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Frazier Revitalization

Frazier Revitalization was born from the dreams of neighborhood residents. It started with a decision by the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) to replace Frazier Courts, public housing built in the early 1940s. By 2000, most units were in deplorable condition and crime was rampant.

In 2003, with the support of the Foundation for Community Empowerment, DHA secured a $20 million HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which it leveraged into nearly $60 million to replace the entire project. In its place, DHA built 300 new townhome‐style multifamily units and 40 single-family homes.

Frazier Revitalization

To multiply the impact of its investment, DHA hired internationally known urban planner Antonio DiMambro to work with Frazier residents in producing a comprehensive land use plan for the entire neighborhood. The plan, completed in 2004, called for more than $270 million in new development, including housing, retail, industrial and healthcare facilities. The goal is a mixed‐income neighborhood with ample fit and affordable housing for current residents and newcomers, plus a full range of basic services. In 2006, Dallas City Council formally adopted the Frazier Neighborhood Plan as part of the city’s ForwardDallas! comprehensive plan.

In 2005, as recommended by the DHA study, the Foundation for Community Empowerment formed Frazier Revitalization Inc., an independent 501(c)(3), to spearhead implementation of the Frazier Neighborhood Plan. Frazier Revitalization’s first task was, and continues to be, land assembly. As in many inner‐city neighborhoods, land parcels in Frazier tend to be small, and ownerships are often clouded. Builders shy away from such areas because of the extra time and effort required to find missing owners or resolve disputed titles.

Frazier Revitalization’s role is to facilitate development in keeping with the resident‐driven plan by assembling the necessary parcels and then passing them on to high‐quality, responsible builders. We also partner with residents to come up with community‐based design standards, and work with both residents and developers to see that those guidelines are followed.

Frazier Revitalization

While land assemblage is the primary activity, we have constructed homes under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and participate in the Dallas Land Bank Program. Relocation of residents whose residences are in poor condition or are situated in prime commercial corridors may also occur, as well as purchasing, closing and demolishing structures that are used for certain undesirable activities.

Frazier Revitalization recognizes that an overall comprehensive revitalization effort consists not only of acquisition and development of real estate, but also planning and building activities that address social equity and environmental stewardship. We work with neighborhood leaders and associations, crime watch groups, the police department, neighborhood schools, non-profit development corporations and faith based organizations to share resources, and to cooperate and coordinate at every level. Our focus is renewed civic engagement, improved educational opportunities, family health and social well-being, and law enforcement and crime prevention programs, in addition to quality, affordable housing, economic development and job creation.

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