The problem

• The Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was interested in transforming Harbor View, a 1950s-era, barracks-style public housing project into 244 mixed-income rental and owner-occupied homes and apartments. But how to get the job done?

The strategy

• Duluth HRA worked with LISC’s Housing Authority Resource Center to create various partnerships to achieve the revitalization, including one with Common Ground Deconstruction LLC, a for-profit subsidiary of a nonprofit developer that provides training and employment to public housing residents. Common Ground’s pilot project involved deconstructing part of Harbor View, salvaging nearly 125 tons of material that can be reused in future construction efforts.

The result

• Reconstruction at Harbor View is well underway and Duluth will soon have a vital and much-needed new source of affordable housing.