Neighborhood Renaissance

About

Founded in 1992, Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to creating and preserving strong neighborhoods and homes within the financial reach of low and moderate-income working families. Community driven, our approach to neighborhood revitalization is comprehensive, equitable and based on sound urban planning principals. We work with existing residents and community stakeholders to solve neighborhood planning issues, renovate troubled properties, develop workforce housing, assist first-time homebuyers, complete neighborhood improvements and we encourage business development and job creation.

courtyardDuring our history, we facilitated a two-year citizen land-use planning process that laid the ground work for affordable housing development and resulted in the creation of new mixed – used residential and retail zoning for the Northwood Village business district. In addition, we administered a business district beautification, security, and small business incentive program, and developed new urban design guidelines for the Northwood Village. As part of our efforts to revitalize the business district, we developed the Renaissance Courtyard, the first mixed-use residential and commercial project to be built in the Northwood Village, which we currently own and manage. We have also provided small business training and assistance to approximately 150 entrepreneurs resulting in over 115 jobs for low-income residents.

CoupleNeighborhood Renaissance has also assisted over 65 low and moderate-income working families to purchase their first home through a case management approach involving one-on-one counseling, homebuyer training, and assistance with obtaining financing. Our nationally recognized Northwood Model Block program has resulted in the construction of 33 single-family homes, the rehabilitation of 14 properties and comprehensive neighborhood improvements for an investment of over $8 million in Northwood. Our Community Land Trust (CLT) program has helped 8 low-income families to purchase homes in Northwood. Most recently, our partnership with Palm Beach County assisted 5 very low-income families to enter into a lease with an option to purchase a CLT home in Northwood.

Street Fair

Our recent awards and recognitions include:

  • Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award and $200,000 contribution in support of affordable housing efforts
  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta EDGE award for the Renaissance Courtyard project
  • Northwood Community Land Trust homes featured in the Florida Housing Coalition’s Housing Network Journal
  • 1000 Friends of Florida’s Community Steward Award in recognition of affordable housing work through the comprehensive Model Block & the Northwood Citizen Planning Initiative
  • South Florida LISC Community Development Champion and national recognition for the Model Block Initiative
  • Citibank Partners in Progress Award
  • “ CDC’s Comprehensive Approach to Neighborhood Revitalization Results in the Making of an Urban Village” featured as lead article in the national American Planning Association Economic Development Quarterly
Neighborhood Renaissance