Community Leaders Conduct the Grand Opening of the Carolina Commons Development

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The community along Old Wilmington Road took another step towards transformation today with the grand opening of Carolina Commons. Carolina Commons is now the official name for the HOPE VI Revitalization Development Project. This project is a public and private investment by the City of Fayetteville and its Public Works Commission, The Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, The County of Cumberland, and TCG United. This project was constructed by United Developers and will be managed by United Management II, both local companies. The development also included another local company Duggins Smith Builders.

“Today is a great day for the team that has helped develop and manage the Carolina Commons development. We are extremely proud to be part of the transformation of this community but more importantly helping to improve the lives of so many,” said Murray Duggins, Chairman of United Management and Duggins Smith Builders. Duggins was one of the initial HOPE VI Team Members that lead the efforts in 2008 to bring a HOPE VI project in Fayetteville.

The Carolina Commons project, centered on a $20 million HOPE VI federal grant to the city housing authority but totals over $113 million in public and private investment. Carolina Commons will provide 550 apartments/townhomes as well as 105 single-family homes for people with modest incomes.

Carolina Commons, Fayetteville’s newest and unique community for single families and seniors, is conveniently located just blocks from the revitalized downtown business corridor with easy access to all of Fayetteville. Available floor plans consist of spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes. Carolina Commons also includes tremendous recreational opportunities with leisure trails, picnic areas with grilling stations, gazebos as well as other amenities to make our residents feel right at home.

“I am very pleased with the progress we have made on the HOPE VI Revitalization Project” said Dawn Driggers, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority. “Our Residents are beginning to return to the Old Wilmington Road neighborhood and are extremely happy with the quality of their new homes,” she added. FMHA is continuing to work with the Returning Residents and United Management to make the resident’s transition into their new homes as easy as possible. This effort will continue until all Returning Residents that desire to return to the Old Wilmington Road neighborhood are housed in Carolina Commons.

“The City is proud to be part of the team that has worked to help transform the Wilmington Road area and provide affordable housing to the residents of Fayetteville,” said Victor Sharpe, Community Development Director, City of Fayetteville.

Carolina Commons not only physically transformed a part of this community but the economic impact of the 119 million dollar investment is staggering. In a recent community economic impact analysis* provided by the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, it is estimated that the total community impact is over 125 million dollars. The estimated total community impact includes direct, indirect and induced impacts for both the county and city.

“Today I am extremely proud to be the Mayor of the Fayetteville. Not because of this project’s multi-million dollar investment in our community or the continued beautification of our community but because this city stood tall and followed through with our commitment to individuals like Lella Shelley to provide them affordable housing in a clean, beautiful and peaceful neighborhood,” said Mayor Tony Chavonne.

Carolina Commons consists of both family and senior living. The family living communities consist of Sycamore Park, Oak Run, and Hickory Ridge. The senior living communities consist of Dogwood Manor, Azalea Manor and Cypress Manor.

For more information, go to www.carolinacommonsnc.com

Contact: Kirk deViere, 910-273-8388, press@carolinacommonsnc.com