A church and an affordable housing developer joined forces to open an 80-unit senior housing community in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Gilfield Park is a prayer answered,” said James Jackson, founding board chair of The Park Community Development Corp. (CDC). “It represents the realization of a vision from both Bishop Claude Alexander and Mayor Vi Lyles around the need for affordable housing—especially for seniors. I am honored to help make this vision a reality and to do it with such an outstanding partner in Laurel Street, an African-American-led developer who specializes in creating quality affordable housing.”
The Park Ministries, The Park CDC, and Laurel Street recently celebrated the opening of the development, which features 48 one- and 32 two-bedroom apartments for residents 55 and older and earning no more than 80% of the area median income.
The name “Gilfield” commemorates the history of The Park Church, which was founded in 1913 as Gilfield Missionary Baptist Church. “Park” honors The Park Church for executing its vision of this gift to the community. Gilfield Park is phase one of a larger master-planned effort to develop The Park Church’s 51-acre campus.
“The grand opening of Gilfield Park is a significant milestone for us, representing our unwavering commitment to providing quality and accessible housing options for our senior population,” said Dionne Nelson, president and CEO of Laurel Street. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Park Church and The Park CDC for their invaluable partnership and vision as a great community steward.”
The approximately $16.8 million development features abundant outdoor green space, garden plots, a fitness center, a multipurpose community room, elevator access, a covered patio, and individual storage units. Gilfield Park is close to surrounding neighborhoods that offer residents easy access to several shopping, dining, and grocery options, as well as a bus stop.
The Park Church provided the land, and the apartments are managed by LSA Management.
