A new place to call home. The first tenants are settling into the Brown School Lofts at Legacy Heights — the first 81 units located at the corner of Highland Avenue and East 11th Street.

First phase complete

Officials cut the ribbon on Thursday, April 25, celebrating the first phase of a five-phase plan to replace Cleveland Avenue Homes through the Choice Neighborhoods program. East Ward Council Member Annette Scippio said the property where Brown Elementary School once stood has a rich history — and she is excited to see the community flourish.

"I know my ancestors who lived in this neighborhood years ago are very, very proud that this is here today," Scippio said.

Building community

In 2020, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded a $30 million grant to the City of Winston-Salem and the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS). Part of the funding was allocated to replace 244 units in the Cleveland Avenue Homes public housing neighborhood.

Brown School Lofts and the larger Legacy Heights community reflect the city's goal to create mixed-income communities. Out of the current 81 units, tenants earning less than the area media income will occupy 51 of the available units.

Anyone can apply to live in the remaining units, which will be priced at “market rate”. All residents of Cleveland Avenue Homes, like 97-year-old Maddie Young, will receive assistance with relocation.

"It means the world to me that I can live in a place like this and feel safe," Young said.

A warm welcome home

Floor plans range from one bedroom, two-bath apartment units to four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath townhomes. Neighborhood amenities include a picnic area, fitness center, playground, and lounge.

When all five phases of the Legacy Heights community are complete, 406 units will be available. A total of 199 units will serve residents who were previously living in Cleveland Avenue Homes. The completion date is set for 2027.