DOBBINS HEIGHTS — The late Robert Broady, one of the founding leaders of Dobbins Heights, had a vision for local apartments in the town.
That vision was transferred to current Mayor Antonio Blue and will soon come to fruition.
Town leaders, along with the Rockingham Housing Authority, held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning for the future Smith Commons Apartments.
“Today is more than just moving dirt and symbolic shoveling — it makes transition from vision to reality,” said RHA Executive Director Chereka Belton. “For three years, we have worked and imagined the possibilities of what this space could become.”
Belton said the project reflects the RHA’s commitment to affordable housing, “with innovation, community growth and sustainability.”
When complete, the 1.6-acre development will feature 10 multi-family rental units “specifically dedicated to individuals and families experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness,” according to the RHA.
These first apartments are the first phase of a planned 15.9-acre site, envisioned to include up to 30 housing units.
Rendering by Tise-Kiester Architects PA
Belton said they aren’t just building 10 single-story units — “We are building a foundation for local families, future jobs, and a stronger local economy.”
She went on to thank the town of Dobbins Heights, the N.C. Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Assistance Council, real estate agent Julia Mudd, as well as the development team Heeks Collaborative, Tise-Kiester Architects, Wetherill Engineering and Harmon Construction Services for supporting the project.
“In tough times like it is now, we need affordable housing — more than we’ve ever needed before,” said Blue. “We need to build these 10, we need to build 10 more … because we need it. And people need to be able to live in a safe place.”
Dobbins Heights Mayor Antonio Blue talks about the origins of Smith Commons.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Blue said that Broad’s vision should have been done years ago, but “nobody agreed with him.”
“I took what he told me, and put it in my head and left it there,” Blue said.
“When I first met Chereka, I had a vision that I wanted affordable housing in Dobbins Heights,” the mayor recalled. “Now, I forgot about the conversation — I didn’t realize she remembered it word for word.
“And she came back to me with it and asked would we partner with them and I said — before I even talked to the board — said absolutely … and then I went to the board.”
Funding for the project comes from the Supportive Housing American Rescue Plan and is being administered by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. Others involved with the project include real estate agent Julia Mudd, as well as the development team Heeks Collaborative, Tise-Kiester Architects, Wetherill Engineering and Harmon Construction Services.
NCHFA Executive Director Scott Farmer said his father grew up in Hamlet.
“This is exciting for me to be able to come back to the community he grew up in,” Farmer said. “We look even more forward to coming back for the ribbon cutting when we can celebrate those residents who will be calling this site home for the next 30 or 40 years.”
Smith Commons is named for Sandra Funderburke Smith, who has served on the RHA Board for 18 years.
Sandra Funderburke Smith talks about her vision of providing affordable housing in Richmond County since joining the Rockingham Housing Authority.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
When she was asked to join the board by then-mayor Gene McLaurin, Smith said her vision was to see what she could do for the community to make housing available for any Richmond County residents.
“I am deeply moved by this recognition,” Smith said. “When I became a board member, I didn’t do it for the accolades. I did it because I believe that, as citizens of Richmond County, we can assure there is safe, affordable housing for all.
“This honor isn’t just an honor for me, it’s a testament to the Rockingham Housing Authority and our commitment to our mission.”
The homes in Smith Commons will be located on Blue Court, named in honor of the mayor for his “instrumental role” in the project.
The first apartment is expected to be built by September, with phase 1 of the project being complete by the spring of 2027.
