2008: THE FIRE
In 2008, an accidental kitchen fire burned a Community enCompass apartment building in the Nelson Neighborhood to the ground. No one was injured, but the 100-year-old architectural beauty had to be demolished, leaving a gaping hole in the landscape of Houston Ave. The insurance payout on the building was limited, and the Community enCompass Board agreed: we will never be able to rebuild.
As time went on, demolition of blighted properties left more lots in the neighborhood vacant. Development of new, market-rate housing threatened to increase the cost of living for core city and displace neighbors.
“Market-rate housing development is progress,” said Kimi George, Housing Rehab Specialist and Development Catalyst, “The city is investing in the core city neighborhoods in a way that they haven’t for years, but what does new market-rate housing do to the neighbor on a fixed income? Their property values increased, but so did their property taxes. We have to make sure to develop housing that meets the needs of all income levels.“
2018: THE ASHES
With this recognition and a commitment to developing quality homes, affordable to neighbors earning under 80-120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), Community enCompass’ Board of Directors made a plan in 2018 to rebuild on the 10-years-vacant lot at 380 Houston Ave
TODAY: THE PHOENIX STANDS TALL
Fast forward to September 2020, where “The Phoenix” Quadplex on Houston Ave awaits its tenants. “The Phoenix,” born from the ashes, is the first new construction, multi-family development in the heart of the Nelson Neighborhood, and is designed to match the size, scale, and character of the surrounding houses and buildings in the neighborhood.
The 4 apartment units, 3 of which are 2-bedroom units, include full bathrooms and a total living space of approximately 800 square feet each. The 4th unit is a fully accessible one bedroom of the same size. “The Phoenix” has been built with the latest in energy efficient technology to keep utility bills low, and rent is set to work with renters’ budgets, allowing them to stay in place and build financial security.
As Community enCompass heads into further small-scale development projects, Executive Director Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga notes the importance of moving with discernment and intentionality:
“Developing affordable housing allows existing neighbors to be a part of progress. It expands that definition of progress by putting working wage families at the center. Our neighborhood development efforts will always have an eye towards neighbors at the margins, many of whom have lived here for decades through some really tough years of disinvestment. We want existing neighbors to be the beneficiaries of all the new investments, both commercial and housing. We build a City for All by keeping neighbors at the center of our efforts.”
“THE PHOENIX” DEDICATION
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, we held a socially distant celebration of the completion of “The Phoenix.” New tenant Linda Sanders spoke at the event and greeted her new neighbors.