Harriet Tubman YWCA Adaptive Reuse

The Harriet Tubman YWCA in the Hayti neighborhood of Durham, North Carolina is a historic property being adapted into permanent supportive housing by Reinvestment Partners, a local non-profit affordable housing developer and service provider. The existing building was an important landmark during the Civil Rights Era, but has been vacant and deteriorating over several decades in a neighborhood which was increasingly disenfranchised. Reinvestment Partners purchased the property with the intent to continue their investment into this community to achieve positive economic and social outcomes for the local population while honoring the important history of the place. Haven provided architectural services with a focus on historic preservation, increasing energy efficiency, promoting human health, and designing for accessibility to achieve a low barrier housing environment. This project is providing 15 units of affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness with supportive services and amenities on site to facilitate the long-term success of the residents.