The City of Prosser’s Housing Density Incentive Program helps to create new homes in Merlot Meadows priced for local workforce.

Prosser, Wash., Nov. 6, 2025 – Hayden Homes is proud to announce the public groundbreaking celebration of Merlot Meadows, a new community in Prosser, was on-site at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Located just west of Prosser Memorial Hospital, Merlot Meadows will feature 165 new detached single-family homes ranging from 1,000 to 2,211 square feet, with prices starting at $284,990—more than $130,000 below Benton County’s current median home price of $416,000 (Zillow ZHVI, September 2025). The community will play a significant role in helping to address Benton County’s ongoing housing shortage.

Merlot Meadows is made possible through the City of Prosser’s updated High Density Incentive Program (HDIP). First launched in 2018 and revised in 2025, the HDIP has been instrumental in supporting market-rate affordability for low-, moderate-, and middle-income earners in Benton County. As part of the program, Hayden Homes will develop and sell four deed-restricted affordable homes for households earning 80% of the area median income (AMI), with restrictions remaining in place for 20 years.

“Prosser’s housing density incentive program is an active tool for Prosser to encourage denser residential development and the creation of more affordable units,” said Gary Vegar, Mayor of Prosser. “By helping to reduce land cost burdens, the City intends to stimulate housing supply and in turn make homes more affordable to our local households of all income levels–creating a stronger community and economy for us all.”

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Benton County’s area median income for a family of four is $105,600. Housing is considered affordable if a household spends no more than 30% of income on housing costs—equating to an affordable home price of $351,728. With homes in Merlot Meadows starting under $285,000, households earning 65% of AMI ($68,640 annually and above) can achieve homeownership in Merlot Meadows.

“At Hayden Homes, our philosophy is to Give As You Go™ so that together we build a strong community where we can all live fulfilled lives,” said Rees Wasney, regional vice president of Hayden Homes. “We are grateful to the City of Prosser for supporting economic development and access to housing that local families and workers can afford. When cities like Prosser pass pro-housing policies, builders like us can achieve price points that allow more community members to achieve the dream and stability of homeownership.”

Mayor Vegar, other local leaders, and representatives from the Prosser Chamber of Commerce will join Hayden Homes for the November 12 groundbreaking celebration. Community members and media are also invited to attend. The event will include complimentary lunch and refreshments, fun giveaways, first looks at community home plans, and networking opportunities. Hayden Homes will also present a donation to the Prosser High School Booster Club in support of its youth sports programs.

Several community partners — including First Story, the non-profit founded by Hayden Homes in 1998 to provide homeownership opportunities for families across the Northwest, will collaborate to deliver the four deed-restricted affordable homes. First Story’s first home in Merlot Meadows will be completed in 2026, with details on homebuyer qualifications and applications to be released in December 2025.

Close to local schools, parks, and everyday amenities, Merlot Meadows offers an ideal setting for professionals such as nurses, teachers and first responders. Potential homebuyers looking to own a thoughtfully designed home will find the location convenient for families, seniors and members of the regional workforce. Merlot Meadows is now taking reservations for available homes, with move-ins beginning in 2026.

Interested homebuyers can visit Hayden Homes’ website to learn more about Merlot Meadows and to join a growing interest list to be among the first to hear when homes become available for sale.

GROUNDBREAKING EVENT DETAILS

● Merlot Meadows Community Groundbreaking

● 12 p.m., Wednesday Nov. 12

● Directions: From I-82 E, Take Exit 80 for Gap Rd towards Prosser. Turn Left on Gap Rd, Right onto W Johnson Rd, Right onto N Wamba Rd, then right into the community at Voyager Ave

About Hayden Homes: Established in Redmond, Oregon in 1989, Hayden Homes has provided over 27,000 new homes to price-conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Hayden Homes continues to be the largest privately-owned new home builder in the Pacific Northwest. Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go™, so together we build a strong community, and lead fulfilled lives. Hayden Homes has contributed $7.1 billion to local economies and has created more than 99,000 jobs since the company’s inception. Hayden Homes supports philanthropic efforts in the communities in which they build and have contributed more than $80 million in charitable donations with the flagship of their giving through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, First Story. To date, First Story has provided over 120 families throughout the Pacific Northwest with an affordable home and a first step toward financial freedom. The Hayden Homes brand family of companies includes Simplicity by Hayden Homes, Wise Size Homes and Hayden Homes, all providing an unparalleled selection of opportunities for those looking to purchase a new home.