Our team was happy to be part of the groundbreaking today for The Alliance, a $38 million project that will consist of two, four-story buildings on 3.8 acres at 1200 Laurens Road on the edge of the Nicholtown community.
This project is being developed in partnership between NHE, Inc., HF Housing, Inc. (a nonprofit housing affiliate of Hollingsworth Funds), Jordon Development and SCG Development, and will include 100 units that will be affordable for households earning 70% or below the area median income (AMI). It will break down as 10 units at 20% AMI, 11 units at 30% AMI, 68 units at 60% AMI and 11 units at 70% AMI. The Alliance also will feature 4,200 square feet of commercial space and around 5,000 square feet of amenities.
While NHE began formulating plans for The Alliance five years ago, residents of the nearby historically black Nicholtown community said it’s really been decades in the making. The neighborhood has undergone serious changes in the past decade as the tapestry of life in Greenville evolved.
Many older homes were purchased and rehabbed. Sometimes for new homeowners, but often as investment properties.
And during these changes, one of the main entry ways into the community – the corner of Laurens and Ackley – sat vacant.
But in 2021, NHE purchased the parcel, but did something different. They engaged with the community members and sought their input.
Sylvia Palmer, who has lived in Nicholtown for 72 years and is a past president of the neighborhood association, said their leaders were excited when the NHE leadership team approached them about plans for a development.
“Some of us had knowledge about what they could do and had toured some of their developments” Palmer said. “And the more we met with them, the more we liked the project plans.”
She said the size of the property and the proximity to downtown makes it unique because it can help bring former displaced residents back to the community.
“It’s a wonderful addition to our neighborhood because it is going to be based on affordable income ranges that makes it possible for them to return to live here,” Palmer said.
Gage Weekes, President of HF Housing, said ensuring that quality, affordable housing remains accessible as Greenville grows is essential to the continued success of the community, which is why the nonprofit became involved in supporting The Alliance.
“HF Housing is dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families in Greenville,” Weekes said. “The Alliance reflects that commitment by creating stability and opportunity in a way that is shaped by the community and helps more residents build a path forward.”
