VIA Community Development Corp. has a new model the organization hopes will create attainable homeownership opportunities on Milwaukee’s South Side.
VIA CDC, formerly known as Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, has served Layton Park, Burnham Park, Silver City and Clarke Square in the areas of economic development, housing and community building.
As a certified Community Housing Development Organization, VIA CDC has produced more than 50 affordable homes and leveraged more than $52 million in neighborhood investment to create opportunities for Milwaukee neighbors.
In early August the group launched the first phase of its latest project, the Affordable Townhome Initiative.
Affordable Townhome Initiative
The $2.95 million development will transform three vacant city-owned lots on Milwaukee’s near South Side into 10 owner-occupied townhomes designed for households at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
The first phase of the initiative will bring four new townhomes to the corner of South 21st Street and West Greenfield Avenue, a corner that has sat vacant since the closing and demolition of Mr. D’s Pizza, a beloved neighborhood restaurant that served the community for decades.
Each townhome will feature three bedrooms, one bathroom, a private entrance, basement, porch and essential appliances, organizers say.
Homes are projected to sell for approximately $125,000, creating an attainable homeownership opportunity for income-qualified working families. The townhome design also allows VIA CDC to efficiently utilize vacant or underused parcels while delivering high-quality homes in established neighborhoods.
Community
Community leaders, neighborhood partners and community members are excited about the townhomes taking over the empty lots.
And they’re happy about more than just the ground being broken on four townhomes, said JoAnna Bautch, executive director of VIA CDC.
“It’s about launching a new way to create affordable homeownership opportunities. We’re taking land that has sat vacant for years and transforming it into places where families can build equity, create stability and invest in their future,” she said.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the development is an example of what happens when communities work together.
“It’s projects like this that demonstrate what’s possible when we all work together with a shared vision,” Johnson said. “We’re not just constructing townhomes, we’re creating new opportunities, strengthening our neighborhoods and investing in the long-term success of our city and the people who call it home.”
Burnham Park resident leader Deborah Montano said she hopes information is shared with residents about the new housing opportunities and other resources that are available.
“That would make it even a better experience for those that will be offered these new low-income properties and for the neighbors of these new developments,” she said.
Initiative will move forward in phases
A second phase of the project, which will add six additional homes, is planned across the street and two blocks west at South 23rd Street and West Greenfield Avenue. Those homes will result in a 10-home development and establish a model that VIA CDC intends to replicate as additional opportunities become available.
The organization will serve as both the developer and general contractor, overseeing every stage of the project, from land acquisition through construction and sale.
VIA CDC is already exploring additional sites to create affordable homeownership opportunities and return underutilized land to productive use.
“As someone who grew up in this area it means so much to see this level of investment,” Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa said.
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