Villages of Hayti Development
The Grant Street Ladies, Bishop Clarence Laney, Jr., and other key community partners are largely responsible for the vision, advocacy, and momentum that made the Villages of Hayti development possible. Their decades of organizing, relationship-building, and persistence helped move this project forward.
If you’d like to better understand that story and the deeper history behind this moment, we encourage you to watch the Grant Street Documentary, which captures the legacy and leadership that continue to shape this neighborhood.
Project Contact:
Gerald Taylor, Project Manager for Phase 1, Durham Housing Authority - gtaylor@dha-nc.org
We wanted to share an important update about a major development project happening just near us in the historic Hayti neighborhood—the Villages of Hayti.
This project marks the first phase of redevelopment for the Fayette Place site, a long-vacant property owned by the Durham Housing Authority. After years of planning and community input, the project has officially reached a key milestone and is moving forward.
What’s Being Built (Phase 1)
252 affordable apartment units
Options for 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes
Housing for residents earning 30%–80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Designed as garden-style, three-story buildings
Community Features
The development is planned to include:
A community building with meeting space, offices, and shared amenities
Playgrounds and outdoor gathering areas
Covered picnic spaces and walking paths
Access to transit, jobs, and nearby resources
Why This Matters
This is one of the most significant affordable housing investments in Durham in recent years. The project is part of a larger, multi-phase vision that may eventually include:
Additional housing
Homeownership opportunities
Space for local businesses
Community-centered spaces shaped by resident input
Construction for Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2026, with completion projected in 2027.
Community Voice & Legacy
Since 2017, residents and community leaders have helped shape this project through meetings, surveys, and advisory groups. Even the name Villages of Hayti reflects a desire to honor the legacy and future of this historic Black neighborhood.
Learn More
We encourage neighbors to explore more details and stay informed:
Durham Housing Authority announcement:
https://www.durhamhousingauthority.org/whats-new-view?id=687Project overview and visuals:
https://durhamcommunitypartners.com/villages-of-hayti
Why We’re Sharing This
As Grant Street neighbors and partners working toward a shared vision for our neighborhood, it’s important that we:
Stay informed about nearby development
Understand how these projects may impact Hayti and surrounding communities
Continue advocating for community-rooted, neighbor-informed growth
We’ll keep sharing updates as we learn more.
With care,
Grant Street Community
