Press Release: BHC Opens Renovated Lumber Mill Apartments

Better Housing Coalition Opens Renovated Lumber Mill Apartments and Breaks Ground on 39 Apartments for Low-Income Seniors in Church Hill

New development to include net-zero energy apartments

Richmond, Va. (March 28, 2012)—The Better Housing Coalition (BHC) today celebrated its new mixed-use community centered around the historic Beckstoffer’s Mill in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood at 1207 28th Street.

With the support of several community partners*, BHC transformed the mill into 22 mixed-income, eco-friendly apartments while retaining the building’s historic features.

BHC also broke ground on the second phase of development at Beckstoffer’s which will include 39 apartments for low-income seniors. Seven will be near net-zero energy.

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, the Rev. Dr. Sylvester Smith and officials from Capital One, Dominion Resources and Wells Fargo helped to commemorate the occasion.

“The mixture of affordable, market-rate, and senior housing creates a healthy community,” said T.K. Somanath, BHC’s president and CEO.  “We are already seeing signs that this large-scale revitalization is a catalyst for additional investment and development in Church Hill.”

Each of the 22 loft-style apartments is unique and is built to EarthCraft™ standards of energy efficiency. They have open floor plans, high ceilings, skylights, exposed brick walls, washers and dryers in the apartments. Rent includes free wireless access and basic cable, water/sewer/trash/gas and parking. Pets are welcome.

The near net-zero energy apartments for seniors, slated to open in Spring 2013, will include solar panels, triple-glazed windows, and a tight building envelope with high-quality insulation to minimize utility costs.

A three-story building will house 32 additional apartments for low-income seniors. The building will have a memory garden on a rooftop terrace and a variety of other features designed to help seniors live independently in a residential setting. As part of BHC’s formula for creating long-term revitalization, its staff social workers will provide ongoing support services to enable the seniors to age in place.

Click here for the event program. 

For information on apartment rentals at Beckstoffer’s, contact Bobbie Fields at 804-222-4395.

The original mill structure houses 22 modern, eco-friendly apartments.