Beecher Terrace Resident Yolanda Clark Returns
In February, residents began moving back to the Beecher Terrace Senior Apartments. For folks like Yolanda Clark, the move back has been a long time coming. Ms. Clark and her family lived in Beecher Terrace for more than five years before the complex began a billion-dollar revitalization in 2018.
The decision meant that her family, along with other Beecher Terrace residents, needed to relocate during construction. Fast forward to 2021, and Ms. Clark says the redevelopment was worth the wait. “I have been here for 3 weeks and it has already impacted my life. I’m happy and I’m satisfied with the process overall. It was worth the wait. I can see myself here for a while. I think it was a good thing that they remodeled.”
The Beecher Terrace Senior Apartments, located in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood, are designed for residents 55+. It’s the first Beecher Terrace property to open its doors since the redevelopment. Half of the new units are set aside for former residents like Ms. Clark, with no increase in rent. “My goal is to have a better life, and this apartment is helping me realize that. This apartment means so much to me. I’ve never had an apartment where everything is brand new,” said Ms. Clark.
As Ms. Clark settles into her new home, she has had the opportunity to reflect on her journey. The oldest of five, she lost her mother at age 15. With her dad working, she was forced to drop out of high school to help raise her younger siblings. As an adult, Ms. Clark is a two-time cancer survivor and has battled bouts of depression. Through it all, she has persevered.
Today, you can find Ms. Clark staffing the front desk at Louisville Central Community Center. After three years as a receptionist, she loves her job and looks forward to going to work. The role inspired her to go back to school, and she is finishing up her GED. Family comes first for Ms. Clark and her husband, who recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. She is most proud of her three children, describing how each graduated from high school and have successful careers. With everyone still in Louisville, Ms. Clark gets to watch her seven grandbabies grow up.
While the Beecher Terrace revitalization project won’t conclude until 2023, returning residents like Yolanda Clark are seeing a positive impact on their community. “I love moving back into Beecher Terrace. You can see that once they finish everything, it will be a beautiful place. I can see it will be a great place for families to watch their kids grow up. This project will better the community. I want everyone who lives at Beecher to have a sense of respect and pride for the area.”
