East Point revives long-vacant public housing building
East Point is turning an old public housing building back into affordable units.
The old, nine-story high rise stands only a few blocks from East Point’s downtown. The high rise, known as Nelms House, opened in 1974. Over time, it developed serious issues, including mold. In 2004, it closed. The building then sat vacant for nearly two decades.
In early June, a construction crew had already stripped the building to the frame. The workers moved with drills in and out of the gutted apartments, which were once full of residents.
“This was a 100 unit senior and disabled person complex that was owned by the East Point Housing Authority,” said the agency’s director Michael Spann.
The latest attempt to revive the apartments is a partnership between the housing authority and a developer called the Vecino Group. Local leaders said they hope it will help meet a growing need on the southside of Atlanta.
Spann said the renovation is now possible because of the state of the housing market.
“It’s the demand,” he said. “The demand for affordable housing.”
He said East Point is the next community south of Atlanta. So, as Atlanta struggles with rising housing prices, that spills over into East Point.
Several affordable developments opened up in recent years. All had waiting lists immediately, Spann said.
“I don’t want East Point to become one more community that the average person can’t afford,” he said.
The old Nelms House is set to re-open under the new name “Aya Tower” next year.
It’s expected to have 80 one and two-bedroom units priced for people who make around $30,000 to $40,000 a year.
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