A cluster of renaissance homes lay dormant in Talo'fo'fo'.  But the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority is hoping to revive them, so they can be turned into affordable housing.

The five Talo'fo'fo' units are part of the other renaissance homes in Malesso, Dededo, and Yigo, originally used as staff housing for the Guam Department of Education built between the 1960's and 1970's.

GHURA chief planner Katherine Taitano shared, “The intention was to renovate them and put them back into service—we’ve successfully been able to do so— but not without learning a little bit about exactly the nature of being able to repair buildings as old as that.”  

The aging buildings in God’s Country falling into disrepair, leaving it inhabitable for some time. And with the units in Malesso, Dededo, and Yigo seeing repair, Taitano added, “But when it came down to it, additional monies were not able to extend to be able to cover Talofofo."

Still, despite hiccups with funding, GHURA is determined not to leave the Talofofo homes out this time. “That does not relieve us of the opportunity to bring it back into service, as housing is in such great need for everybody—whether you’re north to south, we don’t have enough affordable housing…and that’s what this effort is right now, is to bring them into compliance, so one way or another, they will be used as affordable housing," she said.

Using non-federal funds, plans are underway to repair the five home's existing roof concrete spalls, removal of existing electrical work, and renovation of all five homes — raking in at an estimated cost of $346,870.81.

Meanwhile, as GHURA officials expect to run into delays with permitting, the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.