Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Gov. John C. Carney and Wilmington Mayor Michael S. Purzycki spoke on April 19 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase I and a groundbreaking for Phase II of The Flats redevelopment in Wilmington.
The Flats, once obsolete, is being replaced with new, safe and affordable townhomes and apartments. Originally built by William P. Bancroft over 100 years ago, The Flats was meant to house mill workers, artisans and other people of modest means.
The Todmorden Foundation, together with HDC MidAtlantic and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) hosted the event.
“Today we see The Flats redevelopment as a great example of how a community can work together through collaboration, to create a long lasting, sustainable development for future generations,” says Rodney A. Lambert, Jr., president and CEO of the Todmorden Foundation.
The first two phases of The Flats are supported by $6.56 million from Delaware’s Housing Fund, which is overseen by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).
The completed Phase I consists of 72 general occupancy units and 15 apartments that are fully ADA compliant. The 72 units are available to individuals that earn 30 percent to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).
Phase II will include an additional 72 general occupancy; one-, two- and three-bedroom units for individuals who earn 40 percent to 60 percent of the AMI. Completion of Phase II is scheduled for June 2018.
Within the next couple of years, over 144 families will have a safe place they can call home.
“Housing is connected in so many ways to our health, economy and jobs,” Blunt Rochester said.
“It has been a privilege to carry forward the original vision of William P. Bancroft,” said Michael R. Carper, president and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic. “When The Flats are complete, more than 400 modern and affordable homes will be available for the future workforce of Wilmington.”
