In March of 2016 at the Greenprints Conference, Southface debuted the Fulcrum Awards. The Awards recognized people and projects laying the foundation for a regenerative future. Fulcrum winners represented excellence with respect to a regenerative economy, responsible resource use, social equity and a healthy built environment for all. As we approach the second annual Fulcrum Awards, we checked in with inaugural winners.
Stanton Oaks, an affordable housing development in the Atlanta neighborhood of Peoplestown, was developed by Woda Group and Parallel Housing, Inc. This project excelled in its community engagement processes and ongoing attention to tenant feedback. Investment and ownership that residents had in the early stages prompted Nathaniel Smith of Partnership for Southern Equity to remark, “The project shows opportunity to leverage the wisdom and voices of the community. For me, it increased a level of civic engagement and created a relationship between tenants and law enforcement, [and showed that] the built environment really can have the power to bring people together.”
Prior to beginning this project, the developers of Stanton Oaks faced the monumental task of relocating tenants temporarily. Woda Group and Parallel Housing, Inc. worked to ensure that all tenants were looked after, that temporary accommodations were suitable for children and even arranged transportation to school. This commitment to their tenants speaks volumes to the level of detail and care taken during the award-winning, LEED for Homes Gold certified project. Several meetings with tenants, community organizations and community leaders ensured the end result would take their needs for a safe and healthy place to call home. It is no surprise that Stanton Oaks maintains a 100 percent occupancy rate. In addition to incredible water and energy upgrades, amenities now include a Neighborhood Crime Prevention Center.
Besides winning a Fulcrum Award, Stanton Oaks was recognized in June 2016 in Washington by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. Stanton Oaks received an Honorable Mention certificate in the HUD Preservation category for this year’s Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards competition. The award ceremony was on Capitol Hill and notification of such recognition was distributed to members of Congress and their staffs as well as Housing Credit Industry participants.
Moving forward, these highly-acclaimed developers plan to continue looking for opportunities in where affordable housing and sustainability can find success together.
