Fall 2025 Monday Bootcamp 1.0 Maplewood Residential Development Affordable and Spacious Housing
Project Owner: Trey Jackson
Email: treyajackson3@gmail.com
Maplewood Residential Development is a mission driven startup focused on solving one of Appalachia’s most urgent problems, which is the lack of affordable, spacious housing for working families. In many rural counties throughout the Appalachian region, traditional site-built homes are simply out of financial reach for most residents. High construction costs, limited financing options, and outdated inventory have created systemic barriers to homeownership. Maplewood seeks to break those barriers by delivering modern, high quality manufactured and modular homes at a fraction of the traditional cost.
Our housing model is built around one core principle, to deliver more space and value per dollar. While site built homes in Kentucky average around $160 per square foot, our homes are designed and delivered for under $100 per square foot, including setup, land prep, permits, and basic infrastructure. This allows us to offer a 2,000-square-foot home for less than $200,000, compared to the regional average of $320,000 for a similar-sized home. This $120,000 difference is transformative for Appalachian families, many of whom earn less than the national median income. Each Maplewood home will feature five bedrooms, three bathrooms, spacious living areas, and front and back wooden decks. With 2,001 square feet of interior space, these homes are specifically designed to meet the needs of growing families. Our properties are not only affordable, but also thoughtfully constructed to provide comfort, livability, and long-term stability. Our target market includes families across Eastern Kentucky and other underserved Appalachian counties who need space, reliability, and affordability. These are regions where nearly 2.5 million residents live in rural, non-metropolitan areas. Many of these individuals face persistent challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage or finding a home that meets both their spatial and financial needs. Our model is tailored to directly serve that population. We anticipate selling these homes for approximately $180,000 to $190,000, creating a profit margin between 30 and 35 percent. Our value proposition is straightforward, we offer nearly identical square footage to high-end homes at a cost that aligns with Appalachian wages. In one example, our all-in development cost of $140,000 would result in a projected profit of $45,000 per home, while still remaining below local average listing prices by nearly $70 per square foot.
As the team leader, I bring a unique blend of practical experience and academic training. I am a licensed real estate sales agent and have worked in real estate marketing for the past three years, contributing to over $60 million in closed residential and commercial sales. I am currently completing undergrad at the University of the Cumberlands and hold certificates in Market Research (UC Davis) and Project Management (University of Colorado Boulder). These qualifications enable me to lead this project from both a business and operational perspective. Initial startup funds will be secured through an SBA loan or private lender, supplemented by personal investment. The estimated loan amount needed to launch is $120,000. Construction timelines are streamlined and target a 90-day turnaround from land prep to listing. I am proud to lead this effort and ready to make a lasting impact across Appalachia. Thank you for your consideration, and I am incredibly excited about the chance to participate!
