Gonzalez Gardens, Columbia, SC

Affordable Housing Assessment and Plan

Overview:

The Housing Authority of Columbia South Carolina had an outdated public housing site on the outskirts of downtown Columbia. Given the condition of the existing complex, it was determined that it was a tear down site. The Littlejohn Group partnered with Urban Collage, Todd Noell and a team of engineers to create a new plan for the site that met both the needs of the community and was marketable.

The first phase of the project was to get familiar with the site, the market and the community. All team members visited the site, with an eye for adjacencies, potential negative and positive impacts on the site, topography, circulation and overall potential. A meeting was held with the Housing Partnership to better understand the community dynamics and develop a communication plan that was inclusionary of all impacted parties.

The Littlejohn Group reviewed data and key trends on the overall housing market focusing including affordable and workforce housing options, housing partnership projects, and market-rate offerings.  Area realtors were interviewed regarding their perception of the Gonzales Gardens project and potential redevelopment as well as their thoughts on existing Housing Partnership projects.

Solution:

The Littlejohn Group prepared a report that summarized the market for housing at Gonzales Gardens including some case study style examples of appropriate development. This information, as well as the findings of the rest of the team was consolidated into a presentation to the community (Gonzales residents, representatives from area businesses, city staff, church members and other interested parties). After the presentation, the team led the community through a number of interactive exercises meant to capture their vision for the redevelopment.

Recommendations addressed site restrictions, market findings and preferences of the community as well as the requirements for affordable housing.  The Littlejohn Group recommended a marketable mix of housing types, unit sizes and phasing. Urban Collage interpreted these findings into an illustrated site plan with sample elevations. The end product was well received by both the client and the community.

Results:

The Littlejohn Group has played an important advisory role in implementing the project. In this case, immediate start of the project was not advised due to a stalled housing market as well as existing inventory at a nearby Housing Authority project. It was recommended that the Housing Authority focus on getting nearby Rosewood Hills sold by implementing a more solid sales and marketing program.