(RECAP: A picture of what could become of a prominent property in Richmond’s Union Hill neighborhood became clearer last week. The Better Housing Coalition and Walter Parks Architects unveiled design renderings and site plans of their plotted renovation of the 7,500-square-foot Citadel of Hope building at 2230 Venable St. and construction of two apartment buildings beside it. The plans and designs, submitted to the city’s architectural review commission but remain subject to revision, were presented at a meeting of the Union Hill Civic Association, which encouraged the more than two dozen attendees to sign petitions either in favor of the designs or requesting more work. The $8.8 million project is aimed at reviving the derelict property, which Better Housing bought in 2014 for $380,000 from the Temple of Judah Ministries. The project includes several parcels along Venable Street in addition to the 2-acre Citadel property, forming an L-shaped property that designers expect to revitalize the area and decentralize affordable housing options.)

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(RECAP: The Fredericksburg Plotting Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday to consider a proposal for a 110-unit townhouse development. Carl Braun, a local real estate developer, has submitted plans for a development called Highlander Park on 12.2 acres at 115 Young St., a parcel behind the Gladys H. Oberle School. Braun tried to develop a gym and office building on the site and agreed to certain proffers on the property in 2003 for that use. But he said without direct frontage onto Lafayette Boulevard and few other commercial draws in that area, he chose to retool the project as a residential development. Braun plans to price the homes between $300,000 and $350,000. He said that price appeals to young professionals and empty-nesters looking for affordable, go-in ready city housing. He also said that residential development makes sense there as a catalyst for redevelopment in a predominately industrial setting.)

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(RECAP: Virginia’s housing industry generated $47.8 billion in economic activity in 2015, with $21.8 billion in direct output, making it the sixth-largest private sector industry in Virginia in terms of direct output, according to a study released Sept. 2 by the Virginia Housing Policy Advisory Council. The council develops policy initiatives aimed at addressing critical housing needs. “The economic impact study showcases Virginia’s housing industry as an economic driver that generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, making it a central component of our economic strategy,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement. “Housing is a key indicator of any community’s vitality, and we will continue to develop strong housing policies as we build a new Virginia economy.”)

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