The Wilmington (Delaware) Housing Authority (WHA) has selected Michaels Development Company as its master developer for a planned multimillion redevelopment of Lincoln Towers, an outdated public housing complex located in the city's Trolley Square neighborhood that which will be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use community featuring both affordable and market-rate housing.
The WHA distributed a request for proposals and moved quickly to select a development partner in order to meet a July 6 funding request deadline from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The federal government is distributing economic stimulus money to Housing Authorities for affordable housing development as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Michaels Development Company has a long history of expertise in creating successful housing communities that serve families of all income levels, and we are confident that together we can transform Lincoln Towers into a wonderful community that enhances one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods," said Fred Purnell Sr., WHA's executive director.
The WHA's innovative vision for the project calls for a mixed-used development which would provide affordable and market-rate housing as well as a new fire station that would serve the northeastern section of the city. The current firehouse, Station #5, was originally built in the 1800s and is considered too small for current needs. Wilmington's fire chief, Willie Patrick, participated in the review of presentations by four prospective developers, as did members of the Wilmington City government. The city is collaborating with the Housing Authority on the redevelopment efforts.
In selecting Michaels and submitting the funding application, WHA has taken the first step in the planned transformation, but the vision for the new neighborhood is still in its formative stages, according to Milton Pratt, senior vice president of Michaels Development Company.
"Before we begin finalizing any kind of proposal for the site, we want to engage all of the community's stakeholders, including civic groups, neighborhood businesses, local officials, and current residents, in the planning and design proposal," said Pratt. "It's very important to the WHA and to Michaels Development that we create a community that all the stakeholders can believe in and want to see transformed into reality."
According to Purnell, the WHA wants to ensure that the new development will feature the latest innovations in green building technology, including energy-efficient building systems and appliances that will offer significant savings in long-term operating costs. Michaels' initial proposal calls for a "green roof" to be included on the apartment towers, along with other sustainable development features.
Purnell said WHA and the members of the selection committee were impressed by Michaels Development Company's financial strength and its ability to secure additional funding that might be needed for the project. In addition, Purnell said, Interstate Realty Management Company, which is also part of the Michaels Organization and which will provide property and asset management services, has the unique capability to offer Lincoln Towers' residents valuable social services, such as after-school youth programs and job training and referral.
All current Lincoln Tower residents will be relocated by the WHA and will be offered preference when the new housing is completed.