Front Door Pride Unveils New Downtown Homes

The third, and perhaps most ambitious phase of Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfels Front Door Pride program is taking root in the Goosetown neighborhood south of downtown. Last fall, the revitalization program moved ahead with a project to demolish abandoned homes and redevelop the lots with affordable, modern housing. Monday, the Mayor lead a tour through the first two homes completed, at 116 and 120 Madison Avenue. The properties are both 3 bedroom structures with eat in kitchens and attached garages. One is a single story, the other a two level. Both were designed to be architecturally sympathetic to older homes in the area. They are selling for around $80,000. That is about $40,000 less than they cost to build, with the difference being offset by a grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. But who will buy them, and will the sale of these properties really change the fortunes of the neighborhood? The city is targeting the homes towards earn at or below 80% of the area median income based upon household size. According to city figures, that means a family of four earning $45,500 or less could qualify to purchase one of the properties. Local banks are backing $50 million in loans for the program. Home buyers must also complete a home purchasing class and make a minimum down payment of $500. Sale of the single story home is pending, with one of the contractors who helped build it looking to be the first owner. Nathan Gobel did drywall work in the house at 116 Madison. He called the thought of owning his own house, "...the chance of a lifetime." Gogel says the size, cost and energy efficiency all appealed to him. He says hes not worried about the reputation the neighborhood has of being crime ridden and a haven for drugs and run down property. "Ive lived lots of places," he said. "As bad as people say the worst parts of Evansville are, they are not that bad." But some of his new neighbors dont share that optimistic outlook. Mary Smith has lived in the Goosetown area for 30 years. She doesnt think the city will find enough buyers for all the homes it hopes to build there. At least 10 more homes are slated for construction there. "People is (sic) not gonna want to pay $80,000 for a home in this neighborhood," she said. Smith says the money spent on construction could go further if it were given in 10 or 15 thousand dollar grants to current home owners with the stipulation that they make upgrades to their property. But the Mayors office is betting that Smith is wrong. Supporters of Front Door Pride say they think the new homes will raise property values, create a more family friendly environment, and encourage private investment in Goosetown.