Villages of Hayti Groundbreaking Marks Historic Moment for the Grant Street Community
This week, neighbors, residents, community leaders, elected officials, and longtime advocates gathered in Durham, North Carolina to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Villages of Hayti development in the Historic Hayti District.
For many in attendance, this was more than a groundbreaking ceremony. It was the continuation of decades of advocacy, organizing, prayer, and persistence from residents and leaders who never stopped believing in the future of Hayti.
Among those invited to speak during the ceremony were Bishop Clarence Laney Jr. of Monument of Faith Church and longtime Grant Street resident Miss Brenda Bradsher — two voices who have helped carry the vision of community preservation and neighborhood investment for many years.
A Long Journey Toward the Villages of Hayti
The Villages of Hayti development rises from land deeply connected to the history of the Historic Hayti District and the long-standing conversations surrounding the former Fayette Place site.
For years, residents in the Hayti community have advocated for development that honors the people, history, and legacy of the neighborhood while also creating opportunities for current and future generations to remain rooted in Durham.
The groundbreaking ceremony reflected the work of many individuals and organizations across decades, but it also highlighted something equally important: the power of longtime residents continuing to show up for their community.
The Grant Street Community turning dirt at the Durham Housing Authority Ground breaking for Villages of Hayti (May 13, 2026)
Bishop Laney Reflects on Community Legacy
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Bishop Clarence Laney Jr. spoke about the significance of the moment for the Hayti community and the importance of continuing to invest in the people who have sustained the neighborhood through generations of change.
As pastor of Monument of Faith Church for more than 30 years, Bishop Laney has remained deeply connected to the surrounding community and has consistently supported efforts connected to housing, neighborhood preservation, and community well-being in Durham.
His remarks reminded those gathered that projects like the Villages of Hayti are built upon years of relationship-building, community advocacy, and residents refusing to give up on their neighborhood.
Miss Brenda Bradsher Represents the Heart of Grant Street
One of the most meaningful moments of the Villages of Hayti groundbreaking came as Miss Brenda Bradsher addressed the crowd.
As one of the beloved Grant Street Ladies and a longtime resident of the Historic Hayti District, Miss Brenda represents the wisdom, care, and persistence of neighbors who have spent years advocating for their community behind the scenes.
Her speech reflected the deep connection many residents carry to this neighborhood — a place filled not only with struggle and displacement, but also beauty, memory, resilience, and belonging.
For many neighbors, seeing Miss Brenda speak at the groundbreaking felt like seeing the community itself represented on stage.
From left to right: Pam Blake, James Montague, Dianne Merritt, Brenda Bradhser, and Vivian Gunn. (May 13, 2026)
Why the Villages of Hayti Matters for Durham
The Villages of Hayti development represents an important investment in affordable housing and the future of the Historic Hayti District in Durham, NC.
At the same time, the groundbreaking served as a reminder that meaningful community development must remain connected to the voices and leadership of longtime residents.
The story of Hayti has always been shaped by people who cared deeply for one another, organized together, and continued dreaming about what the neighborhood could become despite decades of disinvestment and displacement.
The groundbreaking ceremony honored that legacy.
What’s Next for the Villages of Hayti
As the groundbreaking ceremony comes to a close, many neighbors are also asking an important question: what happens next at the Villages of Hayti?
According to updates shared during recent CAC (Citizen Advisory Committee) meetings connected to the development process, construction for Phase 1 of the Villages of Hayti is expected to move forward quickly in the coming months.
Current plans for Phase 1 include approximately 252 garden-style apartment units ranging from one-, two-, and three-bedroom housing options. The development is expected to include housing for residents across multiple income levels, including units connected to 30–80% AMI (Area Median Income).
Community leaders shared that site construction activity is expected to begin around the first quarter of 2028, with broader construction continuing throughout the multi-phase development process.
Plans discussed during community meetings also include:
Garden-style apartment housing
Senior housing for residents ages 55+
Elevator access in senior buildings
Approximately 68 senior housing units in a future phase
Additional townhouse-style housing
Walking trail connections
Community gathering and outdoor spaces
Residents attending the CAC meetings also shared excitement about the long-term vision for the site and the possibility of creating housing that allows more families, elders, and longtime Durham residents to remain connected to the Historic Hayti District.
While timelines may continue to shift as development moves forward, many neighbors expressed gratitude simply to see visible progress taking place after years of advocacy and community organizing surrounding the Fayette Place site.
For the Grant Street Community, the Villages of Hayti groundbreaking represents both a major milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in the continuing story of Hayti.
