News Flash

In October, the completed renovation of JJ Henderson Apartments marked a new milestone for Forever Home, Durham program, bringing improved affordable housing options to downtown residents. 

Located at 807 S. Duke St., the age-restricted, 62-and-older property features 177 apartment units. The $31.2 million renovation to JJ Henderson Apartments, originally built in 1979, included interior unit renovations, HVAC system and air quality improvements, energy efficient appliances and a new roof. The project was completed on time despite the challenges of working in an occupied building combined with dramatic construction cost increases during the pandemic. 

The City of Durham provided $2.9 million for the project through the City’s Dedicated Housing Fund for affordable housing. The development team also leveraged federal tax credits and other financing tools to make the renovation possible. The public-private initiative was led by California Commercial Investment Group and the Florian Companies, with support from the Durham Housing Authority, the City of Durham, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The renovation of JJ Henderson exemplifies the City and DHA's commitment to preserving and expanding affordable housing in central Durham through the redevelopment of DHA properties. Current public housing residents will be accommodated during the redevelopment process and will have the first right to return to the new units if they choose to do so.