Groundbreaking today to propell Durham’s Southside revitalization

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North Carolina Construction News staff writer

The City of Durham and McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., will celebrate a significant milestone in the revitalization of the historic Southside community today, with the groundbreaking ceremony for Phases III and IV of the Lofts at Southside.

The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at 703 South Roxboro St., marking the addition of 100 affordable housing units aimed at families and individuals earning 60 percent of the area median income.

“Today, we take another important step toward ensuring that everyone in our community has access to safe, affordable housing,” said Mayor Leonardo Williams. “The Lofts at Southside will not only provide homes but will also help strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods.”

Phases III and IV will include 100 affordable units, financed through a combination of city funds, tax credits, and American Rescue Plan Act funding. When completed in April 2026, the entire Lofts at Southside project will offer a total of 317 units, with 238 designated as affordable housing.Construction follows completion of Phases I and II, which provided 132 and 85 units, respectively, with specific features for handicap accessibility and made a significant number of units available to households earning less than 60 percent of the area median income.

The Southside redevelopment area spans approximately 125 acres on the southern edge of downtown Durham.

Before revitalization efforts began, the area was characterized by a high concentration of vacant lots and homes, as well as the lowest homeownership rates in the city. The ongoing redevelopment aims to transform the area into a vibrant community with a diverse mix of housing and commercial opportunities.

“Revitalization isn’t just about building new structures; it’s about building a community,” said Vincent Bennett, president of McCormack Baron Salazar. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where families can thrive.”

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