RICHMOND, VA — The Community Builders (TCB), the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) in partnership with Mayor Danny Avula and the City of Richmond delivered keys to new residents in the first phase of the former Creighton Court redevelopment. These newly constructed units at the revitalized (and now renamed) Creighton Court signal progress and highlights the most significant redevelopment of public housing in the City of Richmond in over a decade. 

“We are excited about this opportunity to put keys in the hands of former public housing residents and others in need of housing. This is a huge win for RRHA, the families who will occupy these beautiful homes, the City of Richmond and the region,” said Steven Nesmith,  RRHA CEO.  “Creighton Court stands as a shining example of what happens when partners and stakeholders come together to tackle the affordable housing crisis in this city. Access to affordable housing for RRHA residents is the catalyst that our communities need to elevate families into the working and the middle class. Creighton is just the beginning,”  

These initial 68 units mark the completion of Phase A, to be followed by an additional 72 units in Phase B of the Creighton Court revitalization.  

The residents who received keys at the celebration represented both former Creighton residents, housing voucher holders from across the RRHA waitlist and individuals moving into Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) -funded apartment homes. Creighton’s Tenant Bill of Rights gave priority to Creighton Court residents who elected to remain on-site while construction was taking place or who were returning and using a project-based housing voucher. 

“The Community Builders are proud to deliver on the first phase of the Creighton Court transformation,” said Beth Kennan, The Community Builder’s director of development for Virginia. “This milestone marks our continued commitment to the promise of a stronger Creighton Court neighborhood ensuring that Richmond residents and their families have accessible and affordable options.” 

In addition to residents receiving keys, the event also marked the announcement of the much-anticipated new name of this community – Creighton Armstrong. Similar in name to an adjoining TCB prize-wining development Armstrong Renaissance, the ‘Armstrong’ name coming from a beloved former local high school. The new name was voted on by current and former Creighton residents who had been up to three years removed. The final selection committee included representatives from the Resident Tenant Organization, The Community Builders, NAACP, RRHA and Creighton residents.   

Financial support for this development came from the City of Richmond, Virginia Housing, Bank of America, Department of Housing and Community Development and RRHA. 

For more information and updates about the progress of Creighton Court Transformation call the Information line at (804) 780-4343 or email CreightonRedevelopment@gmail.com.  

For additional images and media information contact Jesse Migneault at The Community Builders, 857-221-8661, jesse.migneault@tcbinc.org 

About The Community Builders  

The Community Builders’ mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive. Our mission-driven businesses work with partners to develop, finance, and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities and opportunity programs for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Since 1964, we have advanced housing that is fair for all through award-winning affordable and mixed-income communities and our pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, our ownership and management portfolio include over 15,000 apartment homes. Anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington D.C., we operate across 15 states. 

About the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority  

“Building communities. Changing Lives” is the vision of the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA). RRHA is Virginia’s largest public housing authority serving over 10,000 residents and managing nearly 4,000 units through the public housing program. RRHA provides subsidized housing assistance to more than 3,000 families and is a catalyst for quality affordable housing and community revitalization. For more information about RRHA programs and objectives, visit rrha.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.