Local Officials to Break Ground on Charleston’s Latest Affordable Housing Project

In a collaborative effort to address the need for affordable housing for seniors, local officials will break ground on Charleston’s latest community project at Johns Island on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 11 am. The development has been named Esau Jenkins Village, in honor of the Johns Island community development icon, Esau Jenkins, and will feature 72 new affordable apartments.

The Esau Jenkins Village Project

The Esau Jenkins Village project is a partnership between the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation, Ward Mungo Construction, and Nix Development Company. The project has been initiated to provide a 100% affordable housing community for seniors aged 62 and above. Audience of the groundbreaking for the project will include Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr., the family of Esau Jenkins, Councilmembers, and representatives of the contributing organizations.

“In the spirit of the work of Esau Jenkins, this project showcases how our city can collaborate to find solutions and take care of those most in need”, Mayor Cogswell stated. “This project is an example of the kind of quality and care from a Charleston that takes care of its residents.”

Investment and Support

The Esau Jenkins Village project has been financed by over 10 sources contributing a total amount of $25.9 Million. The development has been supported by various levels of government assistance including the City of Charleston, Charleston County, the State of South Carolina, and the United States Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional financial contributors include PNC Bank, Citi Community Capital, SC Community Loan Fund, and other private equity firms.

The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston has contributed significantly to this initiative. They have provided 72 project-based vouchers and issued $12MM of critical tax-exempt bond financing to make the plan feasible.

Features of Esau Jenkins Village

To meet the objective of income-based affordability, all the 72 units will be restricted to households earning up to 60% of AMI (local area median income). The community will consist of 61 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom apartments.

In addition to affordable housing, the project aims to provide seniors with a comfortable and enriching environment. Space and amenities of Esau Jenkins Village will include an on-site property management, a multi-purpose community room, a fitness center, a computer station, walking trail, and outdoor gathering space. Project completion and lease-up are projected for Spring 2025.

Its Chairman of the board, Herb Partlow, has expressed his delight with this development. He stated, “This project really shows what can be done in the Charleston area when we come together to address affordable housing issues.”

A Step Towards a Better Charleston

The Esau Jenkins Village project not only stands as a tribute to the work of Esau Jenkins but also signifies the city’s commitment to the welfare of its senior residents. It embodies Charleston’s spirit of collaboration and community building and serves as a model for future housing projects.