Durham leaders celebrated a milestone -- the completion of the city’s first affordable-housing apartment complex in downtown.

Willard Street Apartments have become the new standard of what affordable housing looks like in the Bull City, providing a stable home for over 100 residents – people who were once homeless, jobless, or just never believed they could afford quality living.

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There are 82 units within walking distance of public transit and jobs.

“I have safety here. I can travel and not have to worry about robbing Peter to pay Paul," said one resident, Akeem Ledbetter.

Ledbetter applied when he learned the apartments were a mix of 30% and 60% of the area media income. Now, as a resident, he says he can focus more on running his own business.

“It’s so much opportunity here and so much networking," he said.

Another resident, William Taylor, said, “With where the economy is at this point in time, it’s just a struggle for a lot of people.”

Every inch of the complex reflects Durham’s history.

Taylor showed off the views from his apartment, where he feels the spark of hope and inspiration for what’s to come.

“It’s a touching situation for us because it allows us to be more relaxed. It’s nice to live in environment that allows you to not only be comfortable, but to be happy," he said.

This is exactly what dozens of city leaders came together to celebrate.

“The vision I think this represents is that we will have a racially economically diverse downtown," said Steve Schewel, Durham's mayor, who said the affordable housing in downtown could help fight back against gentrification.

The Plaza of the building was dedicated in honor of the late Dr. Phail Wynn, a leader in higher education at both Durham Tech and Duke University, who fought tirelessly to create more housing options like this.

“Phail understood that safe and affordable housing is a foundational issue," said Vincent Price, president of Duke University. "Everything from student success to health outcomes and his legacy is carried on.”

The residents are equally excited. One said, "This is what you want. What you can call your own. When I put the key in my door for the first two weeks, I had goosebumps.”

Forever Home Durham, Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation and Self-Help are organizations behind developing the site with the City of Durham. AJ Fletcher Foundation, was also a partner in this project.

Several more projects are in the works, including a complex for seniors.