The rehabilitation of Boynton Village, now known as Stanton Oaks, enabled the rebirth of a beloved community desperately in need of capital improvements to allow citizens to have a place they could call home. The 43-unit apartment complex, located in the Peoplestown Community in the BeltLine overlay, was revitalized by The Woda Group and Parallel Housing Inc., and re-opened on September 22.
The family-oriented complex features new amenities, including a multipurpose community room, computer facility, fully equipped fitness center and neighborhood crime prevention center that offers police a space to do paperwork, complete with cameras linked to the Atlanta Police Department. The community obtained a LEED for Homes Gold certification, and was awarded a Southface Fulcrum Award in 2016.
Stanton Oaks’ residents were enduring many outdated housing features. Uninsulated attic areas allowed air to escape, making it difficult for residents to keep their apartments adequately heated and cooled, resulting in uncomfortable living environments. Southface’s residential sustainability services team served as LEED for Homes Green Raters on the renovated apartments, performing blower-door tests and energy modeling, recommending upgrades for increased resident comfort and energy efficiency.
The re-opening event included Stanton Oaks residents and staff, Atlanta city officials and contractors, developers and consultants who worked on the renovation.
Columbus Ward is a resident of Stanton Oaks, community activist and President of the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation. The corporation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the Peoplestown community through residential and economic development, as well as other activities designed to engage the community. Ward addressed the crowd of residents and partners, expressing gratitude for the upgrades, particularly every new tenant’s energy efficient washer and dryer, and said that “moving forward as a neighborhood—as a community—we welcome you and we welcome the chance to continue the partnership.”
Many members of the surrounding community are looking forward to continuing the partnership, as well. Carla Smith, Atlanta City Council Member from District One said “all of us elected officials understand the need for housing to accommodate all income levels.” Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta, also complimented the community’s take on healthy lifestyles, saying “education, development and greenspace are all important for revitalization.”
The Woda Group and Parallel Housing incorporated residents’ desire for a vibrant community into their planning process from the beginning—believing it to be a crucial element in the process. Working with Invest Atlanta, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation required collaboration and a common vision for the redeveloped community. They organized design charrettes and held meetings with community leaders, tenants and community organizations. They worked with local school officials to temporarily reroute buses so that the community’s children could continue their schoolwork uninterrupted during the 45 to 60 days that the residents were relocated.
Residents have started the Stanton Oaks Association to represent their interests going forward. A series of community-building activities have commenced, including a seniors in technology program, urban garden and senior fitness classes, according to Stanton Oaks residential services director, William Oliver.
Sara Allen and Mary Sanders, who’ve both lived in Boynton Village for 20 years, are really enjoying the new Stanton Oaks and its amenities. From the urban garden to the upgraded ceiling fans, Stanton Oaks is “a lot better, with nicer yards—it’s a better community to live in,” Allen said.
The redevelopment of Stanton Oaks allows residents to live in an apartment complex with efficient energy systems, vibrant community spaces and a healthy environment for seniors and families alike.
