The 16 Mills project has taken a vacant lot near the village of Newcastle, and provided 16 new units of housing within walking distance of local amenities. Two of the Dooryard 8-unit buildings were used, both with gable roofs that respond to the local architecture of the community. A key feature of the project was retaining the existing street trees located along Mills Road, to maintain the tree canopy and help soften the new buildings. The two buildings were pulled close to the street, with front porches and stoops, to help foster connection between new and old neighbors.

The project was permitted in 15 days under Newcastle’s form-based code. This project took a year to complete, from closing on financing to certificate of occupancy, with delays caused by winter conditions and other factors.