JACKSON, MS – October 25, 2022 — Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. VI (MRHA6) and Knight Development will celebrate the completion of its Mississippi Region VI RAD housing development at Hickman Heights, a 100-unit, new construction property benefiting Jackson residents. Hickman Heights represents the final phase of this development project, which included the rehabilitation of 138 existing housing units and the construction of 120 new single-family and multifamily units. The RAD project is located on nine (9) sites across six (6) Central Mississippi counties, including Claiborne, Hinds, Holmes, Madison, Rankin, and Yazoo.
“The completion of Hickman Heights is the realization of a dream,” says Dr. Hickman M. Johnson, Executive Director, MRHA6. “Not only do these developments improve the quality of affordable housing, but they also add to the quality of life of the residents.”
This project was made possible through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program, which seeks to increase the availability of affordable housing. MRHA 6 and its development partner will provide supportive services to residents which are designed to enhance the physical, mental, and financial well-being of every resident.
“When we embarked on this journey, we set high expectations for the future of each property in the portfolio,” said Holly Knight, CEO of Knight Development. “We are proud to have helped make a historic shift in housing opportunities for these underserved communities and delighted to share this day with our friends and partners.”
Each apartment at Hickman Heights includes a full kitchen with ample countertop and cabinet storage space, a convection oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. A washer and dryer are provided in each unit. The building’s design incorporates energy-efficient features and several indoor and outdoor amenities. It also includes a solarium, gazebo, large community room with a kitchenette, library, and office space for supportive services.
The 138 existing public-housing units underwent a major renovation, including the replacement of building systems, updating HVAC systems, adding new energy-efficient windows, roof replacements, adding new flooring, updating bathrooms and kitchens, installing new appliances, updated 504 compliances, exterior and interior painting, adding new exterior doors, additional lighting, landscaping, and new signage.
The project was awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Bonds, and Housing Trust Funds. Funding, in the amount of $57 Million, was provided by the Mississippi Home Corporation, Red Stone Equity Partners, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. The architect was DNA Workshop. The General Contractor was River City Builders. Management services are provided by Standard Enterprises, Inc.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY VI – The mission of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority is to provide and develop quality affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families while promoting self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization. For more information, visit mrha6.org.
ABOUT KNIGHT DEVELOPMENT – Knight Development is a real estate development company that partners with non-profit and for-profit entities to acquire, create, and rehabilitate affordable housing communities. For more information, visit knightdev.co.
Coverage includes: Ribbon Cutting for Hickman Heights Development by Howard Ballou WLBT