HUD Secretary's Best in American Living Award Winners 1999

Lawrence/Grand Street Project

Hartford, Connecticut

Projected Home Prices: $110,000

Median Home Price in the Metropolitan Statistical Area: $126,000

Description: During the initial design phase of the Lawrence/Grand Street Project, a reduction of density in the neighborhood was envisioned. In 1994, there were 203 units of housing. By 1998, 99 units had been demolished due to fires and severe structural damage. In their place, a playground for the elementary school as well as five new duplex homes were developed.

The model for this project is a Best Practice under President Clinton's Partnership for Advancing Technologies in Housing (PATH Program) as well as being cited as a HUD Case Study under the Marketable Durable Affordable Entry Level Homes (MADE Manual), released in April of 1999.

Because of the mechanical and construction methods in this Energy Star/Energy Crafted Home, residents with asthma and other chronic breathing problems will experience a safer indoor environment.

This project was possible because of broad community involvement. From HART (neighborhood-based community organization), to the Urban League of Greater Hartford, and the Governor's office, many people worked hard over the course of five years to make this project a reality.

1999 Awards Winners