City of Columbia breaks ground to celebrate the revitalization efforts in Historic Lower Waverly/Martin Luther King community

The City of Columbia in partnership with the TN Development Corporation hosted a groundbreaking celebration on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to recognize four single-family homes that are to be constructed in the Historic Lower Waverly/Martin Luther King community. The City’s Community Development Department is providing $2.2 million in federal HOME Investment Partnership Program dollars to finance the project. Part of these funds will be going towards five single-family homes in the Jones McDonald Community Club Neighborhood.

“We are working collaboratively together to improve the quality of life in the community. By taking the empty lots in this neighborhood and converting them into opportunities for this neighborhood to thrive and grow” – Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann giving remarks before the ground breaking.

This groundbreaking event aligns perfectly with the City of Columbia’s commitment to expanding diverse housing options for residents from all walks of life. By fostering inclusive developments like this, the city aims to ensure sustainable living opportunities for all residents and focuses on our dedication to revitalize our historic neighborhoods across the City of Columbia.

“It is a time for us, with this council, to not only address reports and studies but to bring them to fruition by bringing in the right resources along with our own City staff to get this done finally” – City Manager Teresa Wilson

MLK Future Homeownership site plans.

TN Development Corporation is targeting citizens that quality for the City of Columbia Loan Program and first time homebuyers.

Key Requirements for buyers are below:

• Buyers must be credit worthy with gross household income that do not exceed program income limits (based on HUD guidelines).
• Buyers must purchase an eligible property within the City of Columbia, aimed at supporting the City’s Affordable Housing Initiatives.
• Applicants CANNOT own any other improved property during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase (closing date).

City of Columbia Councilmen Edward McDowell and Tyler Bailey as well as Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann and City Manager Teresa Wilson at the ceremonial ground breaking.