Like many older public housing projects, the 45-year old Memorial Homes Housing Complex was difficult to maintain and crime was a constant problem. Residents and the City of New Brunswick, NJ agreed that the best way to remedy these issues and enhance residents lives was to demolish the existing buildings and start anew. This dream took a major step toward reality in 1998 when the New Brunswick Housing Authority (NBHA) and The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) secured a HUD HOPE VI grant for the demolition of Memorial Homes and the construction of new housing.

Residents worked with the City on what became known as the Lower George Street Revitalization Plan. The plan's goal was to provide a pedestrian friendly design, lower-density housing units, more opportunities for local businesses and to serve as a catalyst for development throughout the city. TCB joined the effort as Master Planner and crafted a three-phase development plan.

The first two phases of the revitalization plan, Hope Manor and Riverside, are complete. These projects provide a total of 144 low to affordable rental units, with half the units reserved for public housing recipients and half reserved for families earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income. Each project has a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units. The developments also include a commercial component of over 7,800 square feet of retail space and a beautiful new community center. The commercial space currently provides residents with numerous conveniences, including: dry cleaning and tailoring services, a check cashing office, a local convenience store and the temporary offices of the New Brunswick Housing Authority.

The final phase of the New Brunswick HOPE VI is the Lord Stirling Senior Housing project. This project will convert a century old school into 48 senior rental units. Lord Stirling will be one of the first projects in the country to utilize both HUD Section 202 funds and New Jersey tax credits. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2007.

All phases of this development benefit from a wide array of services provided by TCB's Community Initiatives department. A full-time, on-site Resident Services Coordinator provides residents with excellent programs, including resume writing workshops, mentoring & after school programs for children, job opportunity listings, monthly crime watch & resident meetings, and referrals to other local social services, such as job training programs.