RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Nearly 200 additional housing units could be replacing a local non-profit’s old headquarters.
Last year, the Richmond non-profit “Feed More” announced plans to move its headquarters from a property along Rhoadmiller Street in Richmond to a new location in Henrico County.
According to documents 8News obtained from the City of Richmond, new housing opportunities could be on the horizon to take over the address.
The site is currently zoned for industrial use in the City’s 2nd District — but Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert explained that, because of re-districting, a proposed residential complex at the spot will actually fall under the City’s 3rd District, should plans move forward.
“We weren’t sure what Feed More was going to do when they announced that they were leaving the City,” Lambert said. “But it’s great to hear that they’re bringing housing — much-needed housing.”
Covering more than six acres of land, a tall, four-story structure would replace the existing long, brick, warehouse-style building that served as Feed More’s headquarters for years.
The style of the proposed property, temporarily dubbed “The Lofts at Rhode-Durham,” was described as “two-over-two condos.”
City documents said that, through efforts spearheaded by an out-of-state development company, the facility would add 180 housing units to Richmond’s Diamond District area.
“I see a lot of growth happening,” Lambert said. “I’m excited. Richmond is definitely in need of it, but that’s one thing … because of growth, we have to prepare.”
Lambert said she has worked to increase housing accessibility for some time — but she specified that it’s a certain type of housing she wants to see.
“… If it’s affordable and obtainable housing … that is major right now here in our city,” Lambert said. “So, if they have that component with this project, I think it’ll be a slam dunk, but right now… the market rate on a lot of these projects is causing a lot of stress for individuals.”
Developers have not yet responded to 8News’s request for projected pricing, but documents did outline logistical components of the project. Our 8News team learned it will take at least a couple of years for this vision to come to fruition.
Lambert said this area’s needs are great. From hunger relief to housing relief — the more people an area has, the stronger its need for resources becomes, Lambert said.
“Grocery stores are desperately needed,” Lambert said. “It is a food desert. The closest grocery store is the Aldi that’s on Arthur Ashe Boulevard and then you have the Kroger that’s down by VCU … we need that commercial business here in the city.”
Again, developers have just filed a “Plan of Development” application, so this project is still in the early stages. As for Feed More’s new site — according to the group’s website, its new Henrico location is slated to be complete this fall.
