The uniqueness around ‘The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street’ cannot be overstated.
The innovative mixed-use, mixed-income and mixed-housing development that recently broke ground in Irvington will be focused on revitalizing a blighted neighborhood by integrating homeownership, affordable housing and high-quality services.
The 30,000-square-foot community development center that anchors the project will provide programs and services for academic advancement including youth tutoring and after school programs. It will be designed for access and use by all Irvington residents, but it will have a particular focus on programming for women and girls.
The totality of the purpose of the project figures to position Irvington as a leader in community revitalization, too.
All of this is good — but it’s not what truly makes the project a unicorn.
The Sankofa Enclave is among the first Black woman-led real estate redevelopment projects of this magnitude in New Jersey.
Developer Nana Duncan, founder and principal of the Thatcher Duncan Group (along with Vikas Gupta, DDS, of Twenty First Redevelopment) is leading the effort.
“The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street is about so much more than just new buildings; it’s about improving lives and creating opportunities,” Duncan said at the ground-breaking last month.
“The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street will be a model of affordable housing and community development, demonstrating how strategic investment can drive real change by promoting home ownership, wealth creation, and health. My partner, Dr. Vikas Gupta, and I have a shared vision for this project.
“We would like to thank (Irvington) Mayor Tony Vauss and the municipal council for their partnership and support in our shared goal of advancing social and economic well-being in Irvington through thoughtful development.”
It is a vision that is not seen everywhere.
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The list of women in color in real estate development is limited.
Adenah Bayoh, noted for her numerous projects in Essex County, comes to mind. As does Natasha Davis, a general contractor who is using grants from the state for her Black Ladies of Construction organization, a full-service construction company that also offers an education component to help more women, minorities, veterans and high school dropouts find their way into the field.
While there are others (and apologies for their omission), Duncan knows first-hand why there are so few.
“Being a woman in development, especially a woman of color, presents unique challenges that stem from barriers that are certainly systemic and a result of societal perception,” she said.
Then she drops a truth bomb.
“I think the biggest obstacle is that we are invisible,” she said. “Our contributions, expertise, capacity and unique understanding of the business is not usually considered. To put it succinctly, we just don’t exist. What that translates to is a lack of access to opportunity, information, representation in policy making and, of course, capital.”
The recent disparity studies released by both the state and Essex County spell that out in numbers that are shamefully low. The findings were not surprising to Duncan.
“Women are severely underrepresented in commercial real estate, and roles for women in real estate are concentrated in administrative and supportive roles, rather than in leadership and development roles,” she said. “That fact is even more pronounced for Black women.
“Reporting by organizations like the Commercial Real Estate Women Network and the Urban Land Institute shows that about 35% of commercial real estate professionals are women, yet Black women represent less than 1% of commercial real estate professionals.
“That is the definition of being invisible.”
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The Sankofa Enclave certainly will be a visible example of what can be.
Designed to be a partnership between the Irvington municipal government and the developer, the project represents a nearly $100 million investment in the township.
To be completed in two phases, the first phase will include 15 modern two-family homes and substantial inviting outdoor green space to boost homeownership and foster long-term investment in the community. The second phase will consist of approximately 240 high quality affordable rental units including five units of supportive housing for young women aging out of foster care, as well as a community development center, and a healthy food eatery featuring a weekly farmer’s market.
Even more, the massive community development center — in addition to providing the academic assistance listed above — also will include a wellness center featuring a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a juice bar and cafe, as well as a business development and technology center providing access to computers and technology for community use.
The space will also feature art studios, classrooms, and event space with a commercial kitchen for community events, intentionally designed to deliver important tools for community development and economic growth to the Township of Irvington.
Vauss said he can’t wait to see all it will be.
“Revitalizing neighborhoods in the Township of Irvington through community-centered development has and continues to be a significant priority for my administration,” he said. “This nearly $100 million investment in homeownership, affordable housing, green space, and retail exemplifies this commitment. Not only will this project transform a neighborhood, it will also lay the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving community long-term.”
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Long term
What are the long-term prospects for other women of color in real estate development?
Duncan said impressions need to change for there to be sector-wide recalibrations.
“When you’re not seen as a competent player in the field, it directly impacts the resources, information, and networks — particularly financing networks — available to you,” she said. “This lack of recognition can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you know you possess the skills and knowledge to succeed. Being acknowledged as a capable contributor not only enhances personal growth, but also fosters a diverse and innovative environment within real estate development.
“The real estate development industry is notoriously capital-intensive, and securing funding is crucial for competing effectively and accessing deals. Unfortunately, because we do not exist, because we are not seen in this space, women of color often face an uphill battle in this regard. The pervasive perception of incompetence linked to gender and racial bias hinders opportunities for investment and collaboration, limiting our visibility and credibility in a space dominated by men.”
One missed opportunity leads to others, she said.
“Our invisibility also means that we are usually not in the policy making rooms where determinations are being made about funding programs or how these programs are structured,” she said. “As a result, we do not get to address the challenges and structural barriers faced by women and women of color in accessing these programs.
“The criteria for qualifying for public and private funding often do not consider the unique challenges faced by women, particularly women of color. This results in exclusion from funding programs which limits our ability to leverage vital resources needed to compete and succeed.”
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Duncan refuses to be held back. She wants to be a trailblazer as much as a developer.
“It is important for me that the work I do has impact beyond physical buildings,” she said. “I feel a strong obligation to ensure that women and women of color become known as a competent presence in real estate development. That matters profoundly to me.
“Beyond being a role model, I think it begins to shift perception on who can do this work, and who can speak to what good and intentional real estate development looks like. It demands for us to be considered, and yes, it influences access to critical funding and enhances diversity of thought and approach in the industry.”
Duncan knows she can’t do it alone — and appreciates the efforts that come from enlightened leaders in places such as Irvington.
Kyana Woolridge, director of community development and planning and economic development in Irvington, said the township wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This groundbreaking represents another pivotal moment for our township, showcasing our commitment to fostering inclusive development,” she said. “The Sankofa Enclave at Twenty First Street goes beyond creating much-needed housing to empower a neighborhood with the tools and resources for sustainable growth. Together we are building a brighter future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”
Perhaps even as developers, Duncan said.
“Having more people who look like me in development is critical for the kind of diversity required if we want to see more equitable outcomes in a field that shapes communities,” she said. “Tackling these challenges requires systemic change in both perception and policy to ensure that women of color are not only included but celebrated as integral players in real estate development.
“I definitely want to do my part as a role model to show that people like me not only belong in this space, but that we are also capable of executing successfully.”
Conversation Starter
Reach Thatcher Duncan Group at: thatcherdgroup.com or call 646-761-1359.
