PROJECT OVERVIEW

Reunion Senior Living at Kindred, located at 501 Wood Street in Norfolk, Virginia, is a cornerstone of the ambitious St. Paul’s District Transformation. Initially known as “Block 19,” 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 Reunion Senior Living 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

Now, Reunion Senior Living provides a welcoming environment for seniors. This four-story development offers 72 affordable units for residents aged 62 and better. Thirteen former Tidewater Gardens residents have made Reunion home again since opening in 2024. This $19M development was made possible by a 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit allocation from Virginia Housing, credits purchased by Towne Bank, $3M in Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grants and by the City of Norfolk for infrastructure investments as well as tax exempt bond financing provided by Virginia Housing.

Residents of Reunion Senior Living now enjoy an elegant and welcoming atmosphere that includes green energy appliances, thoughtfully curated local art, billiard and game room, fully equipped fitness center, a modern clubhouse, and a business center, all of which encourage social interaction. The outdoor spaces feature picnic areas and grilling stations, inviting residents to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Each apartment unit offers conveniences such as central air conditioning, a dishwasher, garbage disposal, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a microwave, as well as luxuries like 9 foot ceilings, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, and a private patio or balcony—making everyday life comfortable and stress-free. This community was designed to ENERGY STAR certification standards, meaning the property has met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicating the building performs better than 75% of similar properties nationwide in terms of energy use.

Community Impact

The creation of Reunion Senior Living 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.

The redevelopment of Tidewater Gardens into Reunion Senior Living 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.