Through the Hope VI Main Street Program, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Bartlesville, Oklahoma a $500,000 grant to redevelop a 90-year-old abandoned church campus into a mixed-use development which will include affordable housing.
The collaboration of Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority (BRTA), Main Street Bartlesville (MSB), Washington County Affordable Housing Coalition (WCAHC), and Ross Group/New Leaf Development (RGNL Development) will also include retail space and hospitality space in addition to the 32 residential units, as portal.hud.gov informs MHProNews.
The Main Street Program reflects a new urbanism approach to downtown revitalization that emphasizes walkable space, access to transportation, health care and day care facilities, arts venues, a university, grocery and pharmacy, public library, childrens’ amusement park and playground, et. al., very inclusive like a village.
HUD Secretary Julián Castro said, “In communities like Bartlesville, a grant like this can not only provide much-needed affordable housing, but also a boost of economic activity. Walkable neighborhoods, with access to jobs and groceries, are sustainable neighborhoods where folks can succeed. HUD is proud to be a partner in rebuilding an area like Bartlesville.”
Bartlesville received a grant last year to redevelop a hospital in order to crate more affordable housing.
HUD’s thrust is to repurpose old commercial buildings as rent and tax producing affordable housing. ##
(Photo credit:nakedphilly–building being converted to housing)
Article submitted to Matthew J Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.