Special To The Triangle Tribune
DURHAM – The Durham Housing Authority, in partnership with Durham Community Partners, announced on Tuesday the successful close of Villages of Hayti. The partners consist of Harmony Housing Affordable Development, Gilbane Development and F7 Development, and guided by the Hayti Community Advisory Committee.
The Villages of Hayti will be a 252-unit, affordable housing development to Durham’s historic Hayti neighborhood. The closing officially launches the long awaited redevelopment of the former Fayette Place site, which has remained vacant since the early 2000s. Construction to begin in the coming weeks, with completion of Phase 1 set for fourth quarter 2027.
Villages of Hayti is structured as a 100% Low Income Housing Tax Credit development, with all units restricted to households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, utilizing income averaging to deepen affordability. In accordance with N.C. Finance Housing Agency, 26 units are specifically designated as mobility-impaired units for people with disabilities or individuals experiencing homelessness.
As a property previously owned by the Durham Housing Authority, the approximately 20-acre site will include a mix of 81 one-bedroom, 113 two-bedroom, and 58 three-bedroom apartments across nine garden style walk-up buildings. A 4,000 square-foot community building will anchor the site, offering a multipurpose room, computer and office center, and exercise room. Outdoor amenities include a playground, shaded seating areas and a centrally located covered picnic pavilion. The site’s location ensures residents have convenient access to transit, employment, education and cultural amenities.
“Reaching the initial closing for Villages of Hayti underscores what’s possible when strong partnerships align around community priorities,” said James Triano, Harmony Housing executive vice president. “Public-private collaboration is essential to advancing affordable housing at scale, allowing us to leverage critical resources, share expertise and deliver meaningful reinvestment in historic communities like Hayti.”
The project includes a $6.2 million ground lease note and $17 million in funding from the city of Durham, alongside federal tax credit equity and additional public and private financing partners.
“As a Black-owned, community-based development firm, F7 approaches projects like Villages of Hayti with a deep sense of responsibility,” F7 International Development President James (Monte) Montague said. “Partnering with the Durham Housing Authority and Harmony Housing Affordable Development, this financial closing marks a critical step toward a larger, community-driven vision for Hayti — one that prioritizes long-term affordability, cultural preservation, and future phases that include homeownership opportunities designed to support stability, opportunity and generational wealth for the families who call this neighborhood home.”
The financial close of Phase 1 also sets the foundation for future phases of the redevelopment, which will introduce for-sale townhome ownership opportunities designed to support generational wealth, long-term neighborhood stability and the community’s vision for equitable growth. Additional phases also include more multifamily housing, commercial spaces to support local businesses, and cultural and community spaces envisioned by residents.
More information about the project is available at durhamcommunitypartners.com/villages-of-hayti.
