The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has announced that the complete “green” renovation of the Oscar E. Stovall Place Housing Complex in South Richmond is underway. The total overhaul of the 10-building, 30 unit public housing complex will comply with the EarthCraft Virginia Multifamily certification program, a voluntary green building program designed to reduce utility costs, protect the environment while providing healthy, comfortable housing. On a nine-month schedule, Stovall’s units will be completely gutted and renovated by Chester-based Canterbury Enterprises, which is certified as a small, woman or minority-owned business as well as certified by the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise.

“We are excited to bring beautiful, healthy, green options to our residents,” said Anthony Scott, RRHA’s executive director. “This complete modernization continues the revitalization efforts RRHA is undertaking throughout Richmond. As we continue implementing the changes outlined in our Strategic Plan, RRHA continues to be a catalyst for positive change—providing safe, comfortable, affordable and now green housing to residents.”

All of the former 30 families living in Stovall Apartments have been relocated to other public housing units at RRHA’s expense. After the project is completed in Spring 2009, those families will have the option to return to Stovall.

Oscar E. Stovall Place, originally built in 1987 and located at 24th and Bainbridge streets, will undergo several upgrades during this modernization. Residents will come home to brand new kitchens complete with new appliances, including dishwashers, clothes dryers and garbage disposals. Units will also have new bathrooms, with all new fixtures and glass shower enclosures.

Outside, there will be new paving and sidewalks, improved landscaping, additional lighting, privacy fencing and repair of drainage problems. Additional improvements include adding new HVAC air handling equipment, new plumbing and domestic water heater, new electrical wiring and central air systems. Improvements will also be seen in the windows, roof, decks and safety railings.

About EarthCraft Virginia

RRHA is proud to participate in EarthCraft Virginia, a partnership between Virginia Community Development Corp. and Southface Energy Institute. The EarthCraft green builder program, which provides a blueprint for environmentally friendly building, began a decade ago in Atlanta. As of 2007, in Georgia alone EarthCraft multifamily certified more than 500 units and had 700 units in progress. In this program, builders use carpet containing recycled materials and use concrete with fly ash as well as cellulose insulation. Residents and building owners are educated on how the systems work to save money and reduce the burden on the environment.