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Project of the Year
Renaissance
Initiative, Inc. Danville
After two decades of steadily declining property values—marked by
widespread absentee ownership—Danville’s West Downtown neighborhood is on
the rise, with values increasing by 10 percent in the past few years. Much
of that success can be attributed to the work of Renaissance Initiative,
Inc., a nonprofit organization that has targeted the most deteriorated
properties in this historic neighborhood for acquisition.
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In just over four years, the initiative has
rescued 10 structures. Depending on their condition, the houses are
stabilized or restored and offered for sale to attract new families to the
district. Five residences have been bought, improved, and resold, all with
deed restrictions that require owner occupancy. Five others are in
various stages of restoration.
The City helps fund this program, using
money once earmarked for demolitions. In addition, the initiative
promotes public education through hands-on workshops for property owners.
It also is working with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable infill
housing on vacant lots in the target area.
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