Habitat Greenwood paving the way for community revitalization in North Edgefield Neighborhood
November 22, 2017
Greenwood’s west side will soon see signs of its first new residential development in nearly 20 years, as Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity begins demolition of abandoned properties in Greenwood’s North Edgefield neighborhood.
The demolition of a central property in the project, an abandoned apartment complex, is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 20. Upon completion of demolition, the open lots will make way for 15 new single-family homes to be built starting in 2018. The scope of this neighborhood revitalization project also includes the demolition and greening of 30 additional abandoned and blighted properties, to be developed at a later date.
The revitalization of the North Edgefield neighborhood is the result of a long-term partnership between Habitat Greenwood, the City of Greenwood and numerous community organizations. This project was made possible by $825,000 in funding from the South Carolina State Housing Authority.
The partnership aims to restore safety and a sense of community among homeowners, while connecting them to the resources and recreation that Uptown Greenwood offers. Habitat Greenwood has already built and maintains one subdivision in the neighborhood, and hosted a rehabilitation blitz day throughout the neighborhood in partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement in May 2016.
“At Habitat Greenwood, we want to change individual lives, but we are also invested in the life of the community,” said Chad Charles, Executive Director of Habitat Greenwood. “This project allows us to take a holistic approach to community development. This benefits families by creating a safe environment for them to thrive in, while also connecting them to the heart of the city.”
For the city, the opportunity to transform a downtown neighborhood into a thriving community is also an opportunity to jumpstart residential growth as a whole.
“Very little has changed in terms of downtown residential development in the past few decades,” said Charlie Barrineau, City of Greenwood Manager. “If we can bring safe housing that is walkable to our growing downtown district, that will be a vision realized and will pave the way for future development.”
About Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity
Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988 with the mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build houses, communities, and hope. Since its founding, the organization has served 81 families by building 72 homes, and engaging in neighborhood revitalization projects across the Greenwood community. Learn more at www.greenwoodhabitat.org.
