DURHAM — One of Durham's oldest public housing projects is receiving a much needed make over. The Durham Housing Authority is using $2.6 million federal dollars to renovate Oxford Manor. The facelift may also help lift the spirits of the people living there.

Regina Terrell is getting a brand new kitchen for free. The Durham Housing Authority is renovating all 150 units of the Oxford Manor public housing project.

"They try to upgrade it to make people feel positive," Terrell says. "I think it's great. Not every place has this."

Workers are busy installing the new kitchens. The work will take most of the summer to finish. One the renovation is complete, new countertops and cabinets will give an old place a new look. A stove and refrigerator will also be provided.

Resident Liaison Henry Boone says the Oxford Manor residents care about the changes being made. It makes them feel like they're not the lowest thing on the totem pole.

Gwen Simpson of the Durham Housing Authority wants the residents to have units they can be proud of. Simpson believes that when you take pride in where you live, you also take better care of it as well.

After the kitchens are finished, Oxford Manor will receive major landscaping, erosion control and bathroom renovations. The entire project will cost $8 million dollars and be finished by the year 2000.

The Authority has also worked out a deal with Time-Warner Cable to wire Oxford Manor for cable television.