May 6, 2019

Viridiant awards ceremonyCommunity Housing Partners (CHP), a Virginia-based provider of affordable and sustainable housing, received took home the Multifamily Project or Development Award at Viridiant’s Building Sustainability Awards.

The award recognizes the Apartments at Kingsridge, one of CHP’s signature real estate developments in 2018. Janaka Casper, CEO, and Colin Arnold with Arnold Design Studio were on hand to accept the award. (Read more about the award winners.)

Last fall, CHP completed the Apartments at Kingsridge, a 72-unit, new multifamily complex in Henrico County, just east of the City of Richmond and west of Laburnum Avenue, a four-lane street with easy access to the area’s largest highway system, retail, and public transportation.

The Apartments at Kingsridge features three, three-story apartment buildings with two- and three-bedroom units, plus a clubhouse with a fitness center and nearby playground. The community includes 24 apartments that meet Universal Design standards and eight units that meet Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act with fully accessible roll-in showers.

The new development is not only providing stable, affordable housing for families in the Richmond area, but also contributing to the local economy and utilizing innovative construction techniques. In addition to pursuing EarthCraft certification, CHP pioneered an HVAC system that filters the air. Using ducted mini-split Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), the new system replaces traditional heat pumps and improve air quality for residents at a low cost.

The awards ceremony was a part of Richmond-based nonprofit Viridiant’s Building Sustainability Conference, a three-day event in April touting environmentally-friendly living and sustainable building practices.

“Over the course of three days, we hope we empowered participants to explore more about environmentally friendly practices ranging from energy efficiency to sustainable housing and started a conversation among fellow citizens about how to best preserve the Commonwealth’s environmental health,” said Viridiant Executive Director KC Bleile.

As part of the three-day event, Viridiant also organized the first-ever Party for the Planet festival on April 27 in downtown Richmond, which featured music, arts and crafts, and an Earth Day 5K Race Without a Trace along the James River. CHP was on the Earth Day 5K race sponsors.