ANCHOR, a nonprofit organization with nearly 60 years of experience in developing and managing affordable housing, has submitted a Letter of Interest to ASPIRE to explore redevelopment of Crystal Towers. ANCHOR’s role is to evaluate options and, if viable, lead redevelopment that ensures affordability, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Crystal Towers has served residents for decades, but the building now faces significant challenges due to age and ongoing maintenance issues. Redevelopment may be the best way to ensure safe, affordable, and modern housing for current and future residents.

In the fall of 2025, ANCHOR submitted a Letter of Interest to ASPIRE (formerly Housing Authority of Winston-Salem) to explore the possibility of redeveloping Crystal Towers. Our team is beginning a thorough evaluation of the building’s condition, residents’ needs, and development options. This process is expected to take several months.

Crystal Towers is aging and requires major repairs. Rather than continue patchwork fixes, ANCHOR and ASPIRE believe this is the right time to explore lasting solutions that improve safety and comfort while ensuring long-term affordability.

Evaluation is ongoing, and we are very early in this process. However, given the age and current condition of Crystal Towers, we believe it’s likely that a full rebuild may be the best way to ensure safe, affordable, and accessible housing for residents.

If redevelopment moves forward, safe and affordable relocation of current residents will be a top priority. Current residents will then be offered the first right of return to the new development.

It’s very early in this process, but we know that the development will continue to be affordable and income-qualifying. Our vision includes accessible units, a community room, computer and exercise rooms, an outdoor picnic area, and an on-site service coordinator.

ASPIRE currently owns the property. ANCHOR, as a nonprofit developer, is bringing expertise and resources to evaluate and potentially lead redevelopment. ASPIRE will provide relocation assistance to impacted residents, in accordance with the HUD Uniform Relocation Act, which requires fair treatment for displaced individuals.

ANCHOR is committed to transparency, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. We will work closely with residents, ASPIRE, city leaders, and community advocates, listening closely to residents’ voices to ensure dignity, comfort, and opportunity for generations to come.

We will share updates through meetings, our website, email, and social media channels. Residents and community members can sign up through our website to receive email updates and stay involved.

The evaluation process is ongoing, but early indications suggest that the scale of challenges at Crystal Towers makes a full rebuild the most cost-effective and sustainable option. It is very early in the process, and final decisions will follow a more detailed analysis.

Resident stability is a top priority. Led by ASPIRE, residents will be offered safe, affordable relocation options during construction and will be guaranteed first right of return to the new community.

The project is in its early stages, and financing details are not yet finalized. Redevelopment will likely involve a mix of public and private funding. ANCHOR and ASPIRE are committed to transparency as details emerge.

No. The purpose of this redevelopment is to preserve and improve affordable housing in downtown Winston-Salem. Units will remain income-restricted, ensuring they serve low-income residents for generations to come.

The evaluation phase will take several months. Any redevelopment would then proceed through a multi-year planning and construction process, with residents and policymakers being regularly updated.

Crystal Towers currently houses approximately 200 residents. If redevelopment proceeds, all residents will be offered safe, affordable relocation options and moving assistance.

Redevelopment will remove a deteriorating property and replace it with a modern, well-managed community. This strengthens the surrounding neighborhood while ensuring affordable housing remains part of downtown Winston-Salem.

Like any major project, if construction moves forward, it will have temporary impacts. ANCHOR will coordinate with the city and contractors to minimize disruption, keep neighbors informed, and address concerns quickly.

ANCHOR is committed to sustainability. Redevelopment will follow modern standards for energy efficiency, accessibility, and environmentally responsible building practices.

If redevelopment moves forward, residents will be offered safe, affordable relocation options and the first right of return to the new community once it is complete.

If the project moves forward, ANCHOR will work closely with ASPIRE to facilitate relocation, including by providing access to available affordable housing options within Winston-Salem. Every effort will be made to keep residents close to their communities, services, and support networks.

The evaluation phase will take several months. If redevelopment proceeds, construction and relocation would be a multi-year process. Residents will receive ongoing updates at every stage.

Yes. The property will remain income-qualifying and affordable for low-income neighbors.

The vision for redevelopment includes accessible units, a community room, computer and exercise rooms, outdoor gathering areas, and an on-site service coordinator.

ANCHOR will share updates through resident meetings, flyers, our website, and emails. Residents and neighbors are encouraged to participate in meetings and stay engaged throughout the process. You can sign up to receive emails at https://www.anchornc.org/ct.(https://www.anchornc.org/ct)