Westside complex by Avalon’s developer to target ‘extremely critical housing need’

For its next from-scratch project, the developer behind Avalon, Atlantic Station’s revamp, and the ongoing Colony Square overhaul is planning something decidedly different: affordable Westside housing.

North American Properties announced this week plans to build an apartment community to serve as a larger residential component of nonprofit City of Refuge, which will aim to address what officials called an “extremely critical housing need.”

City of Refuge, an organization headquartered on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, strives to improve the lives of Westside residents through a variety of vocational training programs, healthcare, childcare, and other initiatives. It was founded in 1997 as a safe haven for women and children transitioning out of homelessness.

Geared to serve the local community and students in City of Refuge programs, the NAP project will offer 47 apartments among roughly 60,000 square feet.

A groundbreaking is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Apartments will have two or three bedrooms and range between 932 and 1,153 square feet. Rent prices weren’t specified.

Most of the units will be occupied by students at the organization’s newly opened Workforce Innovation Hub. This year alone, City of Refuge expects to place 400 graduates of various vocation training programs in permanent jobs.

“City of Refuge is an outstanding organization that offers individuals a second chance at life and provides a safe haven for those in need,” said NAP managing partner Mark Toro, a City of Refuge board member, in a press release. “[We’re] eager to be a part of this unique housing project that will contribute to the restoration of the Westside.”

NAP expects to deliver the apartments next summer.