KCDC to Hold Second Five Points Master Plan Public Workshop, Gather Feedback on Conceptual Housing Plans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 27, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) will hold its next public workshop for the Five Points Master Plan process at the Walter P. Taylor Boys and Girls Club, 317 McConnell St., on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Five Points Master Plan team, led by Johnson Architecture, have worked with KCDC to prepare several examples of proposed housing types, neighborhood framework and site development for resident input. The Master Plan team also includes Urban Collage, the Communities Group, Carol R. Johnson Associates (CRJA), Vision Engineering and Real Property Research Group,

“At the public meeting, our Master Plan team will vet several different types and styles of housing and neighborhood framework in front of those who live and work in Five Points,” said KCDC Executive Director and CEO Alvin Nance. “Throughout the revitalization process, KCDC has been committed to adding housing that fits the lifestyle and real needs of this community. Gathering input on these conceptual plans will help us further identify the priorities of the neighborhood.”

At the meeting, residents will be presented with the results of the first meeting on the Five Points Master Plan and participate in three workshop exercises led by members of the Master Plan team.

Atlanta-based urban design firm Urban College will lead a station presenting several neighborhood framework possibilities. Johnson Architecture will gather feedback on matching the architectural character of the community with new affordable housing. CRJA and Vision Engineering will gather suggestions on the opportunities and uses for open spaces in Five Points.

“The revitalization of Five Points is a multi-phase, multi-year process,” said Nance. “As new affordable housing is added to the community, our hope is that is will have a synergetic effect on every aspect of the neighborhood from public safety to employment opportunities.”

KCDC and its owner’s representative, Partners Development, have already completed several major construction projects in Five Points.

Beginning in August of 2012, 86 units of Walter P. Taylor Homes and 97 units of Dr. Lee L. Williams Senior Complex were demolished as part of a first phase to replace older public housing in Five Points with new units.

In 2011, KCDC opened the Residences at Eastport, an 85-unit, LEED Platinum-certified senior housing development in Five Points. Senior housing duplexes were also added in 2010, placing an additional 20 housing units to the community. These developments are fully leased.

In November, KCDC completely the next phase of redevelopment in the area when it opened two multiplex buildings that will house 12 Five Points families. Two duplexes and a single-family home have already been constructed and leased. In total, 17 family-style units have been added to the neighborhood.

In total, 122 units will have been constructed to replace the demolished units. Residents displaced by the demolition of units at Walter P. Taylor Homes have received priority placement in a new unit in Five Points, priority placement at another KCDC property or a Section 8 voucher.

“As a community, Five Points is fully engaged in this process,” Nance said. “I am grateful to the residents that participated in our first public meeting and am hopeful they will continue to help guide our steps as we plan our next phases of redevelopment through our Master Planning process.”

The Five Points Master Plan development process will include three public workshops and is expected to conclude in 2014. The results of the second Five Points Master Plan public workshop will be posted with summary reports from prior meetings on KCDC’s website (www.kcdc.org) under the “Five Points Revitalization” icon.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.