Four communities have been selected to receive a combined $108.9 million to redevelop distressed housing and spur comprehensive community revitalization under the federal Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has named Cincinnati; San Antonio; Seattle; and Tampa, Fla., as this year’s grant winners.

“HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative supports local visions for how to transform high-poverty, distressed communities into neighborhoods of opportunity,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “We’re emphasizing a comprehensive approach to revitalizing neighborhoods by considering the totality of a community with regard to health, safety, education, jobs and quality housing in mixed-income neighborhoods.”

The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB), will receive $29.5 million for Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood. The nonprofit said the funding will support a sweeping neighborhood transformation plan that TCB developed in partnership with the city and several community organizations.

The core of the plan is the rehabilitation of five multifamily properties located along Avondale’s Reading Road thoroughfare and the infill of new mixed-income housing on vacant lots in the area. A total of 318 units of housing will be constructed or substantially rehabilitated.

The other three winners are also planning major transformations. The San Antonio Housing Authority will receive $29.8 million to redevelop Wheatley Courts in the Eastside neighborhood.

The Housing Authority of the City of Seattle is receiving $19.7 million to redevelop Yesler Terrace and its surrounding neighborhood, and the Housing Authority of the City of Tampa will use its $30 million grant in the Central Park/Ybor neighborhood.

Choice Neighborhoods succeeds the HOPE VI program, placing a new emphasis on linking housing improvements with schools, transportation, and other services.