The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) has a mission to further develop and preserve quality, resident-centered, affordable housing, while empowering people and communities. With most of their sites constructed between the 1960s-80s, CRHA is in the process of redeveloping their housing through resident-led redevelopment. This means that residents are at the forefront of every substantive decision in the redevelopment process—whether it’s picking out the kitchen counters or choosing an architect. Resident input has become a crucial part of how they do their work.
Since starting the resident-led redevelopment process, CRHA has completed its redevelopment of Crescent Halls, a 105-unit building housing seniors and persons with disabilities, and the first phase of South First Street, with 62 newly constructed affordable units. In 2025, they will begin the construction of 160 new townhomes and apartments at two different sites (South First Street and Sixth Street). Residents continue to meet to shape the design and vision for their sites, including the redevelopment of Charlottesville’s oldest public housing site, Westhaven.
In 2024, Madison, Michie, and Riverside (aka “Parallel Track”) saw the installation of new kitchen appliances at all three sites and Michie was the first site to have new entry doors and storm doors installed. Central A/C was activated for the first time in public housing in Charlottesville – a truly historic moment among many in 2024. They anticipate entry door and storm door installation and HVAC/Electrical upgrades for all 57 homes to be completed by the end of Spring 2025.
During the first quarter of 2025 they will start the planning for full interior renovations with residents. There will be a series of polling and meetings with residents to brainstorm items such as bathroom/kitchen interior fixtures, paint, flooring. etc. CRHA’s Language Access Team provides translation for all resident-led redevelopment documents and conducts on site interpretation for meetings so that their non-English speaking residents at “parallel track” can engage.
“Being a member of the Virginia Housing Alliance has allowed us to start enacting a strategic plan for our agency and our residents. As we move into the future, CRHA is focused on how we can be more than just a housing authority. VHA has provided support for both our residents and our staff as we move through the redevelopment process and beyond.”
–Kathleen Glenn-Matthews, CRHA Deputy Executive Director