MDHA’s vision for housing transformation

By V.S. Santoni

NASHVILLE, TN — In an exclusive interview with Charlotte Wutherington, Assistant Director of Communication at MDHA, insights were shared into the agency’s strategic vision for addressing Nashville’s housing challenges.

MDHA’s mission, as highlighted by Wutherington, centers on providing affordable housing opportunities, recognizing the ongoing demand. The transformative Cayce Project, guided by MDHA’s commitment, boasts six new developments housing 507 units, with notable partnerships contributing to the success of these initiatives.

“It’s going to take many partners coming together to help meet the need for housing” said Wutherington.

MDHA’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program, emphasized by Wutherington, incentivizes private developers, contributing to the creation and preservation of nearly 9,000 affordable apartments in Davidson County.

The Cayce Transformation, detailed by Wutherington, aims to redevelop the property into a mixed-income, mixed-use community with over 2,000 units. The phased approach ensures a seamless transition for residents, integrating new facilities like grocery stores and retailers into the community.

Wutherington states “We want to make their transition to their new home as smooth as possible.”

MDHA’s vision for transforming public housing involves converting units to Project-Based Rental Assistance through the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). The Master Plan, explained by Wutherington, extends to other legacy sites, transforming outdated housing structures into vibrant, mixed-income communities.

“The plan for a mixed-income, mixed-use community at Cayce Place was born out of meetings and what we heard from our residents” said Wutherington.

Wutherington highlighted MDHA’s Resident Services Department, connecting residents with resources, empowering them to pursue goals like homeownership. Modernizing affordable housing at Cayce integrates affordable, workforce, and market-rate units with market-rate amenities, community spaces, and unique designs.

“The new Cayce Place ensures neighbors of all incomes live side-by-side” she said.

MDHA, under Wutherington’s guidance, aims to transform all legacy sites, providing residents with the tools needed to reach their full potential.

“We’re transforming our affordable housing, but we also want to make sure we are providing our residents with the tools they need to reach their full potential” said Wutherington.

She emphasized collaboration to achieve shared affordable housing goals, making Nashville a city that serves all its residents. Follow @NashvilleMDHA on social media for updates on their initiatives and success stories.