UMH Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership and operation of manufactured home communities. Since 1968, UMH has expanded its portfolio to multiple states, offering high-quality, affordable housing solutions. With a focus on resident satisfaction, sustainable development, and long-term community investment, UMH continues to play a vital role in the future of American housing. For more information, please visit umh.com, call 1-800-504-0670, or email [email protected].
