Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) officially broke ground on August 1 for the third phase of First Creek at Austin, the city’s first mixed-income, affordable housing community.
First Creek at Austin is being constructed in three phases. Phase 1 is already completed, Phase 2 is nearing completion, and Phase 3 has just begun. Business and community leaders, stakeholders, and residents attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
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“First Creek at Austin is creating a diverse neighborhood close to downtown opportunities and amenities,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley stated. “Phase 3 will add more affordable housing units to the urban area and feature supportive housing and independent living for low-income seniors. Additional amenities, including new parks and connectivity to downtown and South Knoxville, will further improve the quality of life for residents.”
Phase 3 will include approximately 161 new housing units, featuring 50 supportive housing units for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. The family units will be located in large buildings and townhomes, offering one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options.
The City of Knoxville has invested $14.1 million in sitewide infrastructure support, including utilities, sidewalks, and new roads.
“It’s been a pleasure and privilege to watch this new neighborhood take shape and see residents start to move back in,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. “The City is committed to affordable housing with easy access to parks, transportation, and good jobs and community amenities. This project shows that mixed-income housing can be beautiful and integrated into a walkable, safe, urban community.”
Senior residents of supportive housing will have access to services such as housekeeping, meals, health-related services, and transportation. Additional services and amenities will include:
– Slip-resistant flooring, adequate lighting in all units and common areas, elevator access, grab bars in bathrooms, and handrails in common areas.
– A multi-purpose community room for elderly residents.
– A fitness room programmed for both elderly and non-elderly residents to promote mingling.
– Access to gardens, greenway, and a park.
– A telehealth room pre-wired and equipped for virtual health meetings.
– Broadband connectivity.
Architecture for Phase 3 is provided by Southeast Venture and Johnson Architecture; Jenkins & Stiles is the general contractor; Partners Development is the owner representative; Regions Bank is the equity partner; and the lender is Chase Community Development Banking.
The 50 units of supportive housing for seniors became possible in 2021 with a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to a Knoxville nonprofit. Southeastern Housing Foundation II, a subsidiary of the nonprofit Knoxville Leadership Foundation, received the grant, and KCDC serves as the developing partner and property manager.
The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program grants are awarded through a competitive application process. The funds provide both construction funding and rental assistance to low-income seniors aged 62 and older.
In 2021, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) awarded Southeastern Housing Foundation a $900,000 grant to help build the family housing units for Phase 3. The state grant is made possible through THDA’s Tennessee Housing Trust Fund and must be used for affordable rental housing to address the needs of low-income households.
First Creek at Austin is built on the site of the former Austin Homes, established in 1941 on nearly 23 acres near the Old City and downtown Knoxville. Phase 3 amenities include a fitness center, resident lounge, pet spa, playground, and Wi-Fi in common areas. Additional plans for the site include a park, greenway with direct access to a new multi-use stadium opening in 2025, an early childhood center, community space, and resident gardens.
Phase 1 opened in 2022 with 105 units in one multifamily building and eight smaller townhome-style buildings. Phase 2, opening in 2024, will provide 180 one- to three-bedroom units with a fitness center, outdoor green space, and indoor community spaces.
The First Creek at Austin redevelopment followed dialogue with residents, stakeholders, and community members, including options for overall site use, street layouts, residential building types, and open spaces.
Former Austin Homes residents had the choice to relocate to other KCDC properties, such as the revitalized Five Points community and The Vista at Summit Hill, both nearby and in the same school district. They also have the right to return to the site with the opening of First Creek at Austin, if they choose.
For property and leasing information about First Creek at Austin, visit FirstCreekLiving.com.
To learn more about Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), please visit KCDC.org or call 865-403-1100.
Source: Read Original Release
Knoxville Fair Housing Equity Plan Review
The City of Knoxville has released its draft Fair Housing Equity Plan for public review and will hold a meeting on August 7, 2024, at Cansler YMCA to discuss it. Virtual attendance is available through a Zoom link on the city’s website, and feedback can be submitted via email or mail until August 31, 2024. The plan, developed with Community Solutions Collaborative, LLC, includes community feedback and aims to enhance housing equity in Knoxville. The City ensures accessible participation in compliance with Civil Rights and ADA laws.