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| Kingdomplex, model example of a faith-based Community Development |
| If you travel down Pinemont Drive between
Shepherd and Ella, one of the first things that you will notice is that things have
certainly changed. Not only is there new construction, but signs of “Dominion”
everywhere. The dominion referred to is that of The Community Of Faith Church and Dominion
Community Development Corporation. The new development encompasses over 30 acres and stands out as one of the nation’s finest examples of faith-based community development. The Community of Faith Church, pastored by Rev. James W. E. Dixon II, has unleashed a powerful vision onto this community. “The Kingdomplex” represents a $60 million investment, that upon completion will consist of a model inner city, master planned community. The Community Of Faith Church has a rich 128-year history of serving the needs of the Houston Community. However, under the visionary leadership of Rev. Dixon, the church has expanded its outreach and experienced tremendous growth from 150 members to more than 4,000, with an annual budget of more than $2 million. In 1994, the church sought to further its outreach ministry by creating the Dominion Community Development Corporation, a non-profit, 501(C)3 corporation whose mission is to promote, foster, and initiate housing, economic development, education, and social service projects that would have a positive sustaining impact on targeted communities in Houston. To date, the corporation has focused the majority of its efforts in Northwest Houston. “The Kingdomplex represents the fervent prayers, faithfulness and tenacity of a pastor and congregation along with the development expertise of a nine-member board of directors committed to community development and people empowerment,” said Ms. Marvalette Fentress Hunter, who serves as executive director of the corporation. As an architect, planner, and former director of the College of Biblical Studies Faith-Based Community Development Program, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise in faith-based community development. The Kingdomplex components are multi-faceted and comprehensive, consisting of: • Dominion Square: A 136-unit apartment complex. Substantial rehabilitation totaling $1.3 million was completed in September 2001. • Dominion Estates I & II: A 200-unit residential subdivision developed in partnership with MHI/Pioneer Homes. Phase I is currently under construction with 39 single-family and 44 townhome units. Homes range from $110,000 - $150,000. Townhomes range from $70,000 - $85,000. • Dominion Plaza: A 38,000 sq. ft. retail center designed to facilitate a mixture of economic, educational and social interests. Plans are currently underway for the opening of a bookstore, hair salon, dry cleaners, barbershop, coffee shop/deli and other neighborhood oriented retail and services. • Dominion Academy: A charter middle school for grade 5 through 8. The specialized curriculum focuses on business, economics, and entrepreneurship. • Dominion Park: A Children’s playground and recreational ballpark, consisting of baseball, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. • Dominion Haven: A 71-unit elderly housing complex to be constructed at the corner of Pinemont and Wheatley. • The King’s Dome: A 90,000 sq. ft. state of the art worship facility, consisting of a 24-hour prayer chapel, a grand fellowship hall, an administrative wing and educational facility. In addition to its development projects, Dominion CDC has also instituted a premier Homebuyer Counseling and Education Program that has helped to prepared more than 1,200 perspective homeowners for homeownership. The future of Dominion CDC is even more impressive than its present. The CDC is currently involved in a comprehensive master planning process involving 75 to 100 acres of land in Northwest Houston. “The Triumph Project” will include housing, retail, offices, and entertainment. Dominion CDC is also planning the construction of a 71-unit elderly housing complex to be located at the corner of Pinemont and Wheatley. “MHI/Pioneer Homes is proud to be a partner with Dominion CDC. We see Dominion Estates, not only as a model residential community, but it also represents a model partnership between a non-profit and for-profit corporation engaged in community development,” said James Miller, Division VP of Construction, MHI, Inc. Dominion CDC is “transforming dreams into reality through community development and people empowerment.” The aim is to build “a model community” complete with every major component required for wholesome habitation, economic empowerment and family development. According to Pastor Dixon, president of Dominion Community Development Corporation, “What is happening on Pinemont Drive can be simply summed up as a proactive approach to community development that is fueled by God’s power, accomplished through God’s people, for God’s purpose, to God’s praise!” He continued, “You can’t have true community development without economic empowerment of people in the community. It is what helps create sustainable communities. That is what Dominion CDC is all about.” Thomas Jones, Partner, McConnell, Jones, Lanier & Murphy pointed out the advantages of the new charter school, housed in a former strip shopping center. “Dominion Academy provides a unique learning experience for students. The specialized business-focused curriculum helps to meet the growing demand of corporate America for a competent and capable future workforce.” Call 713/957-2789 for more information.. |
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