Just outside of the bustling Research Triangle Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a new housing development, Weavers Grove is far from typical. Weavers Grove delivers on a vision of community and inclusion. As the first new development integrating Habitat for Humanity and market-rate homes, it is a groundbreaking project for affordable housing. Once completed, the development will be home to over 230 residences of various forms and a state-of-the-art amenity package including a Barrs Rec Playground!
The size and vision for this 32-acre development grew significantly from the initial planning for the project over 22 years ago, in response to the need for affordable housing in one of North Carolina’s Fastest-Growing communities. Unlike Habitat for Humanity’s usual approach of building a few infill houses within existing neighborhoods, Weavers Grove offers a new model—integrating market-rate homes with Habitat homes in a single, cohesive community. Challenges early on included overcoming misconceptions about the project lowering surrounding home values and the notion that homes were "given away." In reality, homes will be owned by hard-working families who have worked for home ownership and are invested in the community. To qualify for a Habitat Home, traditional applicants must earn 30-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), meet debt-to-income requirements, and work with Habitat on the construction of homes or in their retail stores to meet down payment requirements.
The playground is part of an extensive community amenity package in Weavers Grove, and the first element to be completed. The centrally located playspace is fenced for additional security and features separate play areas for ages 6 to 23 months with 2-5 year-olds and another for ages 5-12. There is also a space for swings, music and a unique climbing wall (by others) to be enjoyed by all ages. The bright and inviting Macaw color scheme invites play while the pour and place surfacing ensures accessibility for all users and caregivers. The sidewalks that wind through the playspace encourage creative play and are the perfect outlet for self-expression with sidewalk chalk. Shade is incorporated into the play structures and freestanding shade is placed over seating for caregivers.
Much of the Weavers Grove development, including the playground, was funded by an in-house capital campaign and grants designed to create affordable housing. The Habitat Homes are built by volunteers who donate their time to the projects on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays year-round. Currently, 22 Habitat homes are in the final stages of completion and several of the market-rate homes are sold and occupied!
Want to learn more about how to get involved with building one of these homes? Visit Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s volunteer page to get involved! If you are interested in any of the equipment installed at Weavers Grove send us an email at: [email protected]