Visionary Developer Transforms Neglected Neighborhood
Nana Duncan stands at the forefront of urban renewal. Her groundbreaking $100 million affordable housing project promises to revitalize Irvington, New Jersey’s most underserved community. The ambitious development will create homes for 240 low- and middle-income families, breathing new life into a long-forgotten neighborhood.
Duncan’s path to real estate development began unexpectedly. Working as a college counselor at Harlem Children’s Zone, she witnessed how inadequate housing crushed student potential. “They often missed appointments because of overcrowded apartments and safety concerns,” Duncan shared. These experiences sparked her mission to transform urban landscapes.
Breaking Ground on Community Transformation
The project targets a site with a troubled history. Once a thriving neighborhood, the area had fallen into decay after a stalled state school project. Abandoned homes attracted crime, leaving behind overgrown lots and untended spaces. Duncan’s vision includes three apartment buildings, four two-family homes, a 30,000-square-foot community center, and vibrant retail spaces.
Duncan’s development aligns with the state’s ambitious goal of creating 150,000 affordable housing units. Funded through state and federal tax credit programs, the project offers hope to families struggling to find affordable homes. Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss celebrated the initiative, noting how vacant properties breed community challenges.
Pioneering Diversity in Real Estate Development
As a Black female developer, Duncan challenges industry norms. “The biggest challenge is that we’re just invisible in this space,” she explained. Her success tells a powerful story of persistence and vision. Over her career, she has redeveloped more than 500,000 square feet of blighted properties, generating over $200 million in development.
Longtime residents like Jonel Giles celebrate the project’s potential. After years of stalled development, the community sees a beacon of hope.
Duncan’s approach goes beyond physical construction. “When developing urban areas, you have to think about the great need you’re trying to solve,” she emphasized.
