The new Providence Pointe development replacing the Taft Homes is getting a lot of attention. But the Peoria Housing Authority also has an eye on its other properties around the city.
The Peoria Housing Authority is working to fully acquire the Riverwest development from a limited partner as part of a larger rehabilitation effort.
"Riverwest is at the point where we're looking to determine how we can recapitalize (and) reinvest in the community to upgrade the units, upgrade the community so that the residents can still continue to enjoy the community where they reside," said PHA chief executive officer Armeca Crawford.
The 182 units at Riverwest were constructed in 2000, replacing the former Warner Homes. Riverwest includes 119 rental and lease-to-purchase units, as well as the 37 Riverwest home ownership units and 26 units in River West South. The PHA is looking to consolidate those three development projects into one.
The PHA will join up with a development partner to determine the next steps for Riverwest and explore the options for updating and rehabilitating the site.
The PHA also is giving another look at the Harrison Homes on Peoria's South Side. The 155 units were constructed in 1942. Crawford said the PHA is beginning talks about redevelopment of the Harrison Homes.
"We're exploring options for Harrison, in terms of what's best for our PHA Family and Harrison residents, and the community. So what's best for that area? So we're exploring all of those measures before we actually put together a plan," she said.
There are several options outlined in a PHA draft annual plan: demolition, redevelopment, use of vacant land, and "unit maximization."
Similar to the Taft Homes redevelopment, work at Harrison might employ the Rental Assistance Demonstration program offered by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to leverage dollars from private capital. That also would mean management of the the housing transitioning from the PHA to a private entity through Section 8. Other funding sources could include HOPE VI, Choice Neighborhoods, or low-income housing tax credits.
"In the initial phase of expanding affordable housing communities, our goal was to build out and revitalize communities. And we're doing it one project at a time, one home at a time," Crawford said. "We want to ensure that Peoria becomes a place that serves its residents. Not just with only affordable housing, but all the programs and amenities in the neighborhoods that are necessary to support the residents and the citizens that are living in housing. And so that, I believe, is our ultimate goal and working in tandem with the board and other community stakeholders."
