Better Housing Coalition, a local housing nonprofit has unveiled plans to construct an $11 million apartment in Richmond’s Jackson Ward. The nonprofit is seeking to purchase a block in Jackson Ward where it intends to build a 67-unit apartment building specifically designed for lower-income renters.
The project will be constructed on a 1.5-acre piece of land neighboring Price, Jackson, Duval, and Cameo streets. The site is across Duval from Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. The project is also a few meters from BHC’s headquarters on Broad Street in the Arts District.
Currently, the land is owned by developers Ron Stallings and Robin Miller who bought 16 parcels of land to make the block in 2006 and 2007. The land was bought through a company called Jackson Commons Partnership LLC.
Greta Harris, CEO at Better Housing Coalition said they located the site as they were looking for more development opportunities in the city. “We were made aware of this site assemblage that had been done years ago, and timing is everything,” Harris said.
Harris a deal to purchase the property is expected to be sealed by the end of the year. He added that the location is very strategic for the company because is surrounded by major transport channels.
The planned community, which is to be named “Cameo House,” will consist of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with monthly rent ranging from $650 to $1,150. The majority of the units will be designed for households with an annual income ranging between $21,000 and $51,800. The project will also have 12 units reserved as subsidized housing for tenants who spend more than 30% of their income on rent.
The building will measure 76,500 square feet and will have three stories, like surrounding structures. It will come with amenities like balconies on some units, a two-story community space, energy efficiencies, off-street parking, and a playground.
