As owner’s rep and development consultant, Cross Street Partners worked with Afro Charities to build a design and engineering team, navigate real estate due diligence and entitlements, hire a general contractor, and assemble the project capital stack which includes historic and New Markets Tax Credits, over 15 public and private grants, as well as individual contributions. Currently under construction, the redevelopment includes the renovation of the historic mansion and the construction of a new annex at the rear of the building.
The Upton Mansion, which will be certified LEED Gold, will also feature a gallery and exhibit space, recording studio, research and digitization space, leasable offices for similarly aligned organizations, community events space, and green space. The redevelopment will transform the Upton Mansion into an international destination for study and celebrating African American history and culture.
The redevelopment of the Upton Mansion will help the community actualize its community vision, which commits to “reclaim[ing] the vestiges of its distinct African American heritage and be[ing] the hub of a cultural revitalization where the memory of the great entertainers, artists, and civic leaders who proudly proclaimed Upton as their neighborhood will serve as a beacon by drawing investments back into the community.”
Upon the expiration of the 7-year tax credit compliance period, Afro Charities will own the building debt free.
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