March 31, 2008
Richmond’s first housing urban renewal program was…
From the Valentine Richmond History Center’s I Know Richmond:
Q: WHAT WAS THE FIRST HOUSING URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAM IN RICHMOND?
(A) Jackson Ward (B) Gilpin Court (C) Carver (D) Mosby Court
The images and topics in IKR 2008 are featured in Battle for the City: the Politics of Race 1950s-1970s, a new exhibition at the Valentine Richmond History Center that runs April 4, 2008 – January 2009.
From the Valentine Richmond History Center’s I Know Richmond:
In 1950, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) selected its first redevelopment project: 45 acres in the northwest section of Jackson Ward named Carver. Work began on Carver by mid-decade. The plan did not include the total demolition of the entire 45-acre area but instead sought to preserve a number of houses. The Home Builders Rehabilitation Cooperation was formed and used the newly renovated house at 1209 St. Catherine Street as its model. The house also served as headquarters for the Carver Area Citizen’s Committee. By 1959, 97% of the 888 Carver homes identified as sub-standard had come into compliance with the city housing code.
Yet, little support for urban renewal projects existed in Richmond in the 1950s, due in large part to a citywide focus on highway construction and accompanying neighborhood demolition in African American neighborhoods. In spite of this, the RRHA released a 10-year comprehensive slum clearance plan in 1959. Local leaders agreed with the RRHA’s desire to demolish sub-standard housing but were slow to accept federal funds for these projects. They were concerned that the funds might have strings attached and require federal oversight that would impact local decisions.
I work in the education department at the Valentine and have seen this new gallery under construction. The artifacts they’re adding are AWESOME, and I can’t wait til it’s open on the fourth.
Nothing against RRHA, but actually some of the first affordable housing in Richmond was built by Grace Arents on Cumberland and Linden in Oregon Hill. Its now managed by Better Housing.