RICHMOND, VA – On Tuesday, November 17th, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and its partners marked a significant event in the revitalization of the Blackwell Community: the arrival and assembly of the first two of 55 systems-built homes of the Authority’s HOPE VI single-family development initiative. The event celebrated the beautiful, affordable homes that will be part of Blackwell’s Goose Creek subdivision.
The innovative systems-built construction approach, provided by RRHA’s partner – Hearthside Homes, an authorized builder of Nationwide Custom Homes - allows homes to be developed in sections in a controlled indoor environment to the same building codes as site-built homes and delivered to the site up to 90 percent complete, for the foundation setting and finish work. State-of-the-art procedures and equipment assure rigorous quality control and virtually eliminate wasted materials.
“This event marked a significant point on our journey to revitalize this growing area. RRHA is proud to literally plant seeds in this neighborhood,” said Anthony Scott, RRHA Chief Executive Officer. “Those
seeds are these houses and these houses will sprout homes and shelter for families. Then a
neighborhood will spring forth. From that neighborhood, a community is reborn--so with these seeds,
with these homes today, a community is recreated and reenergized!”
The houses are located at 305, 309 and 313 E. 16th Street and at 304 E. 17th Street.
It usually takes at least 90 days to have these homes move-in ready once they’re delivered to a site.
RRHA has set a goal to have the four homebuyers moved in by Christmas – 38 days from the
November 17th delivery date.
These brand new three- and four-bedroom single-family houses located in Blackwell’s Goose Creek
will range from 1,500 square feet to more than 1,900 square feet. Ranchers, Cape Cods and twostory
homes are available and priced to sell. Houses start under $167,000 and will not exceed more
than $188,000. And, these energy-efficient homes feature:
• Private driveways
• Air conditioned crawl space
• Rear decks
• Dishwasher and stove; upgrades are available
• First floor master suites available in some models
RRHA offers qualified buyers up to $70,000 in down payment assistance, grants and incentives. Plus
RRHA pays the closing costs—up to an additional $6,500 and the $8,000 federal stimulus tax credit is
also available.
The model home located at 301 E. 16th Street was awarded the “2008 Parade of Homes” Blue
Ribbon Award for “Open Floor Plan,” which was presented by The Home Building Association of
Richmond. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the effort we made in building a beautiful, affordable
and desirable home,” says Scott. “We look forward to welcoming the first round of homebuyers,
potential homebuyers and showcasing our homes and the beautiful Blackwell community.”
For more information on purchasing a home in Blackwell’s Goose Creek community and to
tour the beautiful model home – 301 E. 16th Street - contact the RRHA HomeCenter at 804-780-
4884 or at homecenter2@rrha.state.va.us or Catina Wright, Hometown Realty at 804-569-1531 or at
catinaw@htrsi.com.
About RRHA
RRHA plays a key role in assuring the City of Richmond's bright future and has been at the forefront of
affordable housing community development for nearly 70 years. RRHA is the largest housing authority in the
Commonwealth of Virginia. The Authority serves nearly 10,000 residents and manages nearly 4,100 units
through its Public Housing Program; and provides subsidized housing assistance to approximately 3,000
families through its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. RRHA also manages neighborhood
redevelopment and conservation programs throughout the City of Richmond. For more information, visit
www.rrha.org.
