Veranda at Whitted School Apartments Development Preserves Part of North Carolina History

HUD's Multifamily Southeast Regional Center Director, Ruben Brooks, recently attended the groundbreaking at the historic Whitted School, which first opened in the early 1920's as the first black grade school in North Carolina. The Whitted School site later became Hillside High School around 1949 and operated as a school until 1970.

Between 1970 and 2005, the building has been utilized by various agencies. Currently owned by Durham County, the building has been vacant since 2005.

Historic Whitted School Today

Artist Rendition of Veranda at Whitted School Apartments

In late 2015, HUD's Multifamily Greensboro, North Carolina Field Office issued a firm commitment for an FHA-insured mortgage loan totaling $2,896,900 under Section 221(d) (4), for the rehabilitation project to take place where the original Whitted School and Hill Side High School once stood. Expected construction completion for the Veranda at Whitted School Apartments is anticipated for December, 2016.

Development of the 79-unit, three story garden style rental community will operate as an affordable elderly apartment community for seniors age 62 and older. The site will offer quality housing units with Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers combined. These units create affordable housing for Durham seniors.

Local area community leaders conduct the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Veranda at Whitted School Redevelopment

HUD SE Multifamily Director Ruben Brooks addresses the audience gathered at the groundbreaking

Construction plans for the redevelopment project include Veranda at Whitted School Apartments and also consist of eight preschool classrooms that will also serve 144 children operated by the Durham Public Schools. Amenities such as a library, community center, computer center, indoor and outdoor sitting areas, and an exercise wellness center are designed to enhance quality of living for Durham seniors.

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