Revitalization of The Park at Oaklawn Earns ‘Pillars of the Industry’ Finalist Honors from NAHB

Former Crime-Ridden Projects Now a National Model for Affordable Housing

Former Crime-Ridden Projects Now a National Model for Affordable Housing

Charlotte, N.C., March 14, 2005 – The Park at Oaklawn, a revitalization of the former Fairview Homes public housing project a mile north of uptown Charlotte, has been named one of four national finalists for the 2005 Pillars of the Industry Award in the category of affordable housing.

Presented by the National Association of Homebuilders, the Pillars are considered the most prestigious awards in the multifamily industry, honoring excellence in development, design, marketing and management. Winners will be announced in April.

Developed through a partnership between Crosland, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership and the Charlotte Housing Authority, with funds from HOPE VI, the city of Charlotte, and federal and state housing tax credits, The Park at Oaklawn includes 178 affordable garden and townhome-style apartments. The apartments are part of a 30-acre site that also includes an 83-unit senior living facility, 78 single-family homes and a 23,000-square-foot community center.

Crosland’s apartments division developed and manages the project, while its contracting division oversaw construction.
Just a decade ago, Fairview Homes was the core of one of the city’s most notoriously violent and drug-infested neighborhoods. The barracks-style buildings were badly deteriorated, with many units boarded up, and others occupied by squatters.

An initial revitalization effort stalled when the original developer abandoned the project, compounding negative perceptions of the property. Crosland came in and completed demolition, planning, soil amendment and construction within a condensed timeframe of 26 months to ensure that critical tax credits would not be lost. Despite several unforeseen challenges, construction was completed one month ahead of schedule.

Today, the apartments are fully occupied with up to a three-year waiting list for certain floor plans. CMHP has begun single-family housing development, and initial sales activity has been strong. Resident satisfaction is high, while the crime rate has plunged 68 percent from the final year of Fairview Homes.

“Crosland is proud to have played a part in earning this honor, and more importantly in helping revitalize this neighborhood,” said Jud Little, president of Crosland’s apartments division. “This is about more than just the quality of construction. A home should be a source of pride, something that elevates both the individuals living there and the surrounding community.”

Said Patricia G. Garrett, president of the CMHP, “The Park at Oaklawn is a wonderful example of the success that can be achieved with committed partners who work together for the betterment of a community. We are delighted to have been a part of this redevelopment, which has become a showplace for this part of our city.”

“It takes a strong commitment from the entire community for a complete transformation of a neighborhood to succeed,” said CHA Chief Executive Officer Charles Woodyard. “We are so pleased to be honored alongside our partners for The Park at Oaklawn revitalization.”