Nana Duncan, a Ghanaian-American real estate developer, is transforming Irvington, New Jersey, with a $100 million affordable housing project designed to revitalize one of the state’s most neglected neighborhoods. The development, located in the East Ward, aims to provide affordable homes for 240 low- and middle-income families while breathing new life into an area plagued by years of decay.
Duncan’s journey into real estate was shaped by her time as a college counselor at the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York City. While helping students navigate their education, she realized how poor housing conditions negatively impacted their opportunities.
“Students often missed appointments because of overcrowded apartments, lack of sleep, or safety concerns,” Duncan said. “Their living environments deeply affected their ability to access resources.”
Motivated by this experience, Duncan shifted her career to real estate development. Starting as a consultant, she eventually launched her own firm, focusing on redeveloping neglected urban spaces. Over the years, she has overseen projects totaling more than 500,000 square feet of blighted properties and generated over $200 million in redevelopment.
Breathing New Life into Irvington
The site in Irvington has a complicated history. Once a bustling family neighborhood, it was abandoned after a school project fell through, leaving behind vacant lots and derelict homes that became hubs for crime and illegal activity. After more than a decade of neglect, Duncan’s project is transforming the area.
The plans include:
- Three apartment buildings
- Four two-family homes
- A 30,000-square-foot community center
- Retail and restaurant spaces
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This development is part of New Jersey’s broader goal of building over 150,000 affordable housing units in the next decade to address its housing crisis. The project is being funded through state and federal tax credit programs, which incentivize investors to support affordable housing.
Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss commended Duncan’s leadership in reclaiming the land and tackling long-standing community issues. “Vacant properties bring crime and instability,” he said. “This project will be a game-changer.”
Residents, like Jonel Giles, who have witnessed years of stalled development, are optimistic. Giles, who purchased an affordable home in the area 14 years ago, expressed relief at seeing real progress. “We’ve waited so long for this,” she said.
Duncan is also shattering stereotypes in a field where Black and female developers are underrepresented. “The biggest challenge is visibility,” she noted. “When I started, most women in real estate were in administrative roles. I hope my journey inspires others.”
For Duncan, the project is about more than housing—it’s about creating a sense of community and addressing systemic inequalities. “Redeveloping urban areas isn’t just about buildings,” she explained. “It’s about solving the larger needs of the community.”
As the project progresses, it not only provides much-needed housing but also sets an example for inclusive and transformative urban development, marking a significant milestone for Irvington and the state of New Jersey.
