Summer typically brings a lull to legislative developments in Virginia, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Discover what you can do in the downtime that will make a difference all year long. 

We’re very excited to announce that two VAMA members were selected for NAA's 20 in their Twenties: Class of 2022. The 20 in their Twenties program celebrates individuals who are 29 years or younger that have made great professional achievements in their career and stand out amongst their peers as proven leaders. Please join us in congratulating Morgan Flowers, Development Coordinator for Lawson Companies and Joseph Wisenall, Property Accountant for Lawson Companies for their achievement!

An op-ed piece by Tommy Herbert on behalf of VAMA | Blue Ridge members in response to UVA's 2030 Strategic Plan that would require second-year students to live on campus.

VAMA | Hampton Roads has once again received a record-breaking number of nominations for their annual ACE Awards program, this year topping 700. Community judging will take place in July and individual judging will take place in August. Winners will be announced the night of the ACE Awards gala, October 14, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. 

These days, nothing is off limits on social media, including legislative affairs. Elected officials, including members of US Congress, use it to communicate with their constituents, and advocacy groups are using it to spread their messaging. To broaden the apartment industry's reach and strengthen its collective voice, the National Apartment Association spent 2021 developing its Influencer Program, which allows members to use their social networks to educate their elected officials on important issues. Read more about its impact and join the Influencer Program today!

UVA is offering land on 3 parcels owned either by the university or the U.Va. Foundation for the development of up to 1,500 units of affordable housing in the next 10 years. Developers will be chosen to build the affordable communities under long-term ground leases. None of the affordable housing would be for students, but for the Charlottesville/Albemarle community as a whole.

Hunter's Chase Apartments sold last month to Capital Square for $79.2 million. The same community was sold in 2017 for $42 million, before undergoing a $7 million renovation. Premiums for renovated units, compressed cap rates and rent growth are all drivers for rising apartment building prices. 

Construction has begun on Cool Lane Commons, a former assisted living facility that will create 80 one-bedroom apartments and six studios for homeless and low-income individuals. All homes will be over 500 square feet, 13 units will be fully accessible, and a portion will be set aside for individuals with a disability that affects their housing stability. The building will also have office space for Virginia Supportive Housing and partners. 

The Breeden Company announced the groundbreaking on Avant at Huntington Pointe, a $33 million multifamily project in the new Huntington Pointe area of Newport News, Va. Breeden Construction will serve as the general contractor on the project. The Breeden Company’s Property Management division will manage the asset once construction is complete. The project is located off Denbigh Blvd. Avant at Huntington Pointe is the multifamily addition to the recently developed planned community.

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith has proposed 78 at St. Paul's, a 261-unit luxury community with eight project-based voucher units. The development would include 4,200 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, along with a 500-space parking garage, pool, gym, yoga studio, game room and dog park. 

The community will be built in two phases on a four acre plot of land starting next year. Phase one will include 14 duplexes and two- and three-bedroom apartments with rooftop decks. Phase two will include 50 units in a three- or four-story building. 

Genesis Properties is under contract to purchase two buildings currently owned by Dominion Energy in downtown Richmond. The company plans to convert the 20-story Eighth & Main office building into 300 apartments, while building a new structure on top of the other building, a three-story parking deck off E. Cary St., which will also house 300 units. 

The Breeden Company has broken ground on a $21 million major expansion at The Village at Westlake Apartments in Richmond. The project includes adding 120 apartments over five buildings to the already successful apartment community. The buildings will be comprised of two- and three-bedroom apartments with square footages ranging from 1177-1490. New resident amenities will include an additional seasonal outdoor pool and clubhouse complete with fitness center and business center. Breeden Construction is serving as general contractor on the project.

The Cathcart Group is building Gallery at Godwin, a 255-unit community opening in 2023. The community will feature one-, two- and three-bedrooms and over 15,000 square feet of retail space. Rents will fall between $1,200 and $1,900 per month.