LISTEN: The Front Porch is the first revitalization program on Auburn Avenue in 18 years. It aims to reconnect the historic neighborhood. GPB's Sarah Kallis reports.

Nikema Williams

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams praised the Front Porch's efforts to revitalize Auburn Avenue.

Credit: Sarah Kallis / GPB News

A new revitalization project is underway in downtown Atlanta. 

The Front Porch is the first revitalization program on Auburn Avenue in 18 years. It aims to reconnect the historic neighborhood.

The Sweet Auburn neighborhood is part of the district U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams represents in Congress.

“We can't close the racial wealth gap without increasing access to home ownership and investing in entrepreneurs," she said. 

Some community members welcome the project. 

Ila Williams, who is unhoused, lives near Auburn Avenue. She’s happy to see new affordable housing in the area and plans to apply to affordable housing programs.

“This is a peaceful community," she said. "You know, you can feel it. A lot of times at night I get up and go sit right over there. You can see Dr. King’s flame,” she added, referring to a feature of the nearby Martin Luther King National Historic Park.

Rent for a room in the new units will cost about $1,400 a month with furniture and utilities included. Phase 1 of the project is slated to be finished in August.

Tags: Georgia  Atlanta  revitalization  Auburn Avenue