James Montague, a southeast Raleigh developer, is partnering with a local historically Black university (HBCU), St. Augustine’s University, to create affordable housing in the area. The new development will have commercial space at the bottom and affordable apartments above, adding potential jobs to the area as well. The HBCU reached out to Montague to help create the development to demonstrate the critical role schools play in enhancing the community, especially for students, small business owners and future tenants. “It’s just a need. A lot of times we’re overlooked for opportunities. And it’s up to people like myself who’s been blessed to do development,” explained Montague.