During the September 3, 2015 CoffeeTalk, ULI members gathered to hear about efforts to transform the former public housing Boulevard Homes into a vibrant and holistic neighborhood.  The Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI) is a true example of real estate serving a social need.  While meeting in the community room of the new senior housing building of Renaissance, the RWCI board and ULI Members presented the progress and vision of the community.

The program began with a history of the community and of the motivation behind moving from a public housing model to a true mixed-income community by integrating a healthy, safe and vibrant housing development.  Laura Clark, executive director of RWCI, shared RWCI’s vision of developing the community and the youth that live there by giving families the tools to mature successfully and by providing services such as health care, education, and family outreach.  RWCI coordinates these services to encourage better outcomes.

RWCI is modeled after the East Lake model in Atlanta.  As a member of Purpose Built Communities, they are striving to break the intergenerational cycle of urban poverty through holistic community revitalization.  Future plans include a public-private partnership with CMS to build a school onsite.  Presently, they are raising funds to support the child development center and community activities/development programs.  Over the long term, RWCI is expected to be a catalyst for future airport area development.

A special thank you to our panel of RWCI members:

• David Jones of Troutman Sanders
• Todd Mansfield of Crescent Communities (Co-Chair of RWCI)
• Dionne Nelson of Laurel Street Residential (Co-Chair of RWCI)
• John Culbertson of Cardinal Real Estate Partners
• Laura West of RWCI

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Notes provided by Matt Grange, Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions, Charlotte, NC
Snapshot photos by Elizabeth Cooper, ECS Carolinas, Inc., Charlotte, NC