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Housing group in its new home

Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, fraternity's local alumni to share headquarters
Beacon Journal staff report
Alpha Phi Alpha Homes Inc., which has been providing affordable housing for working people for four decades, celebrated the grand opening Friday of its new home -- a renovated 15,000 square-foot facility at 662 Wolf Ledges Parkway, called the Alpha Center.

``This building will be the base from which we go out to serve the community,'' said Sylvester Small, chairman of the corporation's board of directors and superintendent of Akron schools.

``As a fraternity, service is our motto and that's what we do. From our vantage point, we are blessed to be able to serve the people in our community.''

The nonprofit housing and development management corporation, which was established in 1966 by the Eta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., has developed and operated more than 1,800 housing units in Akron, Cleveland and Chicago. It built Channelwood Village, Callis Towers, Williams Tower, Wesley Tower, The Landings at Canal Park and the Townhomes at Canal Park in partnership with the City of Akron.

The fraternity's national president, Darryl R. Matthews Sr., commended the local chapter for its effort.

``This particular chapter is a jewel in the crown of Alpha. One of our goals is to develop and add value to our communities' development,'' Matthews said.

``This chapter has helped others with economic empowerment and made a tremendous impact on communities with its housing initiative.''

The Alpha Center will serve as headquarters for the housing corporation and the fraternity's Akron alumni chapter, Eta Tau Lambda.

It includes a library dedicated to Judge James R. Williams, the visionary of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes; executive offices; a meeting room; and a conference room.

The building also will be used to host community activities and offer meeting space.