Kathy Leipsitz built her career on a clear belief: housing should offer dignity, stability,
and pride for the people who call it home. As the owner and driving force behind
Shelborne Development, she has dedicated much of her professional life to restoring
historic buildings that have stood vacant for decades and transforming them into high-
quality affordable housing.
Her work combines preservation, development, and community revitalization. Through
thoughtful planning and careful restoration, Kathy brings neglected properties back to
life while creating safe and beautiful homes for families. The result is housing that
serves residents while strengthening the neighborhoods around it.
Kathy began her development career in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At the time,
many communities held strong stigmas toward low-income housing. She often saw
families living in poor conditions simply because financial resources were limited. Those
experiences shaped her sense of purpose. She wanted every resident—regardless of
income—to feel pride in their home and community.
Her personal life also influenced that commitment. When Kathy was twelve years old,
her father became permanently disabled. The sudden change created financial
challenges for her family and exposed her to the realities many households face when
income becomes uncertain. The experience helped shape her understanding of how
stable housing can affect a family’s security and well-being.
Through Shelborne Development, Kathy focuses on restoring historic properties using
the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. This approach allows older buildings to be
carefully rehabilitated and adapted for modern residential use while maintaining their
architectural character. Many of the structures she redevelops had remained empty for
years before being transformed into vibrant housing communities.
Residents in these developments benefit from homes designed with comfort and quality
in mind. Renovated apartments often include modern features such as granite
countertops and energy-efficient stainless steel appliances. Families pay rents that
match their income levels, with most households spending about thirty percent of their
income on housing and utilities. Typically, residents earn between twenty and sixty
percent of the area median income, allowing them to live in safe and attractive homes
while maintaining financial stability.
Beyond the homes themselves, Kathy’s work reflects a broader commitment to
community impact. Shelborne Development operates with a mission to create affordable
and energy-efficient housing while strengthening the neighborhoods it serves. Each
project is designed not only to provide housing but also to support long-term community
stability and economic growth.
The affordable housing and historic rehabilitation industry plays an important role in
addressing housing challenges across the United States. Many cities face rising

housing costs at the same time that historic buildings sit vacant and underused.
Restoring these properties requires patience, creativity, and coordination among
developers, investors, government agencies, and community partners.
Projects often involve complex funding structures and regulatory requirements.
Programs such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit help make these developments
financially possible by attracting investment while ensuring that housing remains
affordable for qualifying residents.
Under Kathy’s leadership, Shelborne Development works closely with local
organizations, neighborhood groups, and residents to understand the needs of each
community. The company follows Section 3 guidelines, which focus on creating
employment opportunities for local residents. This approach encourages participation
and helps build trust between development teams and the communities they serve.
Shelborne also participates in neighborhood initiatives that support safety and
beautification. These efforts strengthen community pride and help create stable living
environments for residents.
Quality remains central to every Shelborne project. The company frequently develops
housing that exceeds the quality found in nearby housing stock. This commitment helps
restore pride among residents while encouraging improvements in surrounding
properties.
Shelborne Development continues to pursue complex redevelopment projects that
many developers avoid. By focusing on livability, durability, and community value, the
company works to ensure that each development supports lasting neighborhood
revitalization.
Through her leadership, Kathy Leipsitz demonstrates how thoughtful development can
preserve historic buildings, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen the
communities where people live