Work has begun at 902 S. Briggs Ave. on the construction of a 124-unit affordable housing complex created through a unique partnership formed by Durham Tech, Mosaic Development Group and Banc of America Community Development Corporation.
“We know that finding affordable housing is a critical issue not just for many of our students, but for the greater community,” Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton said. “Lack of affordable housing can be an obstacle for families struggling to make ends meet and for people who want to get an education to pursue careers where they can increase their earnings. Part of the College’s mission is to remove obstacles that impede people in our community from pursuing education, upward mobility and careers.”
The idea to create affordable housing came about after a 2019 survey of Durham Tech students found that more than 50 percent had experienced housing insecurity in the past year. In 2022, the College announced its intention to develop 124 units of affordable housing on land it owns at 902 S. Briggs Ave. through the partnership with Mosaic and Banc of America.
“When half the student body is facing housing insecurity, that’s not a statistic – it’s a clear call to action,” said Bill Bolstad, Executive Director of Mosaic Development Group, the project’s lead developer. “This project is what it looks like when the right partners come together to solve real-world problems. By combining Durham Tech’s vision with our development expertise, we’re delivering high-quality housing that creates stability and expands opportunity for students and families alike.”
The development will serve both eligible Durham Tech students and their families, as well as members of the broader Durham community.
“This project reflects our commitment to the communities we serve and the importance of working alongside strong partners to address real needs,” said Banc of America Community Development Company Vice President Eileen Pope. “By collaborating with Durham Tech and Mosaic, we’re helping deliver housing that directly addresses a critical shortage of affordable housing.”
According to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the 2025 area median income for a family of four in Durham was $115,600. Households with incomes of up to 70 percent of the area median income are eligible to apply. At least 27 of the apartments (22 percent) will serve households with incomes less than 30 percent of the area median income.
An interest list will open in the early part of next year, and the first tenants will begin moving in during fall 2027.