IN BURKE COUNTY:
- 99% of housing units (for sale or rent) are full.
- The identified housing gaps for the five-year period 2023-2028 (those which Open Hearts Place seeks to address) include:
- 61 entry-level for-sale homes (priced between $129,503-$207,200)
- 815 lower-income for-sale homes (priced between $207,201-$319,600).
- 21% of Burke County households are housing cost burdened, paying more than 30% of their income toward housing.
- 1,638 owner households are severely cost burdened, paying 50% or more of their income toward housing.
the hildebran Switch!
Open Hearts Place is not only addressing the need for affordable housing, we also are helping those who are experiencing financial hardship improve their financial security so they too can become a homeowner and benefit from the stability and wealth-building opportunity it provides.
Hildebran Switch will be a pocket neighborhood of 44 small homes situated on six acres in the Town of Hildebran. Conveniently located within 15 minutes of Morganton, outdoor recreation and Hickory, and just minutes from I-40, Hildebran Switch will feature:
Hildebran Switch will be a pocket neighborhood of 44 small homes situated on six acres in the Town of Hildebran. Conveniently located within 15 minutes of Morganton, outdoor recreation and Hickory, and just minutes from I-40, Hildebran Switch will feature:
- 2BR/2BA, 2BR/1BA, 3BR/2BA and 3BR/2.5BA homes.
- Sales prices ranging from $175,000 to $250,000.
- Modular homes built using industrialized construction, which integrates manufacturing processes in a factory environment to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Intentionally small homes (650-1300 SF) to be cost and energy efficient.
- Homes that are net-zero energy ready, the highest level of energy efficiency to keep energy costs low forever.
- Connection to The Burke River Trail, a 40-mile pedestrian route.
Within Hildebran Switch, Open Hearts Place will retain three homes to expand our program and serve more families. The remaining 41 single-family homes will be available for purchase at prices attainable for low- to moderate-income families and seniors (60%-120% average median income, which in Burke County in 2026 translates to salaries between $51,120 to $102,240 for a four-person family.
And because Open Hearts Place is a nonprofit offering wraparound supports rather than simply a housing developer, we are uniquely positioned to guide prospective homeowners to resources like mortgage counseling, first time homebuyer support and education so families can get into a home and stay in their home.
And because Open Hearts Place is a nonprofit offering wraparound supports rather than simply a housing developer, we are uniquely positioned to guide prospective homeowners to resources like mortgage counseling, first time homebuyer support and education so families can get into a home and stay in their home.
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Resale
In order to maintain affordability in perpetuity, financial appreciation realized by homeowners is limited to XX% interest compounded annually for each year the property is occupied. |
Accessibility
Floorplans that can be designed according to ADA accessibility standards. |
PROJECT TEAM
Photo by Anne Thompson
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Open Hearts Place, General Contractor
Sheree Byrd, Realtor, Faith Parker Properties, LLC Sheree will oversee sales of the 41 Hildebran Switch homes. A former healthcare administrator, Sheree pivoted to real estate in 2020 and focuses on providing comprehensive real estate services to individuals and families experiencing life transitions such as downsizing seniors, relocation, and divorce. Her expertise and sensitivity in this niche area makes her a natural fit for the Hildebran Switch Project. You can learn more about Sheree at shereebyrd.realtor. |
Community Land Trust (CLT)
Open Hearts Place is partnering with The Community Land Trust of Western North Carolina and The Industrial Commons to establish a community land trust, a separate nonprofit organization that will hold land around Burke County (including the six acres of Hildebran Switch), and grant ground leases to home buyers.
The community land trust will be governed by a board made up of residents, community members and local leaders. By separating land ownership from the structures on it and implementing resale restrictions to maintain long-term affordability, generations of low-to-moderate-income families will be able to buy homes at below-market rates.
Open Hearts Place is partnering with The Community Land Trust of Western North Carolina and The Industrial Commons to establish a community land trust, a separate nonprofit organization that will hold land around Burke County (including the six acres of Hildebran Switch), and grant ground leases to home buyers.
The community land trust will be governed by a board made up of residents, community members and local leaders. By separating land ownership from the structures on it and implementing resale restrictions to maintain long-term affordability, generations of low-to-moderate-income families will be able to buy homes at below-market rates.