News

Gonzales Gardens Rehabilitation

May 22, 2009
The initial design phase has been completed with input from the community and stakeholders. The design seeks to preserve existing trees and incorporate additional trees and landscaping as an integral design feature. The redesign will incorporate mixed-income, mixed-use and mixed-financing opportunities.

The eastern block, closest to Forest Hills, will concentrate single-family/residential structures, the central block will consist mainly of town homes, while the western portion will demonstrate mixed-use, including commercial, rental properties and a Senior facility geared more toward assisted living.

The Columbia Housing Authority will seek to acquire the Church's location to maintain the design integrity. The CHA will rely on partnerships with Providence Hospital, Benedict College and Allen University to facilitate redevelopment of the other main corridors.

The goal is 50% rental occupancy and 50% homeownership. The rehabilitation includes a total of 259 units replaced with 23 single family units, 13 duplexes, 48 townhouses, 96 apartments and 66 senior units. In addition, 45 single-family units are planned for infill along McDuffie and Washington Streets.  

The current design plan breaks down in terms of square footage as follows:

Retail - 70,000 sq. ft.
Institutional - 150,000 sq. ft.
Office - 120,000 sq. ft.
Parks - 5 acres
Community Facility - 25,000 sq. ft.

By Myra Washington, Public Information Committee
Forest Hills Neighborhood Association