Here are a few key lessons from the SEASONS project to consider when building affordable housing.

Due Diligence — This is extremely important when developing a community like the SEASONS, especially ensuring that the retail component is compatible with the residential. With SEASONS, it was particularly complicated because of the fact that building both the commercial and the residential components of the project had to take place while the few viable businesses still operated.

 
Vision — The project required the ability to see beyond obstacles and work with local citizens, private companies, politicians and government officials from other municipalities, and other groups to build the type of community that will provide a wide range of long-term benefits.

Make partnerships — Redevelopment must by its very nature be a cooperative process in which local governments, regulatory agencies, developers, architects and planners, businesses and residents work together on everything from formulating a vision to gaining the necessary approvals.

Show benefits — It’s important to create awareness about the benefits these projects can bring to communities. Gaining support may require educating the public and private business about the impacts the project will have on community building, planning, design and architecture. This is when outreach programs such as community meetings and site tours can be held to keep interested parties informed on the project’s progress and collect their input.

Locating sites — One of the first requirements for building affordable housing is obtaining sites large enough and priced low enough to be feasibly developed. Particularly in the early stages of neighborhood reinvestment, redevelopers need land at prices that offset the construction costs and risks associated with building affordable housing.

Design — Affordable housing requires careful attention to design. The project should offer aesthetics, quality construction and safety. All designs should be attractive to the market. Affordable housing should blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods. Compatibility is always important with redevelopment projects. While some re-zoning may be required, when projects are integrated with the city’s current land use plan and they accommodate residents’ needs, they are often perceived as good things. Mixed-use communities can be tricky because two architects may be needed, one for the residential component and one for the retail, and so it is important to ensure the designs work well together.

By Hunter Johnson
President and CEO, LINC Housing

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Return to Index