Franklin Workforce Housing to Feature 68 Apartments, Multiple Amenities
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
What started with a vision more than two decades ago is becoming a reality as heavy machinery moves dirt on the corner of West Franklin Street at Murray Avenue for a project that will culminate in 68 new homes on the property.
The complex will feature 20 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units and 24 three-bedroom units, all available as workforce housing near downtown. The Franklin Apartments complex will include a community room, playground, computer room, fitness facility and an on-site laundry.
“This project is a cornerstone here at Franklin and Murray Avenue,” said Anderson City Manager David McCuen. “It’s a $26 million workforce housing project with 68 apartments. We're very excited about the project as it will not only be a place for development here towards downtown, but because it brings new workforce housing to our community.”
Workforce housing provides residential options designed for middle-income earners—those who make too much to qualify for government-subsidized affordable housing, yet not enough to afford market-rate or luxury homes in their communities. Targeted towards individuals and families earning approximately 60–120 percent of the area median income, and will primarily serve essential workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and manufacturing and retail employees. These members of the workforce are crucial to community stability and development, but their wages often lag behind rising housing costs, leaving them priced out of the neighborhoods where they work.
Anderson City Councilwoman Dr. Beatrice Thompson said the new complex is “a blessing” and the fulfillment of a long-held dream during the official groundbreaking Monday,
“Today, I thank God,” said Thompson. “It’s finally coming to pass. It’s a blessing.” Thompson also expressed gratitude to all who supported the project, whom she said have “been the wind beneath thy wings, helping us to make this thing a reality.”
“This building is going to be an invigoration and a stimulation for the community and for the city of Anderson,” said Thompson, who added the location will benefit both downtown and the southwest side of town, connecting nearby organizations and services.
Anderson City Councilman Tony Stewart praised the new Franklin Apartments complex, calling its development a project that was long in the making.
“This project has been a long time coming,” said Stewart. “This seed was planted over 20 years ago.” He said a $1 million for the late U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond for the purchase of the land kicked off the project.
A later $250,000 U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant was also instrumental in what is happening today on the site.
Stewart credited several community leaders for their dedication to the project, acknowledging former Council Member Dennis McKee, Dr. Thompson, the late City Councilman Tommy Dunaway (whose son, Anderson Attorney Field Dunaway was in attendance Monday), as well the late Anderson Mayor Richard Shirley. He asked attendees to “give those two a round of applause for their unwavering support.”
Stewart’s remarks highlighted the collaborative spirit behind The Franklin Apartments and the lasting legacy of leaders who helped make the project a reality.
Various plans and proposals for the property have been promoted for more than 25 years, before partnering with Prestwick Companies, the developer for the site.
“We truly appreciate the opportunity to partner with the city of Anderson,” said Edrick Harris of Prestwick Companies. “Hopefully, in about a year and a half, we will have residents living on site.”
Harris thanked Thompson for her “vision, your commitment, your passion” for the project.
“We want to be able to help you realize a dream with this catalytic project for this area,” said Harris. “While we've got the sticks and bricks kind of going up, this is all about creating community.”
