HOPE VI REVITALIZATION PROJECT
May 12th, 2003
The City of Mobile and the Mobile Housing Board will break ground May 29, 2003, on a project, long overdue - not only in Mobile but in the state. Thanks to a $4.7-million dollar HOPE VI Urban Revitalization Grant, Mobile will be home to a new assisted living facility for elderly residents who cannot afford more expensive private facilities.City of Mobile officials, Housing Board members and seniors will help kick off construction as they turn the first dirt in a ceremony that begins at 10:00 a.m.
Mobile was one of five cities selected to receive the grant. This HOPE VI grant addresses the reconfiguration and upgrading of one of the Housing Board's elderly sites--Central Plaza Towers, at 300 Bayshore Drive. The money will also be used to convert the towers into a supportive living center that will allow public housing residents to age in place; avoid premature and costly institutionalization and become an anchor in the revitalization of the Crichton community-a designated U.S. Government Assisted and Community Development area.
Central Plaza Towers has 472 residential units in three buildings on a 15.5 acre site. The HOPE VI project will:
- Improve the existing housing stock by remodeling 60 units to provide safe, accessible living units for frail and disabled persons.
- Convert units on three floors to provide assisted living services in 40 units for those who need personal care, therapeutic interventions, and emergency response in order to avoid costly nursing homes and loss of control over their day-to-day living.
- Enrich the living environment for all residents by providing inviting, friendly common areas where family, friends and community groups can gather.
- Construct a community service center that will house administrative offices, a dining facility, a health and wellness center, commercial laundry, and a health clinic.
For more information about the project, please call Vanessa Jackson at the Mobile Housing Board, 423-8207.