When Thrive Collaborative first imagined Veridian, they weren’t just planning another housing development. They were designing a new way of living with a community centered on regeneration, restoration, and sustainability that would benefit people at all income levels.

The journey began in 2016 when Washtenaw County sought a higher purpose for land once occupied by an abandoned youth prison. Thrive Collaborative envisioned transforming the space into a model for affordable, sustainable housing, aligned with the county’s environmental and social goals. At Veridian, there are no gas lines, renewable energy drives mobility, and healthy food and social well-being are at the heart of community life. Creativity and compassion became guiding values, and connectivity soon became just as vital as clean power.

Bridging the Digital Divide

From the very beginning, Thrive Collaborative recognized the impact of the digital divide. Founder Matt Grocoff was concerned about how telecom monopolies limited access for low-income households. “Good internet shouldn’t just be a luxury for the wealthy,” he explained.  From there, a search for a connectivity partner as sustainable and equitable as the community itself began.

Why 123NET?

Building an entirely new community meant that Veridian’s needs went beyond standard service. They required:

  • Integration with renewable energy systems like virtual power plants, solar panels, and batteries.
  • A single, flexible billing structure that would cover the entire neighborhood.
  • Local Support for affordable housing residents with internet service provided at no cost.

123NET stepped in with a tailored solution that worked not only for the homeowners, but also for Avalon Housing, which manages The Grove, Veridian’s affordable housing component. Today, every part of Veridian-Terrace Homes, Trillium Lofts, Park Homes, and The Grove, enjoys reliable connectivity under one streamlined system.

The Impact on Residents

Since going live, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents throughout the Veridian Community now enjoy fast, reliable internet that keeps up with their daily lives from remote work and online learning to streaming and connecting with loved ones.

Families say it’s made a real difference. Students can complete homework without interruptions, professionals can confidently work from home, and seniors are staying more connected than ever.

In The Grove, where service is provided at no cost, residents have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the same high-quality connectivity as their neighbors. For many, this isn’t just about faster speeds, it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment.

High-speed internet has quickly become more than a convenience; it’s a vital tool that supports education, employment, and connection across the entire community.

For Grocoff and the Thrive Collaborative team, it’s simple: “123NET gave us the flexibility and support we needed to bring our vision to life of affordable and reliable internet.”