Highland Grove, a mixed-income housing development in Richmond’s Northside, has secured $2.5 million from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program. The funding will help build 53 affordable homes for sale to households earning between 80 and 120 percent of the Area Median Income. The program is administered by Virginia Housing.
The homes will be constructed and sold by project:HOMES, the Better Housing Coalition, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, and the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust. The goal is to provide homeownership opportunities for income-qualified buyers.
“This $2.5 million award builds on the strong momentum behind the Highland Grove development and the many partnerships which have turned it into reality,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “By continuing to invest in mixed-income housing, we’re committing to a future where all of our residents can realize a path to homeownership for generations to come. We have a long way to go, but achievements like this are critical in laying a strong foundation.”
Highland Grove’s development began in 2012 with 128 rental units made up of apartments and townhomes. In 2024, work started on the homeownership phase, which includes 125 homes: detached single-family houses, duplexes, and triplexes. Of these, 60 are designated as affordable for buyers at both 80% and 120% AMI levels; another 65 market-rate units are being built by Eagle Construction.
The Better Housing Coalition is serving as master developer for Highland Grove and is responsible for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, streets, utilities, lighting, and landscaping.
“This award is a paragon example of collaboration,” said Jovan Burton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability. “By bringing the city, non-profit partners, and state partners together, we will be able to provide greater housing opportunities to Richmond families. Highland Grove really does stand as a model for how mixed-income housing communities can erase inequities in housing attainment.”
The Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program was launched in 2024 by Governor Glenn Youngkin with an aim to support middle-income workers’ access to housing in areas experiencing job growth. Expanding affordable housing supply is seen as important for economic development in Richmond.
Site work on Highland Grove’s second phase has already begun with utility extensions completed by the City of Richmond. New homes are expected as early as Q2 2026 with full project completion targeted for December 2027.
The Partnership for Housing Affordability promotes regional approaches to affordable housing across Richmond’s metropolitan area and supports policies that encourage diverse communities with varied housing options (https://pharva.com/).
