J.J. Henderson

Originally constructed in 1979, J.J. Henderson Towers has provided affordable housing designated for seniors, 62-years or older, and disabled community members in downtown Durham for decades. The building is one of the Durham Housing Authority’s six sites included in DHA Downtown and Neighborhood Plan (DDNP); this plan preserves and develops over 2,400 mixed-income units to serve residents at various area medium income (AMI) in apartment complexes ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.

Renovations to each of the 177 units in this nine-story apartment building included installing energy-efficient appliances, new kitchen casework and new interior finishes to create a healthier living environment. Additional work included HVAC upgrades, upgrades to the building’s mechanical and electrical systems, improvements to interior air quality and a new roof.

The $31.2 million project was completed on time and on budget despite construction cost increases and the challenges of renovating a building while residents are occupying the space during the COVID-19 pandemic.