An Atlanta that everyone can afford to call home is possible when we prioritize affordable housing products and our people. Join me, Emma Collins, as we explore the transformative journey of Bowen Homes, a once-dormant community now experiencing a renaissance. Through a collaborative effort between Atlanta Housing, the City of Atlanta, and community partners, we are creating a national model for affordable housing and urban revitalization. Let's delve into the details of this remarkable project and the positive impact it will have on Atlanta's residents and neighborhoods.
The History of Bowen Homes
Explore the origins of Bowen Homes and its significance in providing homes for low-income families.
Bowen Homes, erected in 1964, was a housing development designed to provide homes for low-income families who were displaced by urban renewal in Atlanta. However, over time, the infrastructure deteriorated, and living conditions became unsafe, leading to its demolition in 2009.
Once a bustling community, the deserted remnants of Bowen Homes served as a reminder of the unintended consequences of concentrating poverty. It was a manifestation of both audacious vision and cautionary lessons.
The Redevelopment Vision
Discover the transformative vision behind the redevelopment of Bowen Homes and the surrounding neighborhoods.
In 2023, Atlanta was awarded a prestigious Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This grant, along with public, private, and philanthropic investments, will contribute to the transformation of the former Bowen Homes site and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Bowen Choice Neighborhoods program aims to address the challenges of housing affordability, economic mobility, and quality of life. By prioritizing affordable housing units and the well-being of residents and community members, this redevelopment project will serve as proof that scalable solutions to the housing affordability crisis are possible.
The Three-Pronged Approach
Learn about the comprehensive strategy of the Bowen Choice Neighborhood redevelopment, focusing on housing, people, and the neighborhood.
The redevelopment strategy of Bowen Choice Neighborhood encompasses three key aspects: housing, people, and the neighborhood.
Housing Strategy:
The housing strategy involves the redevelopment of the Bowen Homes site, allocating more than $300 million for housing development. The initial phases will include the construction of 756 mixed-income rental units, with 67 percent of them being affordable. Future phases plan to add 1,244 rental and for-sale units, totaling 2,000 high-quality apartments.
People Strategy:
The people strategy aims to empower residents by providing them with the tools and resources they need to improve their health, education, and economic outcomes. With a funding of $42 million, various programs will guide residents towards greater self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.
Neighborhood Strategy:
The neighborhood strategy focuses on creating equitable development in the area, including Carey Park, Almond Park, Donald Lee Hollowell, and James Jackson parkways. With an investment of over $200 million, the strategy aims to improve education, housing, retail, recreational amenities, and promote environmental justice.
Putting Plans into Action
Discover the collaborative efforts and partnerships involved in the transformation of Bowen Homes and the surrounding community.
Since Mayor Dickens took office in 2021, Atlanta Housing has been working alongside the Affordable Housing Strikeforce to bring innovative solutions to the city's housing challenges. The revitalization of Bowen Homes is one of their transformative efforts.
Partnerships with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Public Schools, and various community organizations such as the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and Boys and Girls Club have been instrumental in making this redevelopment project a reality.
A National Model for Affordable Housing
Explore how the revitalization of Bowen Homes is creating a national model for affordable housing and urban redevelopment.
As cities across the country grapple with housing affordability challenges, the revitalization of Bowen Homes stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It showcases the possibilities that can be achieved through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to creating diverse, mixed-income communities.
By prioritizing affordable housing and investing in the well-being of residents, Atlanta is setting an example for other cities to follow. The Bowen Choice Neighborhood redevelopment project is not just about providing housing; it's about creating thriving communities where everyone can afford to call home.