HUD Southeast Regional Administrator Jennings Names the Residences at Eastport a Signature Project for Sustainability

Mr. Jennings presented the award to KCDC Board Chairman Juanita U. Cannon and KCDC Executive Director and CEO Alvin Nance during a news conference at The Residences at Eastport, 2036 Bethel Avenue in East Knoxville.

On April 14 HUD's Southeast Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. named Knoxville's Community Development Corporation's (KCDC) redevelopment of Eastport School a Region IV Signature Project under the Sustainable Communities Initiative. This federal initiative seeks to create livable and sustainable communities across the country by linking energy-efficient housing with job opportunities, quality schools and available transportation.

"Smarter planning and economic growth, supporting local communities and collaboration were critical in bringing The Residences at Eastport to reality," said Ed Jennings, Jr. "The Obama Administration's vision of Winning the Future is evident in this undertaking and local area seniors and the community are beneficiaries of this effort."

The Residences at Eastport is the latest in KCDC's "green" building initiative. The construction project is transforming the historic Eastport School, circa 1932, and adjacent property into an 85-unit energy-efficient, affordable housing community for low- and moderate-income seniors.

The focal points of the Eastport construction project include energy efficiency, water efficiency and improved indoor air-quality, key factors for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as "Green Homes" when completed in the fall of 2011.

In accepting the award Nance said, "The Residences at Eastport will be a comfortable and cost-efficient community for our seniors and is one of the first steps in revitalizing this East Knoxville community. We are extremely proud of this award. The designation recognizes our commitment to changing the face of public housing by making our communities more energy-efficient and sustainable."

Jennings speaks with local media representatives about the significance of "walkability" for the residents at Eastport.

KCDC secured funding for the project through a combination of local and federal grants, including HUD Capital Funds.

In addition to presenting KCDC with the Signature Project award, Jennings was the featured guest speaker at a luncheon with Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, local HUD officials as well as key leaders for the local departments and agencies that rely on HUD funding.

Knox Housing Partnership (KHP) Executive Director Jackie Mayo (above right) describes to Jennings how KHP's Blueberry Ridge, another HUD-funded development for the elderly to be open this June will be another Knoxville model for energy efficiency. The City of Knoxville's Becky Wade listens in.

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