O'Reilly Development, Catholic Charities to break ground on Mount Vernon project

Last edited 2:21 p.m., Oct. 18, 2023 [A clarifier has been added for the townhome style.]

A Springfield development company and nonprofit are partnering on a new housing community in Mount Vernon.

O’Reilly Development Co. LLC and Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri have scheduled an Oct. 23 groundbreaking ceremony for Mountaintop Homes, a community designed for homeless and at-risk veterans, as well as families of varying incomes, according to a news release.

"We're grateful for partnerships like this that are crucial in addressing a known national public policy issue locally," Catholic Charities CEO Ken Palermo said in the release. "The housing model planned for this project focuses on affordable housing while offering supportive stability for residents and the Mount Vernon community."

Mountaintop Homes calls for three residential buildings and one office and community facility – 43,000 square feet in all – and of the 42 residential townhomes planned, the developers say eight will be set aside for veterans and their families who are at risk of homelessness. The project is designed with a two-level townhouse model.

The 11.4-acre project site at 1516 S. McCanse St. is located north of Interstate 44 near the Mount Vernon City Cemetery and the Missouri Veterans Commission facility.

O'Reilly Build LLC is serving as general contractor and SWD Architects as project architect, according to the release. Other companies involved include Great Southern Bank, lender and investor, Sugar Creek Capital, investor, and HRMS Management, operations and property management. Catholic Charities will serve as housing resource coordinator. The project additionally utilizes state and federal low-income housing tax credits.

"We are thankful for the valuable resources and programs that Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri will bring to the Mountaintop Homes community, through their robust capabilities, expertise and focused approach," said Denise Heintz, co-founder and chief operating officer of O’Reilly Development, in the release. "Together, we aim to deliver an exceptional residential experience where people matter most.”