Unicorp Construction began demolition on the Vicksburg Housing Authority project on Dec. 6 with starting with 34 units at the housing authority’s Hayes Street property followed by Urban Court which began in February.

The work is part of a 15-phase, $50 million program to renovate and upgrade all of Vicksburg Housing Authority’s 430 housing units as the housing authority converts its properties from public housing to Section 8 under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program. This program requires the housing to be brought up to HUD standards.

Funding for the project included low income tax credit financing, historic tax credits on the property, funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank, money from the Mississippi Home Corp. Housing Trust Fund and $2.4 million in capital improvements money VHA kept in as reserve in anticipation of being part of the RAD.

The renovations include new roof shingles, vinyl tile flooring, raised panel doors, three paint colors on the interiors, cabinets with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, nickel plated handles and fixtures, new air conditioning with new thermostats, repairs to sheetrock, ceramic tile and enamel coating on the tubs, windows, new doors and screen doors, new wall outlets and covers.