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Housing Development

Housing Development

Expanding affordable housing in Durham

The Durham Housing Authority is partnering with Laurel Street Residential on the redevelopment of the 519 E. Main and Liberty Street Apartments. The completed redevelopment will replace 214 public housing units with 555 mixed-income apartments, including 331 affordable and 224 market-rate units.  All of the public housing units that are being demolished will be replaced and additional affordable units added.  The development will also include a one-acre park, playgrounds, a community center and new commercial space along Main Street.

519 E. Main and Liberty Street

A Four-Phase Transformation

Phase 1 – Elizabeth Street Apartments

This phase began before the award of the Choice Neighborhoods grant. Existing buildings have been demolished and the construction of a new building began in May 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The new building will contain 72 apartments for individuals and families.

a building with windows and a person on the balcony

Phase 2 – Commerce Street Apartments

Demolition of existing buildings was completed in December 2023. Two new buildings will be constructed – an 88-unit senior building and an 84-unit family building.  Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.   

a building with trees and people walking on the street

Phase 3 - Dillard Street Apartments

Dillard Street will include 146 family units in a range of building types.  Demolition is scheduled to begin in early 2024 with construction beginning later that year. 

a group of people walking next to a building

Phase 4 – Main Street Apartments

Main Street will offer 165 apartments for individuals and families, along with retail and commercial space on the ground floor.  Construction is expected to begin in 2025.     

a residential building with parking spaces

Site Plan

a map of Durham Choice site plan
Durham choice site map key
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