The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the city of Phoenix $8.9 million for its second HOPE VI grant to revitalize the Krohn West Homes located at 16th Avenue and Maricopa Street in the Central City South community.

HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said, “This funding not only gives cities the resources to build quality affordable housing in these communities, it also improves the quality of life of the residents who live in the public housing. I’m glad Phoenix will once again use HOPE VI funds to transform neighborhoods and lives.”

Krohn West is a 76-unit development that was built in 1961. The redevelopment will include 42 public housing units, 25 affordable rental units and 40 affordable homes for purchase. The plan also includes 16 market rate rental housing and 97 market rate homes for purchase.

“I am proud that HUD has awarded Phoenix a second HOPE VI grant,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “We already see the positive results of the Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project and know that the Krohn West HOPE VI Project will be a positive addition to the community.”

The city of Phoenix was selected from a pool of 29 HOPE VI grant applications from housing authorities across the country. Other grants in this cycle were issued to housing authorities in Boston, Fayetteville, N.C., New Orleans and Washington, D.C.

“The Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project has successfully revitalized the Central City South community and I am pleased that HUD has awarded another HOPE VI Project in District 8 that will further improve the quality of life of our residents,” said District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson.

Relocation costs for residents will be paid as needed, and affected residents can relocate to other public housing or receive a Section 8 housing choice voucher to subsidize their rent in privately-owned properties. Relocated residents will have the option to return to the newly-constructed housing units and will be eligible for job training and other support services through the Community and Supportive Services component of the HOPE VI grant.

The city of Phoenix received its first HOPE VI grant in 2001 for $35 million to revitalize the Matthew Henson Homes located at Seventh Avenue and Buckeye Road. The 40-acre property was selected due to the age of the deteriorating units and its close proximity to downtown.

The Matthew Henson Homes is now “Henson Village,” a mixed-income residential community with 611 affordable housing units, which includes public housing, mid-level income tax credit and market rate units. The Matthew Henson HOPE VI Project is expected to be completed in December 2008.