Without Walls Community Development Corporation and McCormack Baron Salazar Announce Co-Developer Partnership In Support of Residents at Plaza East Apartments
Without Walls Community Development Corporation (WOWCDC) has joined the development team of McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) in the rehabilitation of the Plaza East Apartments, the organizations announced today. Plaza East is a 193-unit neighborhood located in Western Addition. As part of the new partnership, WOWCDC will serve as a liaison with the resident community throughout the redevelopment.
As co-developer, WOWCDC’s responsibilities will include arranging resident meetings, discussions and advisory services at the development; political and community engagement strategy; and delivering other community support services as necessary. A series of feedback sessions with residents and the project architects were held in October, allowing the residents to provide input on areas of concern as well as recommendations for changes to the apartments.
“I have long said that housing will not meet people’s needs until the people are involved in building it themselves,” said Reverend Arnold Townsend, WOWCDC. “It is our commitment to make that happen in a real way for the people of Plaza East. It’s important for the residents to have a voice, and we look forward to facilitating opportunities for their voices to be heard as the redevelopment discussions begin at Plaza East.”
“MBS is committed to supporting local Black developers as they build capacity in the housing industry, and WOWCDC is the perfect fit in that effort,” said Adhi Nagrai, McCormack Baron Salazar. “We’re thrilled to have them on board as we get underway on the rehabilitation of the Plaza East Apartments. WOWCDC’s experience and expertise will be a critical asset as we work to make Plaza East a thriving, livable community.”
The partnership between McCormack Baron Salazar and WOWCDC is an example of McCormack Baron’s Legacy mentor/protege program, which is designed to support minority developers and not-for-profit organizations. Through the Legacy program, prospective developers work alongside MBS staff to learn the ins-and-outs of the business, including finance, human capital support, community development and government relations.
Additional partners at Plaza East include Family Restoration House, which will provide supportive services, and Urban Strategies, Inc., which will provide community engagement resources.