Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) is committed to the revitalization of the Five Points neighborhood, which includes the Walter P. Taylor Homes and Dr. Lee L. Williams Senior Complex public housing developments. On Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m., KCDC is taking the next step by hosting a public workshop focused on gathering input to develop a Five Points Master Plan.

The Five Points Master Plan team, led by Johnson Architecture, and including Atlanta-based urban design firm Urban Collage and financial planning company TCG International, will create a detailed action plan on the future housing and infrastructure built in the neighborhood, as well as specific avenues of funding. In preparation for the public discourse, the Master Planning team has conducted surveys and compiled market research about Five Points that will be presented at the meeting.

"We have conducted a detailed study of the neighborhood and its resources in preparation to begin the planning process, but we will never know as much about this community as the residents who live here," said Johnson Architecture Partner Kristin Grove. "These public meetings are crucial for us to understand the existing fabric of the community and its hopes for the future."

KCDC and its owner's representative, Partners Development, have already completed several major construction projects in Five Points. In 2011, KCDC opened the Residences at Eastport, an 85-unit, LEED Platinum-certified senior housing development in Five Points. Senior housing duplexes were also added in 2010, placing an additional twenty housing units to the community. These developments are fully leased.

Infill housing, the insertion of additional units into an already approved neighborhood, is also underway in Five Points on multiple lots. Two duplexes and a single family home have already been constructed and leased; two six-plex residences will open this winter, which will be managed by KCDC. That will add a total of 17 family-style units to the neighborhood.

Beginning in August of 2012, 86 units of Walter P. Taylor Homes and 97 units of Dr. Lee L. Williams Senior Complex were demolished as part of a first phase to replace older public housing in Five Points with new units. By this winter, 122 units will have been constructed to replace the demolished units. Residents displaced by the demolition of Walter P. Taylor Homes have received priority placement in a new unit in Five Points, priority placement at another KCDC property or a Section 8 voucher.

"Thanks to the commitment of the City of Knoxville and our community partners, the Five Points community is experiencing a time of growth and excitement as new housing is added to the area," said KCDC Executive Director and CEO Alvin Nance. "The revitalization of the Five Points neighborhood will be completed in phases, and this Master Plan help us determine our next steps in facilitating that process."

The Five Points Master Plan development process will include three public workshops and is expected to conclude in 2014.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC's mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.