December 21, 2024

Community Housing Partners (CHP) marked the successful completion of three major apartment community renovations this December with a series of resident celebrations and ribbon-cutting ceremonies across Virginia. Organized by CHP’s Resident Services team, the events at Wellesley Commons Apartments in Newport News, Holly Court Apartments in Kilmarnock, and Grayson Manor Apartments in Independence celebrated more than $13.7 million in combined improvements that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.

Residents cut the ribbon at Wellesley Commons Apartments

Residents cut the ribbon at the newly renovated Wellesley Commons Apartments.

“These celebrations represent more than just the completion of construction work – they mark a new chapter for our residents and their communities,” said Larry Parlo, CHP’s Director of Construction. “Through careful planning and close collaboration with residents throughout the renovation process, we’ve created more sustainable, comfortable, and accessible homes that will serve families and seniors for years to come.”

The series of celebrations began on Dec. 10 at Wellesley Commons Apartments in Newport News, where a $4.6 million renovation transformed 40 apartment homes. Residents and staff gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from Angie Roberts-Dobbins, Vice President of Resident Services. The event combined the renovation celebration with holiday festivities, including CHP’s Warm Wishes program, bringing additional joy to residents and their families. (Learn more about the Warm Wishes program.)

Residents at newly renovated Holly Court Apartments join the mayor and CHP staff for a resident celebration.

Residents at the newly renovated Holly Court Apartments join the mayor of Kilmarnock, Virginia, and CHP staff for a resident celebration.

On Dec. 17, the celebrations continued at Holly Court Apartments in Kilmarnock, where a $4 million rehabilitation project modernized 40 apartments with energy-efficient features and accessibility improvements. Kilmarnock Mayor Shawn Donahue joined residents and staff for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Melissa Forsythe, Regional Property Manager, highlighting the significance of the investment for the community.

The final celebration took place on Dec. 18 at Grayson Manor Apartments in Independence, where a $5.1 million renovation revitalized 32 apartments. During the ceremony, Parlo thanked residents for their patience and collaboration throughout the renovation process, while Independence Mayor Mark Miller shared what the community and these improvements mean for the town. Residents gathered in the newly renovated community center to toast the completion with punch and celebrate their improved living spaces.

Each renovation project prioritized sustainability and accessibility while incorporating resident feedback gathered before and during the renovations. The improvements included energy-efficient appliances, updated lighting, refreshed kitchens and bathrooms, and enhanced community spaces. These upgrades not only improve daily life for current residents but also ensure long-term affordability and sustainability for the communities.

These December celebrations cap off a year of significant achievements in CHP’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its apartment communities across Virginia. Earlier this year, CHP also celebrated the grand reopening of Northway Apartments in Galax, where a $12.4 million renovation brought similar improvements to 72 apartments. (Read more about the grand reopening of Northway Apartments and the Galax mayor’s connection to the community.)

Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for nearly 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.

Grayson Manor residents raise a glass of punch to celebrate the recently refurbished community center and the completion of renovations at the property.

Grayson Manor residents raise a glass of punch to celebrate the recently refurbished community center and the completion of renovations at the property.