Construction set to start on affordable housing project

Construction on a Columbia affordable housing project is expected to start next week.

The development at Third Avenue will reportedly be valued at more than $150,000, though it is expected to sell for about $110,000.

Randall Cole, the Columbia housing programs manager, said the city is already working with a potential buyer.

“It’s always rewarding to see people that want to move into one of our houses. It’s always exciting to see people become homeowners,” Cole said.

Once construction is done, the building will be a one and a half story home, which will be a first for the Columbia Community Land Trust. Officials hope the project will be finished in December or January.

The project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG ) program, which is through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.