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A new mixed-used development could reshape a historic section of downtown Durham, bringing nearly 1,000 homes to the Hayti neighborhood.
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The Integral Group, an Atlanta-based developer, has submitted a proposal to the city for “Tribute Rising,” a $343 million project that would bring over 900 apartments to 700 S. Mangum St., according to the Triangle Business Journal, which first reported the filing.
The developer is going through an expedited review process. Unless they need to rezone any part of the property, the plans don’t need City Council approval. The Integral Group plans to begin construction next year.
The development aims to transform the former Forest Hills Heights public housing community between West Lakewood Avenue and South Mangum and Blackwell streets. The 15-acre site is across from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the Durham Freeway.
Today, the complex once operated by the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) sits vacant behind a chain-link fence.
It was built in 1981 with 55 garden apartments for seniors. DHA previously planned to redevelop the property as part of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that would demolish the buildings and replace them with a mixed-income, mixed-use development. That project was set to open in 2023.
The redevelopment project has evolved under the Integral Group, which is partnering with DHA, according to the developer’s website.
Adding to the project’s significance is the developer’s background. The Integral Group is a Black-owned real estate firm that mentors underrepresented real estate professionals.
Tribute Rising joins a broader revitalization push in Hayti, once a thriving center for Black residents before urban renewal and the construction of the Durham Freeway devastated hundreds of homes and businesses. East of the site on Merrick Street, DHA is moving forward with the Villages at Hayti, which will bring 565 affordable housing units to the former public housing complex Fayette Place.
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The project offers hope for Hayti neighborhood natives who want to see the community rebuilt, said Henry McKoy, the director of local advocacy group Hayti Reborn.
“The project looks like it’s headed in the right direction. I’m excited to think about the different things going on related to development,” McKoy said.
“I hope that we also think about the other side of affordability, such as upward mobility, entrepreneurship, and jobs,” he said. “I’d love for the revision of Hayti to include ways to bring that into the modern moment, so it rekindles what made Hayti special.”
Tribute Rising will roll out in three phases. The Integral Group said Phase 1 will begin late 2026 and will feature 332 mixed units, including:
The first phase will consist of four buildings (one of them for seniors), two parking decks, and 12,000 square feet of commercial and incubator space. A public plaza on the site will be the home for the Black Farmers’ Market and Building 4 will house Kate’s Korner, a childcare and early learning center.
The first phase will cost about $118 million, according to the Integral Group. Funding sources include an $80 million loan, a $19 million contribution from DHA, and $19 million in private investment capital.
Once city staff approves site plans for the property’s layout the developer can move forward with building permits and breaking ground.
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