Some tenants of Creighton Court redevelopment given ceremonial keys, new name announced

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Some residents of the steadily-transforming Creighton Court received ceremonial keys on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) joined Richmond leaders in presenting ceremonial keys to some tenants of "Creighton Renaissance" -- formerly known as Creighton Court, and officially named as such during Tuesday's ceremony.

The Creighton Renaissance's Tenant Bill of Rights gave priority to existing Creighton Court residents who, while the reimagining of the complex took place, either chose to remain on-site or temporarily moved off-site using a project-based voucher.

"We are excited about this opportunity to put keys in the hands of former public housing residents, RRHA voucher holders and others in the city who need affordable housing," said RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith in a press release. "This is a huge win for RRHA, the families who will occupy these beautiful homes, the City of Richmond and the region. Creighton Court stands as a shining example of what happens when partners and stakeholders come together to tackle the affordable housing crisis in this city.”

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The complex's 68 finished units constitute RRHA's "Phase A" of the Creighton redevelopment. "Phase B" will include an additional 72 units.

8News spoke to Gilpin Court resident Stephanie Robinson to get her perspective on what's happening at Creighton. She said that what she saw on Tuesday gives her hope for what is to come.

"No more cinder block walls -- who wants that, living with cinder block walls? All we get out of it is news reports about mold, fungi and still water, within our walls," she said. "We're tired of living that way."

If you'd like more information on the progress of Creighton Court's redevelopment, you can call the RRHA's information line at 804-780-4343 or email CreightonRedevelopment@gmail.com.