RICHMOND, VA – The Community Builders (TCB) alongside development partner The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) were joined by city and state officials to welcome another group of former Creighton Court residents home during a special Key Presentation Ceremony at Creighton Renaissance.
The celebration marks the second major lease-up event at the newly revitalized Creighton Renaissance community and symbolizes another promise delivered to families returning to modern, high-quality affordable housing built within their original community footprint.
RRHA will welcome City and community leaders, elected officials, representatives from The Community Builders, funding partners, and returning residents to celebrate this milestone occasion.
“For generations, Creighton Court represented both the challenges and resilience of Richmond families,” said Steven Nesmith, CEO of RRHA. “Today, we are witnessing a transformation that demonstrates what is possible when communities and partners work together. We are creating housing that restores dignity, expands opportunity, and supports long-term success for residents.”
The event also represents a historic turning point for Richmond public housing redevelopment efforts. With the transformation of Creighton Court into Creighton Renaissance now well underway, the redevelopment signals the beginning of the end of references to Richmond’s longtime “Big Six” public housing communities — a term historically used to describe Creighton Court, Fairfield Court, Gilpin Court, Hillside Court, Mosby Court, and Whitcomb Court.
“From the very beginning, this redevelopment has been about honoring the residents of Creighton and ensuring they remained at the center of every decision”, said Dr. Cynthia Newbille, Richmond City Council President and long-time community advocate. “The Tenant Bill of Rights guaranteed families the right to return home, and today we are seeing that promise fulfilled.”
The redevelopment is part of a broader effort to reimagine public housing in Richmond, replacing outdated units with modern, sustainable homes while incorporating supportive services and pathways to economic mobility. Today milestone is an opportunity for both TCB and RRHA to celebrate the progress being made to revitalize Richmond’s east end and contribute to the end of the affordable housing crisis. The event also represents a historic turning point for Richmond’s public housing redevelopment initiatives. With construction well underway and families continuing to return, Creighton Renaissance stands as a model of inclusive community revitalization.
“This redevelopment is about more than new homes, it is about preserving community while creating opportunity,” said Beth Keneen, director of development in Virgina for TCB. “The Community Builders is proud to partner with RRHA and residents to help reimagine what affordable housing can look like in Richmond’s East End while ensuring families have access to quality housing, resources, and pathways for success.”
Held during National Homeownership Month, the ceremony also underscores the importance of affordable housing as a foundation for financial stability and future wealth-building opportunities for families.
About Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA)
RRHA is Virginia’s largest public housing authority, serving more than 10,000 residents and managing nearly 4,000 housing units. RRHA provides subsidized housing assistance to over 3,000 families and serves as a catalyst for quality affordable housing and community revitalization throughout Richmond. For more information, visit rrha.com or follow RRHA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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 18,000 apartment homes. Anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington D.C., we operate across 15 states.