BRISTOL, Va. — The Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority (BRHA) announced the official opening today of its newest housing complex, The Village at Oakview, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.
Located in the 400 block of Oakview Avenue in Bristol, Virginia, The Village at Oakview features 48 two- and three-bedroom housing units, constructed in a combination of quadraplexes with green space. Although each housing unit is built on a single level, the buildings are two-story structures. Each building is designed to look like a large, single-family home and is reminiscent of Bristol’s former Moore Street neighborhood. All of the housing units offer modern amenities, including central heat and air, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. Multiple units are ADA compliant and all have been certified energy efficient.
The new complex was erected on the site of the former Bonham Circle apartments, which were demolished in 2015. Funding for the project was obtained from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which is implemented through the Virginia Housing Development Authority. A majority of the funding for the development is derived from non-tax dollars.
“We are excited to celebrate BRHA’s newest apartment complex today,” says Lisa Porter, BRHA’s executive director and CEO. “The Village at Oakview delivers a much-needed accessible, affordable and attractive living environment that is suitable for a broader population, including senior citizens, people with disabilities and families with young children. In addition, this redevelopment project emulates the residential character of the area and enhances the surrounding neighborhood. The Village at Oakview also incorporates a variety of rental housing programs to better serve our community. We are very pleased to be able to continue providing new housing options and services that improve the quality of life for residents of this community.”
Construction of The Village at Oakview marks the second major redevelopment project as part of BRHA’s 2010 – 2025 Master Plan, which includes recommendations for redevelopment of public housing, strategic acquisition of land for future development, and potential neighborhood revitalization efforts. The first project was the 2008 development of Sapling Grove apartments, which feature 26 units of one- and two-bedroom affordable housing.
“For 80 years, BRHA has provided housing and services for thousands of families in need,” says Jerry Chorosevic Sr., chairman of BRHA’s Board of Commissioners. “In addition to providing more than 600 units of housing for Bristol families and individuals, BRHA offers valuable self-sufficiency programs and opportunities to achieve a higher standard of living. This latest endeavor is another big step forward in our efforts to make a lasting contribution to Bristol’s housing and redevelopment needs. Additionally, we’re are proud to say that a majority of the total cost of the project has been spent regionally, and that the development will contribute toward the city’s tax base.”
Established in 1938, BRHA is the largest provider of affordable rental housing in Bristol, and has been instrumental in transforming neighborhoods and assisting in the city’s revitalization efforts. The housing authority has also implemented a neighborhood investment plan to address housing issues and concerns in the areas immediately surrounding existing BRHA properties, and is looking toward broadening its scope through past investments in additional properties within the city.
For more information, visit www.brha.com.
About BRHA
Located at 809 Edmond St., BRHA is the designated public housing agency in the city of Bristol, Virginia. It is the second-oldest such authority in Virginia, having been founded in 1938 and housing 40 percent of low-income renter families in Bristol. Its mission is to provide safe, attractive, affordable housing and housing assistance, and the opportunity for families and individuals to achieve a higher standard of living. BRHA (www.brha.com) is governed by a five-member board of commissioners that is appointed by the mayor of Bristol, Virginia. The staff is comprised of an executive director and 28 employees. BRHA is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (www.nahro.org).
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For more information, contact Lisa Porter,
executive director/CEO, BRHA, at 276-821-6251