FORT BELVOIR, Va. – The past and the future came together on Fort Belvoir as Brig. Gen. Charles Young, an Army pioneer, was chosen to be the namesake for a privatized housing village of 200 new officers’ homes on post, during a groundbreaking ceremony March 5, 2026.
Mr. David Dentino, senior executive service, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Housing and Partnerships, said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll wants to see more homes under construction.
“The homes our Soldiers live in are a major part of them being able to do their jobs – no matter where they are,” Dentino said, adding there are about 86,000 homes managed by private companies, like The Michaels Organization.
This project adds to the more than 2,100 Fort Belvoir homes spread across 15 villages.
Dentino said growing up as a military child, he can still recall his first request while moving into a new neighborhood.
“The first thing I wanted was to unpack my bike to find out who's living next door – the cycle goes on,” Dentino said. We get to honor that cycle through the naming of this location, and the future that it's going to hold for our men and women.”
COL David Stewart, Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, highlighted the reputation of Brig. Gen. Young, as one of the most respected leaders in the Army’s history.
“After a medical board forced then COL Young into retirement, he refused to quietly step away from service. At the age of 54, he rode on horseback from Ohio to Washington, DC, more than 500 miles, to demonstrate that he was still ready to serve his country,” Stewart said. “That determination came to define his legacy, a legacy of character, commitment, service and perseverance.”
For his life-long service to the Army and the nation, Young was posthumously promoted to the honorary rank of Brigadier General in 2022.
Young Village will have 200 three- and four-bedroom spacious townhomes, with more than 2,500 square feet, each featuring a two-car garage with EV charger-ready capabilities, a private spacious balcony off the main living area and hardwood-style flooring. The neighborhood, situated next to the commissary and elementary school, will have green spaces, pocket parks and centralized playground with unique playscapes.
Young Village is the largest new housing development at Fort Belvoir since 2004.
Stewart said his time with Installation Management Command reinforced that readiness and quality of life begin at home.
“Today is more than just a groundbreaking; it's a promise kept to our service members and their families. We are not just turning dirt; this begins the foundation for 200 new homes, which represents our unwavering Army commitment of ‘People First,’” Stewart said. “A quality home is the bedrock upon which our Soldiers' readiness is built. It is a place for rest, family, and peace of mind. When we boost the quality of life, we directly support our sustainment mission, ensuring our warfighters can focus on their critical training and missions, knowing their families are well-cared for. A ready Soldier starts with a ready family, and a ready family starts at home.”
“We are extremely grateful to the Army for their continued partnership and for trusting us with the development of this new community,” said Zach Allen, Vice President of Investment Management for The Michaels Organization. “Young Village represents Michaels’ continued commitment to those who serve, and ensuring our military families have access to sustainable, high-quality housing for generations to come.”
CBG Building Company is serving as the general contractor for the new Young Village development, and Michaels Management will provide property management services. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2028.