North Ridge Crossing: KCDC Celebrates Grand Reopening and Renaming of Christenberry Heights

Published: 10/22/2009 2:39:44 PM

Christenberry Heights gets a new look and a new name.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) board of commissioners and staff, elected officials, community leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the completed renovation and reopening of Christenberry Heights on Oct. 21.

Renovation of the apartments at Christenberry Heights, a KCDC housing property in North Knoxville, was completed in March 2009. The Christenberry Heights Boys and Girls Club renovation was completed in June 2009. At the reopening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony, KCDC revealed the new name for the property as voted on by the residents: North Ridge Crossing.

“We have an incredible KCDC board and staff. The longer I’m mayor, the more I see and appreciate that,” Mayor Haslam said at the ribbon cutting. “We are making a real effort to provide quality, affordable housing in Knoxville. The city of Knoxville is grateful for what KCDC has provided here at North Ridge Crossing.”

“The residents and the community came together today to celebrate the official opening of North Ridge Crossing,” said Alvin Nance, KCDC executive director and CEO. “KCDC invested over $16 million remodeling the apartment complex into a premier property, and the continued involvement of our residents will complete the transformation. North Ridge Crossing is a terrific example of how different organizations working toward a common goal can impact the quality of life for so many.”

New signs at the entrance to the property and on the main office building boast the new name and feature a dogwood bloom as the ‘o’ of Crossing. Beautiful dogwood trees scatter the neighborhood and surrounding community of North Ridge Crossing.

Along with North Ridge Crossing residents and KCDC staff, several elected officials and community leaders attended the event including KCDC Commissioners Craig Griffith, Culver Schmid and David Hutchins; County Commissioners Thomas “Tank” Strickland, R. Larry Smith and Ed Shouse; City Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy; and city of Knoxville representatives Jim York and Steve King.

Also in attendance was Jeff Newgent of Janco Construction. Newgent designed the new welcome signs for North Ridge Crossing, and his brother, Andy Newgent, constructed them.

“I was just complimenting everyone on the new signs,” said North Ridge Crossing resident Gloria Bradford. “I’m thrilled. I feel good when I drive in and see that sign.”

Attendees enjoyed refreshments and cake as they mingled with neighbors and friends.

“We love our apartments, and we’re excited about our new name,” said Anne Woody, president of the North Ridge Crossing resident association. “I’ve moved from here before, but I came right back. This is home.”

The renovation of Christenberry Heights into North Ridge Crossing is a major milestone for the North Knoxville community and for public housing in Knoxville. As with Mechanicsville Commons, Lonsdale Homes and other revitalized properties, KCDC’s North Ridge Crossing offers quality, affordable housing to working families, seniors, disabled adults and full-time students.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.