An empty lot on Jefferson Avenue between Northampton and Southampton Streets is symbolic of a new beginning; at least that’s the hope for President and CEO of People, Inc. Rhonda Frederick. 

“I think it will be a catalyst for a huge change in the neighborhood,” she said of the Jefferson Avenue Apartments. 

The neighborhood has seen businesses close and people leave over the years. 

Mayor Byron Brown showed us around the site; it’s one of several projects the city is helping to fund to help bring the east side back to its former glory. 

“Eventually here you will see 84 housing units between two buildings,” Brown said. 

Making the housing affordable, was a priority according to Frederick. 

“Based on your income, is how your rent is determined. And there will be apartments at every income level,” Frederick told News 4.

“There will also be retail spaces that will help to bring retail businesses back to Jefferson Avenue,” said Mayor Brown. 

The $24 million project is getting money from the city and state, along with both federal and state tax credits. 

Teaming up with Sinatra and Company Real Estate, the mixed income housing project will also include space for individuals with disabilities. 

Frederick said she wants this project to benefit the people who live in the neighborhood, which turns out, happen to be many of her employees. 

“We have a lot of People, Inc. employees who live in this neighborhood and are really excited about the possibility of having an apartment in the neighborhood.”

There will also be a recruitment center right on site, so People, Inc. can grow its team. 

Construction starts on the Jefferson Avenue apartments in October, after some environmental work is done to make sure the ground in and around the site is healthy. 

Frederick would eventually like to find a historically significant name for the site.