A PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFE, SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CRYSTAL TOWERS REDEVELOPMENT
Statement from Laurie Ingram, Executive Director of ANCHOR
In the fall of 2025, Winston-Salem–based nonprofit organization, ANCHOR — the Affordable North Carolina Housing Organization — submitted a Letter of Interest to ASPIRE (formerly the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem) to explore the potential redevelopment of Crystal Towers.
Crystal Towers has operated under a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) public housing model that has faced decades of chronic underfunding, limiting ASPIRE’s ability to make major capital investments. ANCHOR and ASPIRE have had a number of collaborative discussions about long-term, sustainable solutions for Crystal Towers and its residents.
ANCHOR recognizes the long-standing challenges residents face at Crystal Towers, and we believe now is the time to address them with lasting, affordable solutions. With nearly 60 years of success in developing and managing housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ANCHOR is committed to bringing positive change to the Crystal Towers community while ensuring the property continues to serve our low-income neighbors.
If ANCHOR and ASPIRE reach an agreement and the development project moves forward, protecting the housing stability of current residents will be a top priority. Led by ASPIRE, residents will be provided safe, affordable relocation options and the first right of return to the new community. This process will begin with a thorough evaluation of residents’ needs and available development options — a study that is expected to take several months. Early findings suggest that a full rebuild may offer the best long-term solution.
A future Crystal Towers redevelopment led by ANCHOR is expected to include modern, accessible units and resident-centered amenities — such as a community room, computer lab, exercise space, outdoor gathering areas, and an on-site service coordinator.
Throughout this process, ANCHOR will remain committed to transparency, environmental responsibility, and authentic community engagement. We will collaborate closely with residents, ASPIRE, city leaders, and community advocates to ensure that residents’ voices remain at the center of every decision and that redevelopment provides dignity, comfort, and opportunity for years to come.
We will share regular updates as this process unfolds, and we invite residents and neighbors to stay engaged every step of the way. Sign up below to receive email updates as information becomes available. You can also view some Frequently Asked Questions, which we will amend throughout the process.
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