D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace

Site Improvements

The devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 highlighted the urgent need for modernization and storm resilience at the site.

With support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, this project will bring significant structural, environmental, and aesthetic improvements to the site, ensuring its longevity and functionality in the face of future climate challenges.

The comprehensive upgrades will include storm hardening measures, sustainability and energy efficiency, infrastructure and safety enhancements, and community-centered improvements.

Project Highlights

Originally built in 1954, D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace has long been a cornerstone of the Christiansted community. The project will be completed as part of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA)’s long-term plan to rebuild, renovate, and strengthen its affordable housing portfolio throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Reconstruction is being undertaken in two separate concurrent financing transactions, both of which utilize HUD’s RAD program, transitioning from public housing to funding through project-based housing assistance payment agreements: (i) the Territory’s first tax exempt bond/4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) transaction and (ii) a 9% LIHTC transaction. The rehabilitation is also utilizing HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program.

The Bright Path initiative, a resident wellness and empowerment program developed by VIHA, will provide essential services such as job training, health and wellness programs, and long-term housing stability initiatives, further reinforcing the administration’s commitment to holistic community development.

Project Partners

Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA)

J. Benton Construction, LLC

SLM Architecture, P.C.

Cost Control Company, Inc.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA)

Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR)

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA)

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Citi Community Capital