Press Release: Claiborne Square dedicated Jan. 29

Largest Development from Petersburg Revitalization Plan Dedicated Jan. 29

Claiborne Square Offers High-Quality, Affordable Housing for Seniors in Halifax

General Public Invited for Ceremony, Tours and Reception

Petersburg, Va. (Jan. 26, 2012)—City and state officials and development partners  dedicated Claiborne Square, the largest development project so far under the Strategic Investment Plan for Petersburg, on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at 2 p.m. at 518 Halifax St.

The general public was invited to attend the dedication and reception for the new affordable housing community for seniors. Guided tours spotlighted the environmentally friendly features of the award-winning community.

Restoration of Petersburg Community Development Corp. (ROPCDC) and the Better Housing Coalition (BHC) have worked together for four years – along with many other public and private entities – to develop high-quality, affordable housing for residents over age 55 at Claiborne Square. It’s the first of several developments that are part of a larger plan to revitalize the Halifax area of Petersburg.

Claiborne Square resident Dorothy Jackson tells the crowd how she loves her new apartment

Claiborne Square received the award for Best Housing Development in Virginia at the 2011 Governor’s Housing Conference. Claiborne Square is also the first multi-family community in Petersburg to be certified by EarthCraft™, the leader in green building standards.

“These new homes are a result of many individuals and organizations that share our commitment to meeting the needs of the community at the neighborhood level,” said Cynthia Martin, executive director of the ROPCDC. “Everyone involved –from planners to financial supporters, builders and City officials — committed to creating an outstanding new community that serves a great need.” 

Five years ago, Virginia LISC brought together more than 1,000 citizens who gave input to the revitalization plan, and Halifax was one of the four neighborhoods they designated as a priority.

Rev. Dr. Robert Diggs, founder of Restoration of Petersburg CDC and pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Halifax, said, “High-quality, affordable housing attracts new businesses, private investment and a sense of pride among residents. We believe Claiborne Square is the spark that will ignite more progress and investment in Halifax.”

About Claiborne Square

The new community is designed for active adults over age 55. It includes 47 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments, energy-efficient features that reduce utility bills, a large community room, a library, a private terrace, on-site laundry facilities, an elevator and secured entrances.

Individual apartments have barrier-free design, wall-to-wall carpet, energy-efficient appliances and individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Safety features include smoke detectors and a heat activated sprinkler system.

BHC’s property management arm will provide ongoing management and maintenance, and its Community Social Work department will have an on-site, ongoing presence to provide support services for residents. Claiborne Square is the seventh community for seniors developed and managed by BHC.

It’s Green Inside and Out

With its EarthCraft™ certification, Claiborne Square meets or exceeds all program standards to conserve energy, lower utility bills and improve indoor air quality. The interior features high-efficiency HVAC systems, quality insulation, Energy Star™ appliances and light fixtures, Low-E windows that allow for more natural light and acts as insulators, and carpets made from recycled materials.

The exterior features solar panels on the main building to heat hot water for laundry facilities, common areas and restrooms; low-maintenance brick and HardiePanel siding; LED exterior lights, and cisterns to capture rainwater to irrigate drought tolerant plants.

Visit the Better Housing Coalition Facebook page for more photos from the dedication ceremony.