“When you talk about economic development, you’re not only talking about investments in roads, buildings and infrastructure. Most of the time—if not all the time—you’re investing in people,” said Camilla Mayor Kelvin M. Owens.
On April 9th, residents, city representatives and community stakeholders gathered this morning to officially mark the opening of the newly redeveloped Jester Homes neighborhood.
“Today is about partnership, and the power of what’s possible,” said Wesley Brown, Director of Development, Southeast. “to the City of Camilla, the Camilla Housing Authority, the Georgia DCA, the Boys & Girls Club, Community Construction Group and countless supporters—the vision of this development is not only a reflect of Vecino’s mission, and a testament to our partnership with all of you.”
Since its construction in 1968, Jester Homes had provided generations of Camilla residents with affordable housing—yet the buildings had begun to show their age through general wear and outdated materials and systems.
The Camilla Housing Authority partnered with national developer Vecino Group to utilize a 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for a RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) conversion of the existing residential buildings—while also creating a new residential building and two new community buildings. Jester Homes now provides 60 residential buildings with 100 total units in a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom apartments with rents at 60% and 80% of the area median income.
Over the nearly three-year, phased RAD process, existing residents were carefully relocated to temporary apartments so that each building could be gutted. This allowed for a complete redesign to meet current codes and sustainability measures as well as make for a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
Community amenities include a covered pavilion, new playground, new basketball court, computer center, community laundry, community room & kitchen, and fitness room. Utilizing the beauty of the existing brick, incorporated new colors with the fiber cement board and batten siding.
Another key element within the revitalized community is the after school programming through the partnership of the Boys & Girls Club. Ondrea Peoples, Boys and Girls Club of Mitchell County CEO shared how important Vecino Design’s approach was on the end result. “The team didn’t just say ‘we’re building you a building’—they said “we need your input”. To walk into this place for our young people, where they can learn and grow—it is truly a blessing for which we are so thankful.”
Led by the Camilla Housing Authority and the Vecino Group, the collaborative effort also included the City of Camilla, Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Architecture and Design was performed by Vecino Design, LLC with Community Construction Group as General Contractor. The $29 Million redevelopment was made possible through an allocation of Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) as well as Federal Tax Credits from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, an equity investment from US Bank, and construction and permanent financing through Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.
Later in the afternoon, Community Construction and the Camilla Housing Authority held a resident appreciation celebration was attended by many families who enjoyed a catered buffet, inflatable bounce-house and slides, as well as the refurbished playground and basketball court.
““When folks feel special, they act special,” said Mayor Owens. “I think this project is a testament to the entire team and the community. I hope that there is more to come.”
