Columbia Residential’s Year In Review: 2023 Highlights

As we look forward to a promising year ahead, it’s important to reflect on the 2023 highlights and all that we were able to accomplish.

This past year, we had much to celebrate as the leadership team continued to advance our mission of creating communities that transform lives through a holistic approach.

In 2023, we successfully finished the construction of three new communities, comprising more than 330 affordable housing units. In addition, we closed the financing to begin construction on four housing developments in Georgia and Florida and started three new construction developments which includes the preservation of an existing senior housing community. These milestones will help us in delivering over 1,000 affordable housing units within the next two years.

New Communities

Last April, we celebrated the grand opening of The Banks at Mill Village in partnership with the Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia. This historic, Purpose Built Community was awarded Affordable Housing Finance magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Award For Outstanding Family Development.” A key feature of this development is the co‐location of the MercyMed Health Clinic, which provides preventative healthcare services onsite for the residents as well as the surrounding community.

In February 2023, HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Treasury Wally Adeyemo traveled to Atlanta for a roundtable discussion at Atlanta Housing headquarters followed by a tour of James Allen Jr. Place. The joint visit of the Deputy Secretaries was the first time they visited an affordable housing development together since their appointments.

In Tallahassee, Florida, we partnered with the Tallahassee Housing Authority to redevelop Columbia Gardens at South City. Phases I and II are well underway with Phase I expected to be completed by the spring. Together, the two phases will deliver 290 apartment homes.

We are excited to announce that 2100 Memorial Senior Residences in Houston, Texas, is also nearing completion. The partnership of Columbia Residential, Creekstone, and the Houston Housing Authority is delivering a crown jewel of affordable senior housing to replace a building devastated by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The new development will provide 197 apartment homes for seniors.

New Partnership

In keeping with Columbia Residential’s lifestyle promise to enhance the lives of our residents, we partnered with Matter Health this year to bring preventive primary care to low-income seniors at several of our Atlanta communities—thanks to the tireless efforts of Jennifer Owens, Vice President of Resident Services. We celebrated the first clinic opening at Columbia Heritage Senior Residences in April and James Allen Jr. Place in November 2023. In the near future, we hope to open additional Matter Health clinics for our other senior residential communities.

Property Management

2023 was a busy year for Property Management and Operations led by Aaron Swain. Under Aaron’s leadership, the Property Management and Resident Services teams worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of residents throughout the year.

Columbia Residential Property Management has over 10,000 apartment homes under management in four states and grew its portfolio by 10% in 2023.

Our in-house relocation services provider, Dash & Dwell, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the residents affected by a rehabilitation project are not permanently displaced and are treated fairly. With their help, we were able to relocate over 427 households across four redevelopment projects while renovating their existing homes with beautiful interior and exterior upgrades. This reflects our commitment to providing quality living spaces for our residents.

Columbia Residential hosted its 9th Annual Back to School Bash, which provided backpacks and school supplies for 1,500 kids in the Carver Cluster. The Resident Services team also organized Thanksgiving luncheons at nine senior properties and partnered with Core Connect, Inc., to present the annual Adopt-A-Family initiative, which serves families residing in Columbia Residential communities. Since its inception in 2020, we have served 933 children, raising over $80,000.

Industry Recognition and Company Growth

Columbia Residential is also proud of our CEO, Jim Grauley, who was recognized this year as being among Atlanta’s most admired CEOs. Each year, the Atlanta Business Chronicle selects CEOs through nominations and by canvassing business leaders in the Atlanta community.

Indeed, 2023 was a rewarding year for Columbia Residential with milestones and accomplishments we can be proud of. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our team and partners who share our mission for advancing lives and strengthening communities. As we begin 2024 with a fresh outlook and sense of renewal, we are excited for the opportunities ahead and inspired by the people we serve.