DHA Reaches Major Milestone in Public Housing Transformation: Demolition of 519 E. Main Begins
To view additional photos of the 519 E. Main Demolition, please click here.
Media Contact:
Aalayah Sanders, Director of Communications
919-407-0460
Email: asanders@dha-nc.org
DHA Reaches Major Milestone in Public Housing Transformation: Demolition of 519 E. Main Begins
Durham, N.C. (June 13, 2025) The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) reached a major milestone in the redevelopment of 214 public housing units in downtown Durham, as demolition began on the last remaining original building, 519 E. Main Street Apartments. The redevelopment of 519 E. Main and the adjacent Liberty Street Apartments is supported by a $40 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $15 million from the City of Durham's Forever Home, Durham program, and over $120 million in private investment. "This is an exciting moment for DHA and the families we serve", said Anthony Snell, interim Chief Executive Officer. "This redevelopment exemplifies DHA's commitment to providing high-quality housing for our residents and expanding housing opportunities in Durham."
DHA partnered with Laurel Street to redevelop 519 E. Main and the former Liberty Street Apartments, as well as The Joyce, which opened in May 2023. "We are proud to continue our partnership with DHA to bring vibrant, inclusive communities to life," said Dionne Nelson, President and CEO of Laurel Street. "At Laurel Street, we believe in the power of well-designed, mixed-income housing to transform neighborhoods and improve lives." The redevelopment plan includes more than 500 new apartments, a mix of market-rate and affordable housing options. All 214 original public housing units will be replaced, and the community will also feature modern amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness rooms, bike storage, electric vehicle charging stations, playgrounds, a pocket park, picnic areas, and outdoor seating.
"The redevelopment of 519 E. Main and Liberty Street is part of the implementation of the DHA Downtown and Neighborhood Plan and reflects DHA's continued commitment to replacing aging public housing with mixed-income and mixed-use communities," Snell added. Residents who lived on the site when redevelopment began have been temporarily relocated and have the right to return to the new housing as units become available. The first wave of households are scheduled to move back in July 2025.
About DHA
The Durham Housing Authority is the largest affordable housing provider in Durham, North Carolina. DHA has developed, owned, managed, and contributed housing to diverse communities of choice since 1949. DHA has completed the redevelopment of the JJ Henderson campus, in partnership with CCI/Florian and Laurel Street. Work is beginning on the redevelopment of two more DHA properties, Forest Hill Heights and Fayette Place. For more information about DHA, click here.
About Durham Choice
Durham Choice is a partnership between the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) and the City of Durham to expand affordable housing opportunities in Durham and ensure that low-income residents can live in high-quality housing in great neighborhoods. The focus of Durham Choice is on the redevelopment of two aging public housing properties in downtown Durham, 519 E. Main and Liberty Street Apartments. The program is supported by a $40 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For more information about Durham Choice, click here.
About Laurel Street
Laurel Street is a leading multifamily residential development company experienced in developing high-quality communities for working families and seniors. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company has a current development portfolio of more than 6,000 units. For more information about Laurel Street, click here.
