City of Columbia breaks ground to celebrate the revitalization efforts in the Jones McDonald Community Club Neighborhood

The City of Columbia in partnership with the TN Development Corporation hosted a groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, March 6, 2025, to recognize five single-family homes that are to be constructed in the Jones McDonald Community Club Neighborhood.

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 four single-family homes in the Historic Lower Waverly/Martin Luther King Community.

From left to right: Community Development Director Felicia Kilgore, Councilman Ed McDowell, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, Councilman Tyler Bailey and TN Development Executive Director Harrison Joseph participate in the shovel ceremony

“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

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

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

Shovel ceremony set-up

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).