Thank you to board members for this story from the newsletter.
ACER House LLC is set to transform the corner of 23rd Ave. and Cherry St. with a new 5-story apartment building. This development will replace the 1907 building that currently houses Flowers Just 4 U, Dur Dur Cafe, Winners Circle, and several apartments. While the project promises to bring much-needed housing and new retail space to the area, it also affects the existing community.
ACER House LLC has committed to offering existing tenants space in the new building, with 30% of the units reserved for residents earning below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The company has engaged with the community to address their needs and aims to honor the historic significance of the area as “The First Truly Anti-Racist Private Sector Development.”
However, the transition is not without its challenges. Ms. Mary, the owner of Flowers Just 4 U, has been given a move-out date of February 1st and after being forced to move once before as a business owner, this time she plans to retire. “I’m going to throw my alarm clock out day one” she shared. “This community and their support is special. I hope the new development keeps the spirit of our neighborhood alive.” Ms. Mary has down-sized in a different neighborhood and is currently seeking to sell her business, which has a loyal customer base with steady web and phone traffic.
The new building will provide114 residences and retail spaces and features a 1,500 square foot public courtyard, designed by Urban Black LLC to replicate the “front porch” feel that is significant to the Central Area’s design and function. There will be no parking for cars, but there will be spaces for over 100 bicycles. This decision has sparked debate. Some residents are concerned about the lack of parking, while others believe it will encourage a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
The community has not only been rallying to support affected business owners, they have also been rallying at a makeshift dog park behind the businesses. Over the last year while development was on hold, neighbors have transformed the dirt patch on 22nd Ave. into a community hub. This informal space has fostered a tight-knit community, with residents connecting through a WhatsApp group. Informal gathering places like the dog park and historic businesses are invaluable community assets. The hope is that the new public space on the south side of the building, influenced by Afro-Futurist concepts, will also become a cherished gathering spot, albeit of a different kind.