Richmond, Virginia (RVA) development skylineRichmond, Virginia (RVA) development skyline

Redevelopment

Revitalizing Richmond, one neighborhood at a time.

RRHA is a driving force behind the city’s efforts to equitably revitalize our neighborhoods and business districts. We work with our community to meet the needs of future generations. Brick by brick, block by block.


Our Approach

Collaborative Planning

Resident and community input lives at the heart of our initiatives. We work dynamically with neighborhood residents, business leaders, area schools, and existing housing and service providers to design sustainable neighborhoods that keep community needs at the forefront.

Jackson Ward Community Planning Event - Fay Towers presentation
Trio of siblings in the park

Residents-first Perspective, Build-first Model

Each revived community is about much more than better quality housing. We plan for greater social integration and better quality of life. Safety, education, inclusion, and access to transportation, amenities, and jobs are all essential components of our efforts. 

RRHA’s build-first model phases redevelopment and builds new units before any demolition activity occurs to avoid displacement of residents.

Sustainable Communities

Our redevelopments give current RRHA residents a variety of housing options, complemented with services to support their success. When mixed-income developments attract families and businesses to the city, social integration grows, and the economic investments help ensure community success for future generations.

Proposal Church Hill North Central Park

Funding & Resources

Our Real Estate and Community Development team leverages the programs below, along with other local, state, and federal resources, to revitalize neighborhoods. We work to secure financing that ensures affordability for the most vulnerable while also serving a range of incomes.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is repositioning public housing, and RRHA is transitioning its funding to follow suit. An increased use of vouchers and project-based rental assistance provides our community more flexibility and creates a more stable foundation for the long-term viability of affordable housing.

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) | HUD-supported public housing conversion program that guarantees units that remain permanently affordable to low-income households.

Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) | These housing choice vouchers give rental assistance in specific developments.

RDC logo

Richmond Development Corporation (RDC) is a growth and development entity that brings together various public/private partnerships with an emphasis on attracting unique private sector investment. The RDC will advance affordable housing and economic development solutions throughout the Richmond region, including the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and the tri-cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell to tackle the issues that impact the entire region.

Community Initiatives


Gilpin Court

Planning | 2022–2023 | The planning phase brings Gilpin Court and Jackson Ward residents, planning experts, elected officials, and community members together to reach an informed, shared vision for the future of the neighborhood.

Creighton Court

Construction | 2019–Present | As part of the Church Hill North residential development initiative, Creighton Court residents are phasing into the revitalized Armstrong Renaissance community, which features a new community center and an array of resident support services.

Mosby Court

Planning | RRHA is in the planning phase for the revitalization of the Mosby Court public housing complex.

Family RAD Developments

Construction | 2021–Present | This RAD initiative is renovating a total of 5 subsidized housing properties with 224 units. Revitalizations started in 2021 for Afton, Bainbridge, Fulton, Randolph, and Stovall. These units will remain affordable for current residents.

Fay Towers

2012–Present | In RRHA’s first RAD project, residents of this senior community relocated to 3 fully redeveloped sites: Highland Park, Baker School, and the Rosa. Redevelopment of the Fay Towers apartment building is now underway.

Blackwell

Completed | Just south of downtown Richmond sits the historic Blackwell community. A federal HOPE VI grant paved the way for new mixed-income developments, new affordable units, and robust support for first-time homeownership.

How do I purchase surplus properties from RRHA?

As properties become available for sale, typically they are listed with a local Real Estate Broker and are subject to be posted in the Richmond Multiple Listing Service (MLS), allowing interested buyers an opportunity to submit offers to purchase. Properties may also be available through future auction sales. You may contact the Real Estate and Community Development Department (RECD) for more information. View the Employee Directory

RECD may also issue Request For Qualifications (RFQ) or Request For Proposals (RFP) for properties located in future development areas.