HUD Participates in Big Bethel Ame Church Celebration in Sweet Auburn Neighborhood of Atlanta

(Left to right) Bro. Joseph Patterson, Bro. Chris Parker, Ph.D., Rev. Willie Langley, Ms. Jennifer Ball (Central Atlanta Progress), Bro. Charles Moore, Pastor John Foster, HUD Regional Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett, Bishop Jackson, Bro. Floyd Baxter, Bro. Jory Young, Sis. Bettianne Hart, Sis. Milele Francis, Bro. Alvin Francis, Councilwoman Felicia A. Moore, Dr. Stanley Pritchett gather together in commemoration of Bethel Towers rehabilitation and retiring the church's mortgage.

HUD SE Regional Administrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett (center with hat) applauds with other dignitaries at the Bethel AME Church opening ceremony

With the arrival of Fall's cooler weather attendees at the Big Bethel AME Church mortgage burning ceremony recently were in for a warm treat as HUD Southeast Regional Adminstrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett and several guest speakers congratulated Bishop Reginald Jackson and the church for their commitment to improving the lives of residents in Bethel Towers and the local community. In July the church was able to close on a nearly $15 million HUD approved mortgage housing insurance loan for the substantial rehabilitation of Bethel Towers an aging multifamily housing property in Sweet Auburn Atlanta. Additionally, 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits were approved by the State of Georgia and provided by the Internal Revenue Service and were instrumental in the Bethel Tower rehabilitation and retirement of the church's mortgage.

"This substantial rehabilitation of Bethel Towers speaks volumes of the commitment to the dignity of those living in Bethel Towers, serves to improve the quality of life in the community and is indicative of our ongoing mutual commitment as servant leaders to serve with gratitude ad thanksgiving," said Cleveland-Leggett.

Bethel Towers was built in 1972 in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta by Big Bethel AME Church, one of the oldest African-American congregations in Georgia and consists of 180 units. The church will share ownership of the newly renovated Bethel Towers Apartments with The Benoit Group. The rehabilitation will include replacing many of the major systems, including electrical wiring and plumbing risers, creating accessible units, upgrading kitchens, baths and replacing flooring, renovating the lobby and adding a fitness and business center.

The success of the substantial rehabilitation of the Bethel Tower and its impact to the overall community involved a strong public and private partnership as The Benoit Group helped the church secure the HUD loan to rehabilitate and permanently finance Bethel Towers Apartments. Additionally, Capital One originated the transaction, a fixed-rate loan with a 40-year term.

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