HUD Logo
USA%20Flag  
Connect with HUD
HUD Podcasts
Site Map         A-Z Index         Text   A   A   A
HUD   >   State Information   >   Mississippi   >   Stories   >   2012-07-20
Kids in the heart of the Mississippi Delta have a new place to call home, playground included!

Williams Landing (formerly Delta Apartments) is located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, in Greenwood. As Delta Apartments, it was insured by FHA in February of 1973. Unfortunately by the end of the 1990s, the property was deteriorating and no funding was provided by the owners to improve its conditions and the quality of life of its tenants. After years of neglect, Delta Apartments only had five brave families living in the large privately owned 100-unit property. HUD's multifamily team recommended foreclosing it and selling it with the Section 8 contract, with the requirement that the new owner rehabilitate the property.

After several failed foreclosure sales attempts, the property sat idle for an extended period. Finally ,in 2011, TESCO Management Company purchased the property. At the time of acquisition, only 5% of the units were occupied. The Mississippi Development Authority determined that the ownership met the criteria to receive HUD's Neighborhood Stablization-3 funds and $4,900,000 was awarded for renovation in April 2011. Renovation of the property was completed on May 1, 2012. This project was greatly assisted by a team a team of persevering multifamily and community development workers willing to see the affordable housing complex come back to its original intended purpose, the former eyesore is an example of properties turned around for the betterment of their communities.

Today, the property consists of 16 buildings of 12 one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedroom units, 40 three-bedroom units, and 8 four-bedroom units. One hundred families enjoy totally renovated apartments in what is now called Williams Landing. Central air conditioning, energy efficient appliances, brand new roof, rails, parking, entrance, playground and a community room are part of the new housing experience. owners have completely changed the entrance and parking areas to make the property feel more like a community. A new mail kiosk and playground areas have been added. The apartments have been upgraded and include central air conditioning. The units have all new Energy Star appliances, low flow toilets and showerheads, new cabinets and hot water heaters. The interior doors and closet doors are new. Each unit has a built-in entertainment console in the living room. Exterior rails and stairs were replaced. The property has new windows, roofs, siding and soffits. A community room with a kitchen, a computer neighborhood network center, and an exercise facility has been added. Free internet access has been provided around the clubhouse and newly renovated laundry room. All 100 units are occupied by families whose incomes do not exceed 50% of the area median income.