North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Gilbane Development and its partners have broken ground on the first phase of Villages of Hayti, a 252-unit affordable housing development that will transform the long-vacant former Fayette Place site in Durham’s historic Hayti neighborhood.
The project is being developed in partnership with Durham Housing Authority and Durham Community Partners, a collaboration that includes Harmony Housing Affordable Development and F7 Development, with guidance from the Hayti Community Advisory Committee.
The approximately 20-acre site, one of Durham’s largest affordable housing investments in recent years. has remained vacant for more than two decades. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
“Villages of Hayti is more than just housing: it’s an example of how we can come together to transform vacant, underutilized land into a thriving community for the residents of the Villages,” said Yarojin Robinson, senior vice-president of Gilbane Development. “This tremendous milestone is a testament to the hard work of many partners, and we are so proud to help deliver truly affordable homes for Durham.”
Structured as a 100 per cent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development, Villages of Hayti will provide housing for households earning between 30 and 80 per cent of the area median income. In accordance with North Carolina Financing Housing Agency requirements, 26 units will be designated as mobility-impaired units for people with disabilities or individuals experiencing homelessness.
The development will include 81 one-bedroom, 113 two-bedroom and 58 three-bedroom apartments spread across nine garden-style walk-up buildings.
Plans also include a 4,000-square-foot community building featuring a multipurpose room, computer and office centre, and exercise room. Outdoor amenities will include a 1,700-square-foot playground, shaded seating areas and a covered picnic pavilion.
Located less than 1.5 miles from downtown Durham and within a quarter mile of a GoDurham bus stop, the site will provide residents with access to transit, employment, educational opportunities and cultural amenities.
The Durham Housing Authority, established in 1949, is the city’s largest affordable housing provider. Its non-profit arm, Development Ventures Incorporated, was created in 1985 to help develop mixed-income affordable housing projects in partnership with the public and private sectors.