Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff general Colin Powell returned to the South Bronx Thursday for the grand opening of a building bearing his name.

The 50-unit affordable housing condo complex was named to honor Powell, who grew up just a few blocks away. He talked about his childhood in the neighborhood saying he is inspired by the hard work of the community to revitalize the area.

Powell says he's proud to be associated with a development he hopes will inspire future generations to reach their potential.

"Ten, 20 years from now some kids gonna say, 'Who's he? Colin who?' Well he was a General. 'So what?' But he was raised here, and he wasn't the greatest student but he worked hard and his family believed in him and I believe in you. So go read about him and if he did it you can do it," Powell said.

With its energy efficient design and lawn roof, city officials say it's the greenest affordable multifamily residence in the city.

It was built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, with residents helping in the construction of eight of the units.