About Us

Wabuck Development Company, Inc. is a for-profit, mission-driven corporation that that was founded by Garry D. Watkins to partner with financial institutions for the purpose of developing affordable housing across Kentucky and surrounding states. Wabuck began in 1980 by developing properties utilizing Rural Development Funds (formerly FmHA) and has long-since encompassed utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits and financing by Kentucky Housing Corporation, HUD, HOME, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, KHC Risk-Sharing and Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program Funds. To date the organization has developed approximately 4,500 units across the region utilizing a wide source of funding.

Wabuck Development Company has taken a conservative and responsible approach in its development activities; the organization has never undertaken a project that it has not successfully completed. The quality of our work is evident and we have earned the respect and recognition of our peers and the partners with whom we have collaborated on our developments.

Throughout the years, Wabuck has developed the expertise, innovation, creativity and knowledge that successful developments in today’s society demand.

Our Mission

The development of quality, safe, decent, affordable housing and social models which will enhance the standard of living for those in need.

Our GOal

To provide housing accommodation for the elderly, low to moderate-income families and individuals, the handicapped and those with special needs.

Our Strategy

By improving the lives of those around us, we fulfill a Christian responsibility of helping mankind.

As Wabuck has evolved, we have also developed specialized social models which offer services to specific targeted distressed populations. We developed and constructed a 100 bed Recovery Kentucky Governor’s initiative in Henderson, Kentucky which assists low-income and homeless women suffering from substance abuse. This facility opened it’s doors in July 2007 and is now at full capacity having already successfully graduated many individuals through the recovery program. This initiative involves a long-term live-in residential self-help program based on the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous. We are currently beginning construction on 2 family affordable housing developments in Henderson which will assist the population exiting from the Recovery Program with permanent or transitional housing needs for themselves and their families.

We, here at Wabuck, are very proud of all our developments, as we have a commitment to excellence and to serve our fellow man. As our organization continues to evolve with these changing times, our mission remains constant; to develop safe, decent, affordable housing to help improve the lives of those in need.

Awards And Achievements

1994 - Presented the annual achievement award by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati for its work in affordable housing.

1998 - Presented the Governor’s Housing Award for Excellence by a For Profit Developer from Kentucky Housing Corporation

May 2007 - Garry Watkins Inducted into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Hall of Fame

2009 - Nomination in Affordable Housing Finance Magazine for Development of the Year in Its Class and Best Overall Development

2009 - Listed as one of the Top 50 Developers of Affordable Housing in our Nation by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine

2010 - Award of Excellence in Housing for the Bowling Green Scholar House by Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing

2014 - Award of Excellence in Housing for the Cottages of Mechanicsville by Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing

Meet Our Team

Our team is comprised of passionate individuals with the development and construction experience to make us leaders in the affordable housing industry.

We value all opportunities to bring visions and goals for housing to life.