The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency’s Board of Commissioners has approved a master development agreement for the revitalization of Napier Place and Sudekum Apartments. The agreement, approved during the board meeting on Nov. 12, allows MDHA to collaborate with a team of co-developers on the Agency’s Napier and Sudekum Transformation plan. It also establishes the framework for how both parties will work together. The developers involved include The NHP Foundation; The Peebles Corporation; Legacy Real Estate Development, Inc.; Pillars Development LLC, and APK Development & Construction, LLC.
“This agreement marks an important milestone in our goal to bring updated amenities and new opportunities to the residents we serve,” stated Johnny B. Moore Jr., the Chairman of the Board. “I look forward to seeing how the partnership with MDHA and the co-developer team progresses and ultimately contributes to the well-being of this community and Nashville as a whole with the creation of new affordable housing units.”
Under the Napier and Sudekum Transformation plan, the current units will be replaced with a mixed-use, mixed-income community that will feature more than 2,000 apartments. This includes a one-for-one replacement of the existing 821 subsidized units. Other features in the new community include a new park in the center of the neighborhood. Throughout the planning process, the community has provided valuable input from more than 60 meetings, public town halls, workshops and engagement activities, ensuring that their specific needs are addressed. The co-developers plan to keep the same resident-focused mission going forward.
“Passion and commitment to helping communities are shared traits among us,” explained Edward Henley III, Founding Principal at Pillars Development LLC, a Nashville-based company. “We view this as an unprecedented opportunity for a collective of Black-led development firms to unite in serving a community that can see itself reflected in those who are dedicated to being here and advocating for their interests. Ultimately, our shared belief is that our expertise in development is secondary to our mission and purpose of serving this community. With MDHA as a partner, and this community as our focus, we are confident in our ability to fulfill that purpose.”
MDHA is also continuing its work on the Cayce Transformation. The plan calls for more than 2,000 units and ensures a one-for-one replacement of existing subsidized units, while adding new affordable, workforce and market-rate housing. To date, 603 units have been created, and 310 are under construction. MDHA’s President and CEO Dr. Troy D. White says these redevelopments show that the Agency is headed in the right direction.
“With the Cayce Transformation and the Napier and Sudekum Transformation, MDHA is fulfilling its mission to create quality, affordable housing for all Nashvillians. I commend the efforts that have brought us to this point, especially from our residents, who have played a crucial role in shaping both plans. They are the reason why we do what we do, and it is a privilege to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive in our great city.”
