Warner Robins, Georgia, April 16, 2025 – Co-developers Woda Cooper Companies, Inc., Parallel Housing, Inc., and the City of Warner Robins Housing Authority (WRHA) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking yesterday, April 15, 2025, marking the construction start of The Terraces at Oscar Thomie. The development will provide 90 mixed-income apartments with 81 units available for renters with household incomes up to 50% or 60% of the area median income. In addition, there will be nine units rented without income restriction.
The $23.5 million investment, backed by a combination of public and private funding, will revitalize a long vacant site at 119 Vicki Lynn Drive that was occupied by Oscar Thomie Homes, a public housing community operated by WRHA before the property was demolished in 2015. WHRA provided a long-term lease to the new property for the land.
“The Authority is thrilled that we have partnered with Woda Cooper Companies and Parallel Housing to continue with the goal of providing innovative and affordable housing on the dedicated site of Oscar Thomie,” said Africa C. Porter, Executive Director, WRHA. “The Terraces at Oscar Thomie will meet the needs of our community by providing homes to our growing community.”
In 2015, WRHA demolished 70 units of public housing at this site with promising plans to replace with quality housing. In 2021, thirteen tiny homes were built by WHRA to house local seniors and veterans on this shared site. “The Terraces will help revitalize the growing community on the North side of town,” said Porter.
In addition to the rental housing, The Terraces at Oscar Thomie will provide a 1,674 square foot commercial space to be occupied by WRHA’s administrative staff.
Back row: Oscar Thomie Jr (son), Jeremy Thomie (grandson), Genesis Thomie (granddaughter), and Fred Thomie (son).
Quality homes with many amenities
The development, which will be comprised of four 3-story buildings, will feature 24 one-bedroom apartments, 42 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom apartments, offering modern amenities designed for both comfort and convenience. There are seven units designed for persons with disabilities. Each unit will include:
- Spacious floor plans
- Window blinds
- Energy-efficient appliances, including dishwashers
- Washer/dryer hookups
- Luxury vinyl tile flooring
There will also be a community room with a kitchenette, an on-site management office, fitness center, laundry room, and outdoor spaces including a playground and covered picnic area with grills.
Energy efficiency will be a key component for The Terraces at Oscar Thomie; the property will be built to qualify for LEED for Homes to ensure low utility costs for renters.
“The Terraces at Oscar Thomie will incorporate green materials and building practices which will provide a highly energy-efficient, healthy homes for the 90 residents,” said Gregg Bayard, President and CEO of Parallel Housing.
Projected affordable rents range from $750 to $1,055 per month, depending on household income and unit size. Resident households will be made up of singles, young professionals, seniors, single-parent households, small families needing three-bedroom units, and others needing housing.
The Terraces at Oscar Thomie is supported by the allocation of federal and state housing tax credits allocated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs who also enabled a permanent first mortgage.
Synovus Bank invested in the federal tax credits. “Affordable housing is something that every community needs across the United States, including Warner Robins,” said Synovus’ Ron Weigle, Warner Robins Market Executive. “It is a big deal to create new high quality affordable housing such as The Terraces at Oscar Thomie for the betterment of the community.”
Advantage Capital invested in the state credits. “Advantage Capital is pleased to partner with Woda Cooper Companies, Parallel Housing, and the Warner Robins Housing Authority to bring this important housing development to life,” said Tori Cook, Vice President at Advantage Capital. “We are dedicated to investing in impactful, sustainable housing developments that address critical community needs. Terraces at Oscar Thomie will offer vital housing options, helping to strengthen the local community.”
Denis Blackburne, Senior Vice President – Development, Woda Cooper Companies, added, “We appreciate our partnership with Warner Robins Housing Authority whose vision in providing a variety of housing choices for Warner Robins residents is a key to making The Terraces at Oscar Thomie a reality. We also appreciate the allocation of state and federal tax credits by the Georgia Department of Community Development and support of all of our partners.”
Designed by PCI Design Group with civil engineering by Bryant Engineering. The Terraces at Oscar Thomie will be constructed by Woda Construction Inc. and managed by Woda Cooper’s management division. For more information about leasing opportunities, call 848-722-9139 or visit wodagroup.com.D
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About City of Warner Robins Housing Authority
Warner Robins Housing Authority provides stable, quality affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families throughout the local community. Through the provision of affordable housing communities, public housing apartments and the management of Houston County Housing Authority, Warner Robins Housing Authority serves many low-income families and individuals, while supporting healthy communities.
About Parallel Housing, Inc.
Parallel Housing, Inc. is a nonprofit developer based in Athens, GA, and dedicated to the development of sustainable, affordable multifamily housing for seniors and families. Founded in 2002, Parallel Housing currently has ten properties in Georgia, one in Kentucky, and one in Iowa.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family communities, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company was founded in 1990 and now has operations in 18 states, with a portfolio of approximately 365 communities and 18,000 units. Woda Cooper Companies has approximately 750 employees. In 2018, a company-wide Employee Stock Ownership Plan was established to allow employee ownership, marking what’s considered the first vertically integrated affordable housing company in the nation operated by an ESOP. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranked Woda Cooper Companies 8th in nation among Developers and 22nd among Owners in 2023. https://www.wodagroup.com.
