The Columbia Housing Authority launched a roughly $14 million redevelopment project Thursday aimed at renovating or replacing 25 affordable rental apartments near downtown Columbia.
Funding and Scope of Providence Walkway
The Providence Walkway initiative spans full interior renovations for 16 existing residences alongside nine newly constructed units built to replace demolished buildings. Funding for the overhaul relies on a mix of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development resources, and local public and private investments, according to the Housing Authority.
Overcoming Severe Structural Deficiencies
Columbia Housing Authority CEO Randy Cole explained that demolition crews have already cleared an older laundry facility, completed essential stormwater and water infrastructure work, and stripped materials out of the apartments ahead of the major overhaul. The older units suffered from limited insulation, shifting foundations and footings, and sewer line breaks.
“Also, the older units didn’t have high-speed internet or enough electrical amperage to power a dryer,” Cole said.
Housing Authority Covers Moving Costs for Relocated Tenants
Beyond structural fixes, the updated apartments will feature energy-efficiency improvements. All 25 of the apartments were fully occupied when the Housing Authority began exploring the redevelopment, prompting the agency to coordinate temporary relocations for current tenants.
“We pay for all the moving costs,” Cole said, detailing the agency’s commitment to absorbing those expenses and utility hookups to support residents through the transition until they can return to their updated homes.
Project-Based Vouchers Support Eligible Households
Every apartment at Providence Walkway will feature a project-based voucher, tying monthly payments directly to the tenant’s income. Eligibility requires households to earn no more than 50% of the area median income. Applicants join a waiting list processed primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, with specific preferences reserved for elderly applicants.
“We do have a lot of working families that just need some help with some housing stability given the high cost of housing,” Cole noted.
While construction at Providence Walkway moves forward, separate newly constructed Park Avenue apartments are opening under another Housing Authority development initiative. Residents across these developments also maintain access to after-school programming, case management, and a family self-sufficiency program focused on building income, savings, and credit.
