Eta Tau Lambda Chapter, Akron, Ohio, Thinks Big Builds Channelwood - 551 Housing Units Robert L. Brown, Alpha Phi Alpha Housing, Inc., Public Relations Committee Chrm. Only a few shovelfuls of dirt were tossed in a barren field in the heart of Akron that Sunday afternoon in November, 1971, but the significance of this act was tremendous. For Eta Tau Lambda Chapter and its offspring, Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Incorporated, it was the fulfillment of a dream that flourished in the minds and hearts of a few brothers during the early sixties For the numerous dignitaries who gathered that afternoon, it was recognition that housing and jobs would result from this partnership of local initiative and Federal funding which made Channelwood Village possible Channelwood is a limited-dividend Corporation funded under the FHA 236 Program. It is the first private development in the city to have social and economic integration as one of its major goals. Under the rent subsidy program, 40% of the residents can be low income families. In May of 1973, this 551 unit, $11.5 million housing complex will be completed. Channelwood will contain moderate and low income housing on 22 acres of land. Every effort is being made to assure that this area will have all the amenities of urban life. Nearly 1,200 residential units will eventually be developed here. There will be two new 3.5 acre parks. Canal Park to the West of Channelwood Village was completed in 1971. Park East is under construction. A neighborhood shopping center, within walking distance, will be constructed soon.
The Development — Status Three architectural styles are found in Channelwood — townhouses, garden apartments and a highrise building. Monthly Building Type Rental Number Tye of Unit Highrise $125.00 263 One bedroom Highrise 14, 145.00 158 Two Bedroom Garden Apts. 144 155.00 Townhouse 110 Three Bedroom 165.00 Townhouse 24 Four Bedroom Rent up activities began in the fall of 1972. A total of 170 families are now housed at Channelwood. More than 460 applicants are on our waiting list (Continued on page 52)
Achievements Each street in Channelwood Village is named after a Jewel or a founder of Eta Tau Lambda. Callis Oval is the major thoroughfare. It winds past the highrise building and forms a landscaped oval in the northern extremity of the garden apartment complex. The names of the Jewels will live forever at Channelwood. The active efforts of brothers has led to a recent decision by the Akron Board of Education to build an elementary school adjacent to Channelwood This in itself is a major breakthrough since the history of most school systems indicates that new schools just are not built in the inner city. The overall construction work force has been made up of 31% minority. This is a significant achievement for any construction project. This figure is representative of all skill trades. Additionally, minority contractors participated in 13% of the dollar amount of subcontracts worked. National Participation The involvement of our National Building Foundation has played a very important role in Channelwood's development. When documentation was required by FHA regarding Eta Tau Lambda Chapter's certification as an eligible sponsor of a housing project, the National Organization responded. The weight of national support supplied the ingredient that made possible our certification as an eligible sponsor. The support of the National body continues. Three members of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes' Board of Directors are appointed by the National BuUding Foundation. We take great pride in this continuing interest.
Brother Bob Brown, President ot Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. with the Project Coordinator for the Thomas J. Dillion Construction Co. The 15-story, 277 unit highrise building is in the background. They're walking in one of the 3.5 acres parks near Channelwood.
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