Developers and City Officials Celebrate New Kindred Communities

NORFOLK, Va. - The City of Norfolk, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), the Franklin Group and Brinshore Development celebrated the grand opening of the first two buildings at Kindred with an official ribbon cutting ceremony today, Sept. 17, at noon. The buildings, Reunion Senior Living and Origin Circle, are now fully leased, including 44 former Tidewater Gardens residents who have chosen to return to Kindred.

This milestone represents a significant advancement in the St. Paul's Area Transformation/Tidewater Gardens Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI). With a total investment exceeding $300 million, including a $30-million HUD grant, this initiative is among the largest redevelopment projects undertaken by the City and NRHA.

A key component of the CNI grant is the assurance that original Tidewater Gardens families have the right and option to return to the revitalized community if they choose. Both the City and NRHA have supported this right through resolutions that formalize this and offer services to ensure they are able to do so. These services include assistance with applications, payment of security deposits and moving expenses and securing utilities for the new units.

Throughout construction, families received comprehensive relocation support and an array of holistic services including assistance with housing stability, education, economic mobility, and health and wellness.

Through the People First Initiative, residents are securing better-paying jobs and children are gaining access to health insurance, high-quality early childhood programs, and after-school enrichment opportunities. Youth are receiving essential resources to address developmental delays, leading to improved testing scores in reading and math. Adults are now connected to healthcare services, managing chronic conditions more effectively. These services are provided by People First, empowered by Urban Strategies, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that Tidewater Gardens families are stable and thriving. Since the redevelopment began, People First has facilitated relocation for Tidewater Gardens residents with several families achieving homeownership and more than 90 percent of residents moving to neighborhoods with low poverty rates with a Housing Choice Voucher.

Reunion Senior Living at Kindred is a 72-unit senior living community offering one- and two-bedroom apartments. It features amenities such as a fitness center, computer lab, community spaces, on-site management and off-street parking.

Origin Circle at Kindred is a family development with 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The property includes 3,600 square feet of indoor community and amenity space, outdoor gathering areas, a playground and 4,700 square feet of retail space along Church Street.

Both buildings boast high-end interior finishes, are EarthCraft Gold certified, and feature Energy Star-rated appliances and water-conserving fixtures. A community art project features stunning artwork by local artists, enhancing the common areas of both buildings with vibrant decorations.

The next two buildings are currently under construction with an anticipated completion date of Fall 2025.