Traditional or modern? Housing authority asks residents to weigh in on new Gilpin Court's first phase

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is asking Gilpin Court residents to vote on two possible designs for the first phase of the redevelopment of the city’s oldest and largest public housing community. 

Over the two-week period from July 10 to July 24, current Gilpin residents can cast a ballot in one of four ways for either a “traditional” architectural design that offers additional ornamentation and features like columns and decorative cornices or a “modern” design that is more angular and stripped down. 

City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacement

RRHA is in the process of redeveloping the city’s public housing projects, replacing them with mixed-income neighborhoods.

The RichmonderMichael Phillips

The vote would not determine the design for the entire Gilpin Court redevelopment, which is expected to produce over 1,300 mixed-income units over roughly a decade. Instead, officials will use the input to decide on the look of two buildings housing 56 units that will be constructed before any demolition occurs. 

According to Richmond BizSense, plans for the “build-first” project were filed in late June by HRI Communities, the developer that is working with RRHA on the project.  

The three-story buildings would sit on a block of Jackson Ward between First and Saint James streets and Saint James and Federal streets. 

Chosen co-developer for Fay Towers at edge of Gilpin Court withdraws proposal

“We conducted additional research and ultimately realized the effort was cost prohibitive.”

The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong

After a rocky start last summer, the Gilpin redevelopment plans have picked up steam in recent months as the city and housing authority have begun formalizing an agreement to jointly govern the project. 

A memorandum of understanding between the two is expected to be signed by Sept. 1. A resolution in support of the approach was introduced by the City Council Monday and should be put to a vote later this July. 

Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at svogelsong@richmonder.org