News Flash

In September 2022, Willard Street Apartments, an affordable mixed-use apartment community in downtown Durham, received North Carolina’s top award for excellence in affordable housing. The recognition was part of the 2022 Housing North Carolina Awards presented by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) at this year’s NC Affordable Housing Conference.

The annual awards program, now in its 33rd year, recognizes initiatives in Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham and Madison County that provide opportunities for home buyers, life-changing repairs and modifications for homeowners, affordable apartment homes for working families and supportive housing for men experiencing homelessness.

Completed in 2021, Willard Street Apartments was the first affordable housing development to be built downtown in decades. The community was developed by DHIC, Inc. and Self-Help Ventures Fund in collaboration with the City of Durham and Durham Housing Authority and was financed with low-income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the NC Housing Finance Agency and funds from the City of Durham, Duke University and Capital Broadcasting.

Willard Street Apartments, occupying what was formerly a vacant city-owned lot near Durham Station, now features 82 apartment homes designed for residents earning between 30–60% of the area's median income. Twenty units are designated for those making less than 30% of the area's median income. In addition to amenities such as a fitness room, residents of Willard Street Apartments can enjoy easy access to local and regional bus service, Amtrak, nearby greenways, playgrounds, shopping, and dining options.