Sixteen real estate developers were selected and are now eligible to participate in several upcoming, transformational projects to redevelop public housing communities throughout the city.
After hosting a developer’s forum in March that drew 151 attendees, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) selected the developers in response to their Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Those chosen may be part of creating several planned, mixed use redevelopment projects set to transform downtown and other high opportunity areas.
Building on the concepts of transformation, preservation and homeownership, the subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) is scheduled for Fall 2024. Alongside the City of Norfolk, NRHA has the goal of launching a new era of innovation, collaboration and growth, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, mixed-income communities.
“NRHA is undertaking a conversion of its portfolio and will greatly benefit from partnering with experienced developers. We have a successful history of bringing in development partners to achieve transformational results such as Tidewater Gardens, Broad Creek, East Beach and Freemason Harbor,” said Steve Morales, NRHA chief development officer.
NRHA Executive Director Nathan Simms said this step in the process of revitalization lends to the forward-thinking nature that projects of this scope require. Coining the authority’s upcoming large-scale initiative, the “Big 5,” developers will play a vital role, he said, adding that revitalization plans for Grandy Village, Young Terrace, Calvert Square, Oakleaf Forest and Diggs Town are on the horizon.
“As we broach important subjects like economic mobility and inclusion, living spaces and landscapes have a lot to do with that,” Simms said. “Affordability is defined in a number of ways which includes pathways to homeownership, safe spaces to raise families and the boost of things like income and educational advancement. Our partnerships with developers who understand these concepts is key.”
Here’s the developers bench that has been selected:
- Community Housing Partners Corp
- Community Preservation Partners
- Dantes Partners, LLC
- Fairstead Affordable Development Company
- Fougler Pratt
- Gilbane Development Company
- Good Housing Partnership, LLC
- Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners
- MDG Real Estate Partners, LLC
- Paces Preservation Partners, LLC
- PMG Affordable, LLC and Bank of America CDC
- The Community Builders, Inc.
- The NHP Foundation
- WinnDevelopment Company Limited Partnership
- Woda Cooper Development
- The Richman Group