Raleigh native partners with HBCU to create affordable housing, jobs

A Southeast Raleigh native has partnered with St. Augustine’s University to begin his second major project this year.

A ground-breaking took place today at the new development site at the corner of Tarboro Road and Lane Street. Those behind the project said it’s not just about expanding real-estate, but building opportunities for everyone – including affordable housing and job opportunities.

Southeast Raleigh’s affordable housing and small business landscape has a partnership with James Montague’s F7 International Development, Inc., and Saint Augustine’s University’s Community Development Cooperation.

“This is my community. You know I was born and raised here in South East Raleigh,” said Montague.

He has always called southeast Raleigh home and has always wanted to make a difference.

“It’s just a need. A lot of times we’re overlooked for opportunities. And it’s up to people like myself who’s been blessed to do development,” he said.

For years, he’s been working to boost everything in the economy from jobs to housing. Just in June, his company broke ground on a $4 million entrepreneurial hub on Quarry Road.

“We actually have the capacity, and the partnerships and the finances lined up to do multiple projects at a time,” said Montague.

This is a reason why St. Augustine’s University’s Community Development Cooperation reached out to Montague to help create Falcon’s Point.

“HBCU’s play a major role in community. We felt like we needed to get the community involved in what we wanted to do,” said Pattye Brown, the Executive Director of Saint Augustine’s University’s Community Development Cooperation.

Now students, small business owners and future tenants who showed up to the groundbreaking are inspired by this vision to enhance their community.

“The vision is to have a 15,000 square-foot, three story, beautiful Glass and brick modern building with a roof type private garden and dining area,” added Montague.

It will have commercial space at the bottom and affordable apartments at the top.

“That means jobs. That means giving the students the opportunity for those who have to work to maybe work nearby,” added Brown.

With unprecedented growth happening in the area, the HBCU did surveys, to learn what people wanted on this block. Now today it’s one step closer to coming to life.

“I hope they receive and gain a sense of pride. A sense of knowing you can do things in your own community,” said Montague.

Construction on the $2.5 million project will begin in late 2022. As far as the Quarry Road development, building permit and site work drawings are expected to be complete by the end of October.