PROJECT OVERVIEW

Origin Circle at Kindred, located at 451 Church Street in Norfolk, Virginia, is a cornerstone of the ambitious St. Paul’s District Transformation. Initially known as “Block 20,” this development is part of the broader effort to revitalize Tidewater Gardens, a 618-unit public housing neighborhood built in the 1950s.

Challenges & Solutions

The area had long been plagued by geographic isolation, concentrated poverty, and frequent flooding, making it ripe for transformation. With vibrant residents but obsolete housing, the City of Norfolk sought to reimagine the community as part of a forward-looking vision for a more resilient future.

In 2019, the Franklin Group was chosen as the local housing partner by Chicago-based developer Brinshore, forming a collaborative effort that included the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Together, this coalition successfully applied for a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant, with Norfolk becoming one of only six cities in the country to receive this prestigious award that year.

The success of Origin Circle at Kindred is rooted in extensive collaboration. Developers, the City, and the local housing authority invested significant time engaging with past and future residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and churches. This collective input was vital in shaping a shared vision for a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood where families could thrive.

The Result

Today, the $28M community named Origin Circle at Kindred offers 120 affordable housing units, welcoming back 31 former residents of Tidewater Gardens. This new development exemplifies how affordable housing can also deliver exceptional quality living. The community boasts 9-foot ceilings, in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, vinyl plank flooring, balconies, free wifi, elevators and controlled access to the building. Other amenities include a piano room, fitness center, playground, grilling stations and a community art gallery with art completed by talented residents of the community.

The project was made possible through a 9% allocation of competitive Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from Virginia Housing, purchased by Towne Bank, with permanent fixed-rate debt financing also provided by Virginia Housing. Grant funding was awarded by HUD in the form of a $1.5M Choice Neighborhoods Grant.

The creation of Origin Circle at Kindred underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in transforming public housing communities. The Franklin Group, Brinshore, Bank of America’s Community Development Banking division, Towne Bank, the Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority, and Marlyn Development all played critical roles in bringing this vision to life. The contribution of dozens of subcontractors and vendors highlights the commitment of local businesses to improving Norfolk’s housing landscape.

Community Impact

The redevelopment of Tidewater Gardens into Origin Circle at Kindred not only provides high-quality, affordable housing but also strengthens the surrounding community through upgraded infrastructure, improved accessibility, and renewed pride in a revitalized neighborhood. By creating spaces where families of all incomes can live and thrive, this project is a beacon of what public housing transformation can achieve through collaboration, vision, and dedication to the community’s needs.