A regional organization that promotes the construction of dwellings for low-income and underserved communities has selected a Charlottesville project for a 2024 Housing Achievement Award.
The Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers selected the Piedmont Housing Alliance’s redevelopment of Friendship Court into Kindlewood in its Racial Equity in Action category.
“This award is a meaningful recognition of the incredible work and vision of its residents,” said Piedmont Housing Alliance Executive Director Sunshine Mathon in a press release. “Kindlewood isn’t just about offering new homes – it’s about forging a path toward a more just and equitable future.”
Friendship Court was built in 1978 as Garrett Square after an urban renewal project that razed dozens of homes just years before. The Piedmont Housing Alliance assumed control of the property in November 2018 and have been planning for the redevelopment with their partner, the National Housing Trust.
The first phase of Friendship Court is complete as seen from this aerial view (Credit: Piedmont Housing Alliance)
There were 150 units in the original development, but Kindlewood will eventually feature 450 affordable units. The initial plan was for 600 units, but was reduced after input from an advisory committee of residents.
“This award is a great honor we all share in,” said committee member Glenna Stinnie. “Every step of the way, the Advisory Committee has worked closely with residents to lead the redevelopment of our community.”
In addition to the new homes, there will eventually be a new community center, an early learning center, a public park, a financial opportunity center, and a community garden.
The theme for the 33rd annual HAND awards is “In This Together” according to their website.
“We know that the obstacles our communities face cannot be solved alone, and there is no single solution to the housing affordability crisis,” reads the notice for the June 13 ceremony that will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The first phase of 106 units is complete after having been built on land that had been open space through which Pollocks Branch runs through a pipe underground.
“Specifically, Phase 1 consists of 71 apartments and 35 townhomes all serving low-income families, including 11 units specially designed for persons with disabilities,” reads a description on the Virginia Community Development Corporation, which brokers the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that keep rents low.
The City of Charlottesville has invested heavily in the project through a mixture of sources. In October 2020, the city entered into a performance agreement for $6 million in tax abatement for the project as well as a forgivable loan of over $5.5 million. (Council approves agreement for Friendship Court funding, October 30, 2020)
That doesn’t include millions in capital funds to cover the cost of infrastructure that will be built to support the project.
There was discussion of another forgivable loan at the June 3, 2024 City Council meeting. Details in a future edition of the newsletter.
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the June 5, 2024 edition of the newsletter. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.
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