Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), received an Award of Merit during a presentation ceremony at National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) 2024 National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, last month.
NAHRO selected KCDC for the top award for Austin Phase I in the category of project design for the holistic approach to the neighborhood, including community input; preservation of culture; connection of the site to opportunities; open and walkable spaces; and trust built with residents and stakeholders well before construction started.
“First Creek at Austin has become a blueprint and innovative catalyst for neighborhood revitalization,” said Ben Bentley, KCDC executive director and CEO.
NAHRO, which was established in 1933, is a membership organization of more than 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals throughout the United States. Members create and manage affordable housing for low- and middle-income families.
First Creek at Austin is built on the site of the former Austin Homes, which was established in 1941 on nearly 23 acres. The redevelopment of the site followed months of dialogue with residents, stakeholders and community members in interviews and public meetings and included options for overall site use, street layouts, residential building types and green spaces.
Phase 1 opened in 2022 with 105 total units – 57 in one multifamily building and 48 spread across eight smaller townhome-style buildings.
Phase 2 opened in 2024 with 180 one- to three-bedroom units.
Construction for Phase 3 is underway now and will provide approximately 161 new housing units, including 50 supportive housing units for low-income seniors, age 62 and older. The family units will be located in large buildings and townhomes and will offer one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom options.
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