Council approves $2 million for 67-unit affordable rental project at 1880 Huron Street

The City Council on July 21 authorized up to $2,000,000 from the Affordable Rental Development Fund to DGA Saint Mary’s LP to develop 67 affordable rental units at 1880 Huron Street in District 5.

The funding resolution (12f) passed on a motion and second and was approved by the council on a voice vote. A representative of Yes, Knoxville, Drew Harper, spoke in favor, saying the project would add housing near existing neighborhoods, schools and services and provide a range of community amenities.

“We think this is a great use of the affordable rental development fund,” Drew Harper said, adding that increased housing choice and income‑restricted units are key to neighborhood stability. Council member Thomas praised the project’s design and outreach, saying the development will include a playground, community room, on‑site leasing office, business center, fitness facility, outdoor pavilion and a dog park.

City staff identified the project as eligible for the local affordable development fund and brought the item under a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute documents to award the funds. The council approved the measure without amendment; no vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript.

Next steps: the resolution authorizes the mayor to execute the necessary documents; the project will move forward through the city’s permitting and development-review processes, with additional coordination between the developer, the Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and neighborhood stakeholders as the project unfolds.