October, 2004 —
When La Calle Diez Community Development
Corporation was formed in 1994, the goal
was to create affordable housing, create
and stabilize community, and encourage
private infill development. Ten years
later, this dream has been realized.
In the third and final phase of home
development, 19 homes are being built
by a private developer at Ninth and Denver
in North Oak Cliff. A total of 34 homes
have been built in the 10 block neighborhood
surrounding the Salesmanship Club’s
facility as a result of the La Calle Diez
initiative.
The Salesmanship Club’s contribution
to this community-building venture has
been the great volunteer leadership provided
by several Club members, including Dick
LeBlanc, Mike Maberry
and Vernon Smith, Jr.
The Real Estate Council Foundation, Habitat
for Humanity and the City of Dallas have
been important partners in this exciting
initiative. The Real Estate Council provided
three grants and voluntary real estate
expertise. The city donated land and provided
a block grant to rehabilitate the streets
and sidewalks. Habitat for Humanity built
five homes in 1996 before private developers
stepped in to continue the construction.
“Any neighborhood that has fewer
vacant lots and more homes is a better
deal—for the kids and families and
also for the city,” said Maberry.
“Vacant lots don’t generate
revenue, but a home does. La Calle Diez
has not just revitalized this neighborhood.
It has also brought increased revenue
for the city of Dallas. It is truly a
win-win situation.”