The Charlotte Housing Authority will get nearly $21 million in federal money to help transform the Boulevard Homes housing project into a mix-use development.

The announcement will be made official today when Sandra Henriquez, an assistant HUD secretary, visits Charlotte to tour the site.

Located near West Boulevard and Billy Graham Parkway, Boulevard Homes is one of the city’s last old-style public housing projects. A 2008 study showed it had a violent crime rate more than five times the city average.

The city plans to raze the 35-acre, 300-unit site and replace it with a mixed-use, mixed-income development that includes a K-8 school and an early childhood development center. The demolition and new development is projected to cost more than $150 million.

Charles Woodyard, CEO of the housing authority, told the Charlotte Observer he was "ecstatic" at the news. Charlotte was among 44 agencies to apply for $113.6 million in HUD money.

Indeed, the national competition for HUD funds has grown increasingly competitive. Woodyard said he believes Charlotte was helped because the Boulevard Homes effort includes an educational component.

The housing authority already has begun relocating Boulevard Homes residents; about 205 families remain. Demolition could begin later this year.

Congressman Melvin Watt and Mayor Anthony Foxx also are expected to attend today’s announcement, scheduled for 3 p.m.
 

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