DURHAM, N.C. — Durham Tech Community College plans to build 124 affordable housing units near its main campus by fall of 2024. The president of the college, J.B. Buxton, made the announcement Tuesday.

This project is a partnership with Mosaic Development Group and Bank of America Community Development Company.

“This affordable housing initiative delivers on Durham Tech’s commitment to be part of this community’s solution to address housing insecurity and homelessness,” said Buxton. “We believe this project will be transformative for our students and for members of our broader community who need affordable housing."

Buxton estimates this being a $29 million project. He said around $5.4 million will be coming from the City of Durham's $95 million housing bond, a bond voted on in 2019. 

A 2015 graduate of Durham Tech, Sarah Pohlig, says she knows how important affordable housing is.

"If you don't have a place to lay your head at night, I don't know how many great things you're going to be doing," said Pohlig. "You don't feel safe or secure, so you need a home base from which to venture forth."

The housing complex will be on S. Briggs Avenue, near Durham Tech's main campus. This includes a 2,500 square foot community center and 222 parking spots.

Buxton says if all goes according to plan, leases will start being signed in fall of 2024.