After closure of the Williamsoin Terrace in 2002, the Housing Authority of the City of Williamson is reopening the city's landmark public housing facility, Housing Director Vicki Lusk announced yesterday.

The reopening calls for remodeling and renoavations in a project to cost $1.5 million, said Lusk.

"Initial funding in the amount of $442,572 has been secured through a stimulus grant from HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). The remainder of the funding will be secured through HUD Capital Funds," Lusk reported.

The 38-unit, single-family housing facility, constructed in 1938 and located on upper Vinson Street, was closed seven years ago with residents being reclocated to the Authority's other public housing projects within the city. (Those include Goodman Manor, Liberty Heights and Victoria Court.) Plans were made at that time to utilize the housing complex for disabled youth.

Under the direction of Lusk, who was hired by the Authority in March of 2004, plans for restoring use of the facility have now been modified for the facility.

"The Williamson Terrace has been a part of our community for 71 years," said Director Lusk. "Its beautiful location has provided the Williamson Housing Authority with one of its first opportunities to offer affordable housing to the residents of Williamson. We believe the best use of the Williamson Terrace would be for single family housing."

She said plans for restoring Williamson Terrace include, among various site work, the remodeling of the apartments with new dry wall and central heating and air. The apartments will be rented out as the buildings are completed.

"The goal is to have all the units totally completed by spring of 2010," said Lusk. As part of the reopening process, Lusk urges persons interested in residing at Williamson Terrace on Vinson Street to contact the Williamson Housing Authority office at (304) 235-3270, extension 10, so that their names may be added to the waiting list.

"My board is very excited about reopening the Williamson Terrace," Lusk reported.

"They share the same united vision of what can be accomplished in Williamson. To be a part of it at this stage really is exciting and challenging."

Lusk said the request for bids on work to bhe done in the renovation and remodeling of the Williamson Terrace's five buildings was advertised in May 2009 and the pre-bid conference was held on May 11. The opening of bids and selection were made on May 20, 2000 at an open meeting at the main office of the Housing Authority.