It's been successful in the Techwood area of Atlanta, and it's expected to be successful at the site of the former Peabody Apartments on Talbotton Road in Columbus, now being recreated as Ashley Station -- the conversion of former public housing "projects" to multiple-use part public and part private developments. The next site for the concept appears to be especially promising: Phenix City.

The Housing Authority of Phenix City's selection of local developer Mike Bowden to convert Riverview Courts Apartments to a mixed-use residential/commercial development marks the next major step in downtown progress.

Under the terms of the plan approved by the Housing Authority on Monday, expected to cost between $50 million and $100 million, Riverview as it appears now will eventually be no more -- replaced by a mixed residential community of market-rate, public housing and tax credit renters, office space renters and condominium owners. The development, if all goes as planned, will not only change the nature and image of public housing in the area, but also be a big part of the ambitious downtown-riverfront renaissance project area leaders have envisioned for so long.

The Bowden contract is one component of a larger $273 million-plus development plan that would eventually encompass the area from south of Dillingham Street northward to Peabody. Another big part of that plan -- not included in the Bowden development -- is the city's proposed purchase of the "Triangle," the section of the Peabody complex in the 700-800 blocks from 14th Street northward to 16th Street. That parcel, recently appraised at about $1.3 million, would be the future site of Troy University's business education campus.

Obviously any plan, or combination of plans, involving changes to public housing must take into account the needs of the residents. It's no longer acceptable -- nor is it desirable -- to simply build a new "project" to replace an old one, and the current residents who will not be part of the new development must have decent places to live within the community, in some combination of public and private accommodations.

According to Housing Authority Director Judy Hare, "They (Bowden) had some really good ideas about the replacement housing and the ways we can accomplish that." Housing Authority Board Chairman Kellon Sheppard said Bowden's local ties and knowledge of the community were a factor in the selection process.