DHIC Newsletter: April-May 2015

Washington Terrace Planning Underway

Originally built in 1950 and purchased by DHIC in 2014, Washington Terrace features 245 apartment homes and sits on 25-acres east of downtown Raleigh and adjacent to St. Augustine’s University.  Over the next several years, DHIC will redevelop the property to expand new opportunities for better quality affordable housing and access to services.

DHIC has secured the expertise of seasoned professionals to assist with community engagement and to undertake master planning design work. Redevelopment will happen methodically and features numerous opportunities for residents to share their thoughts in the coming months.

Once planning is complete, we expect that our plan will include the development of 300-400 new homes and supporting uses such as a clubhouse, playgrounds, community gardens, and facilities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle.  DHIC’s first priority will be to build new, affordable, energy efficient homes for the households that currently call Washington Terrace home.

Initial design master planning is underway thanks to a generous kickoff grant of $150,000 from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, which invests in distressed areas to help stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods. Similarly, Enterprise Community Partners awarded DHIC a $35,000 grant to incorporate green design principles and best practices in the master plan for redevelopment.

The City of Raleigh is also a key partner, initially providing a $2.1 million loan to assist DHIC in purchasing the property. The City will participate in planning to promote diverse housing options that link to high-impact community services.

We encourage residents and key stakeholders to contribute their ideas at the next set of workshops May 19-21. Learn more about this development.

New Look Reflects New Era

You’ve probably noticed a new look for DHIC. At our 40th celebration last winter, we unveiled our new logo and tagline. This makeover pays homage to our established values of integrity, accountability, leadership and inclusiveness, and ushers us into a new era of providing housing opportunities for a growing population of seniors and working families throughout the region. DHIC was originally conceived in 1974 by then Raleigh Mayor Clarence Lightner to “help people with low incomes find housing.”

Forty years later, we’ve built or rehabbed 350 single-family homes and developed 37 rental communities across eight North Carolina counties, featuring 2,200 beautiful, affordable apartments for seniors, families and individuals with modest incomes. DHIC is responsible for nearly $60 million in direct investment in Southeast Raleigh alone.

Upon closer look at our new mark, you will see a fresh design with upward momentum that is more representative of our work today and the future of the organization. Combined with a new tagline, DHIC is positioned to build on our legacy of housing success.

We will further our mission to enhance neighborhoods and create housing stability for families in our community. We welcome you on this journey!

Willow Creek to Offer Much-Needed Senior Housing

Affordable housing for seniors is in critical short supply in Wake County. We’re doing our part as we pass the midway point of building the Willow Creek community in Cary off Davis Drive.

Scheduled to open in August, Willow Creek will offer 53 one- and two-bedroom rental apartments for adults age 55 and over.

We understand the importance of diverse, affordable housing options throughout all points of the region, including Cary. This community will feature amenities that older adult residents can look forward to, including space where friends and neighbors can gather. Some of those amenities include: a fitness facility, community dining and activities area, covered picnic areas and outdoor porches and patios.

DHIC has contracted Community Management Company (CMC) to oversee lease-up and manage ongoing operations. To inquire about applying, please contact CMC at (919) 981-0060, or email. You can also learn more about Willow Creek here.

Downtown Raleigh Gets Modern Housing

DHIC is excited to be nearing the finish line on The Ten at South Person St. This urban infill project offers 10 townhomes with clean, modern lines and eco-friendly features inside and out.  This long-vacant corner in the Price Hall Historic District of downtown Raleigh will buzz with new residents and activity this summer.

The Ten offers market-rate housing for buyers looking for new construction choices in downtown Raleigh. It sold out within a few weeks of being introduced to the market. Three units are under contract to moderate-income families who qualify for the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s Home Advantage downpayment assistance program.

Next time you’re on Person Street, just a few blocks southeast of downtown, take a look at what we’re developing on this corner. We think you’ll enjoy seeing this unique structure progress.

 Arming Consumers with Valuable Education and Resources

At the DHIC Homeownership Center, our goal is to help first-time homebuyers develop and implement a homeownership plan tailored to their individual needs and circumstances, and to help families at-risk of losing their home secure their future.

To learn more about our our monthly homebuyer workshops or to set up an appointment to meet with an experienced advisor, call (919) 832.4345 x 5 or click here.

Video Celebrates 40 Years of History

Please take the opportunity to view our short film about DHIC’s history and impact. With a unique documentary narrative, this 10 minute film captures the legacy of our founders and key supporters.  You’ll hear compelling stories that spotlight DHIC’s leadership role in the ever-changing landscape of housing in Raleigh over the past 40 years. The film includes powerful stories from area homeowners and residents who share the importance of DHIC’s commitment to affordable housing.