Lauren Miller

May 3, 2024 - 19:55 pm

Atlanta Housing Takes Home Prestigious Redevelopment Award of Excellence

ATLANTA, GA – May 3, 2024 – In a significant milestone for local affordable housing initiatives, The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) has awarded the esteemed Redevelopment Award of Excellence to James Allen Jr. Place. This recognition serves as the pinnacle of national achievement among the local affordable housing finance community. It spotlights outstanding accomplishments that include innovation and tangible positive impact within redevelopment projects in the affordable housing sector. Among the multitude of nominees, Atlanta Housing has been honored as one of the recipients of the 2024 Award of Excellence.

A Commendation for Compassionate Redefinition of Community Housing

"Receiving the Redevelopment Award of Excellence from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies deeply honors us," remarks Terri M. Lee, the esteemed President and CEO of Atlanta Housing. "Such prestigious acknowledgment reaffirms our profound dedication to addressing the critical question posed by Commissioner Allen, 'Affordable for who?' The compassionate advocacy of Commissioner Allen for our most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young adults, echoes through this recognition. Every minutiae of our redevelopment endeavors displays our commitment to safety and comfort, mirroring Commissioner Allen's fervent spirit and commitment. This accolade highlights the remarkable outcomes made possible through the synergy of public and private collaborations."

The Transformation of James Allen Jr. Place

The past year brought Atlanta Housing to the point of celebration with the culmination of a staggering $36 million refurbishment at James Allen Jr. Place, which restored affordability and accessibility of 129 apartments tailored for individuals aged 55 and above, as well as for those with disabilities. Such an ambitious undertaking was brought to fruition due to a collaborative effort between Atlanta Housing, Invest Atlanta, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Constructed in 1982, James Allen Jr. Place was subjected to rigorous renovation to elevate its standards to modern expectations and to rectify various infrastructural weaknesses. The conversion of the premises into a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) property was completed in the year 2022. Columbia Residential, through a competitive bidding process, was chosen by Atlanta Housing to revitalize and rejuvenate the building. Now, James Allen Jr. Place boasts a plethora of community conveniences, including an arts and crafts room, a movie theater, and a package center. Common spaces like the community room, laundry facility, computer lab, meeting space, and fitness center were not only enlarged but also transformed to better align with the needs of the residents. The gated entrance, resurfaced parking, brand new elevators, and a sheltered area for pick-ups and drop-offs all stand as testaments to the extensive improvements made. A standout feature of the property is the on-site primary healthcare clinic, powered by Matter Health, which provides exclusive services to the occupants, considerably advancing healthcare access and potentially enhancing health outcomes.

Recognizing the Partners in Revitalization

Columbia Residential has expressed its gratitude for being at the forefront of the redevelopment efforts alongside Atlanta Housing, Invest Atlanta, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The president of Columbia Residential, Carmen Chubb, extends her appreciation to Atlanta Housing for their vision and leadership that enabled a transformative project of this magnitude. This venture stands as an exemplary case of how public and private enterprises can unify with a focus on humanity to substantially uplift the standards of living for their constituents.

"It is without a doubt that the efforts of Invest Atlanta have to be applauded, after having been recognized by NALHFA for their excellent work on Intrada Westside," continued Lee. "We take great pride in our involvement in that project through providing 25 HomeFlex project-based vouchers, fortifying our commitment to our driving mission, which is to empower individuals through high-quality, affordable housing."

About Atlanta Housing: Paving the Way for Affordable Homeownership

Atlanta Housing (AH), under the dynamic leadership of CEO Terri M. Lee, is the primary housing authority in Georgia and ranks among the top housing authorities in the United States. As one of only 139 Moving to Work (MTW) public housing authorities in the country, AH has earned a reputation as an industry forerunner in the provision and orchestration of affordable housing resources, advocating for nearly 27,000 disadvantaged households, enveloping about 45,000 people. This encompasses AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, and also encompasses programs such as down payment assistance. AH's innovative strategies forefront their efforts to make the American dream of home ownership attainable for more residents of Atlanta. These programs are backed and supervised by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Those interested can engage with and follow the impactful work of AH through their website at atlantahousing.org, or join their growing community on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn under the handle @housingatlanta.

In conclusion, the Redevelopment Award of Excellence is more than just an accolade; it’s a symbol of Atlanta Housing's unwavering commitment to redefining affordable living spaces. Through the convergence of public and private partnerships, Atlanta Housing sets a stellar example of how to build and transform communities that not only meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of the modern age but are also imbued with care, consideration, and accessibility at their core. The reinvented James Allen Jr. Place stands as a lasting legacy to Commissioner Allen’s vision and will continue to serve the community of Atlanta with dignity and respect for years to come.

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