FRONT PORCH

The Front Porch development is the first catalytic project on Auburn Avenue in over a decade. Infusing elements of arts & culture, urban agriculture, entrepreneurship for small businesses, and affordable housing, Front Porch includes new ground-up construction at 348 Auburn Avenue and 349 Old Wheat Street and the renovation of two historic retail buildings along Auburn Avenue.

This community-driven development project will help combat social and racial inequity through a master-planned, mixed-use development comprised of over 100,000 square feet of green space, retail, and residential units with opportunities for home ownership and affordable rentals.

Non-displacement and empowerment of community members are key anchors to this project. The project's name – Front Porch – pays homage to the communal spirit of the district and presents the opportunity for the community to maintain its character and culture.

EMPTY LOT AUBURN AVE

HISTORIC STRUCTURES

Project Impacts

To HDDC, Front Porch is one instance of a promise kept to the community – a more thoughtful, holistic approach to equity-based development that is much needed in the Sweet Auburn corridor. The key project impacts include:

Advancing Racial Equity

The project team is Black-led, and several minority-owned tenants have been identified for commercial spaces.

Creating Accessible Jobs

The project will create 135 FTEs by reactivating a retail corridor, including 6 pop-up spaces for local entrepreneurs.

Developing Affordable Housing

There will be affordable rental and homeownership units at 80% of AMI.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability

The development will have a sustainability rating and will include a rooftop garden to provide fresh produce to the tenants and the community.

Catalyzing Neighborhood Rebirth

HDDC is leading the implementation of a Sweet Auburn Green & Equitable (SAGE) District to attract investment and mitigate gentrification in the Sweet Auburn corridor. SAGE District will be a coordinated and holistic strategy to guide the desired investment outcomes for our neighborhood.

Project Details

COMMERCIAL SPACE

New construction of 4 larger retail units (13.200 SF) that will support restaurants and more established businesses
Renovation of historic Haugabrooks Funeral Home into a 6,800 SF speakeasy and arts space
Conversion of 6 existing retail units (4,300 SF) into affordable pop-up spaces for local entrepreneurs

RESIDENTIAL SPACE

22 units of affordable co-living rental housing arranged into 8 communities with shared kitchen and living areas
23 micro units and studio units (9 affordable) of rental housing.
16 for-sale condos (4 affordable) ranging from 1-3 bedrooms

OTHER COMPONENTS

9,000 SF rooftop event space will have a community garden and room for health classes, networking, and other events
The project will be built around two existing buildings, which will remain in third-party ownership

Projected Opening: Q1 2024