St. Joseph’s Villa is about to have new neighbors as construction begins on Brook Villas Apartments, a new complex that will add 84 income-based units adjacent to the nonprofit’s Henrico County campus. This development aims to provide affordable housing options for the community while offering modern and comfortable living spaces.
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A Welcoming Addition to Villa Park
The first buildings of Brook Villas Apartments are taking shape along the south side of Villa Park Drive, just west of its intersection with Brook Road. The complex, consisting of three buildings, a clubhouse, and a maintenance building, is being developed by Mark Dana Corp., a Texas-based real estate firm with roots in Virginia. With a strong focus on developing and managing lower-income multifamily housing, Mark Dana Corp. brings its expertise to this project.
Thoughtfully Designed Apartments for Every Need
The three apartment buildings at Brook Villas will comprise a mix of floor plans to accommodate different household sizes. There will be 12 one-bedroom units, 48 two-bedroom units, and 24 three-bedroom units. Ranging in size from 700 to 1,000 square feet, these apartments will offer comfortable living spaces. Monthly rents will be targeted towards households making 40 to 60 percent of the area median income. With the aim of providing affordable options for the community, these rents are projected to range from $580 to $750 for one-bedroom units, $870 to $1,100 for two-bedroom units, and $1,170 to $1,270 for three-bedroom units.
Construction and Completion Timeline
Construction of Brook Villas Apartments began in November, with completion targeted for the second quarter of 2023. The project is financed using federal 9 percent low-income housing tax credits, a model that Mark Dana Corp. has successfully utilized for all its developments.
Location and Amenities
Located next door to St. Joseph’s Villa, Brook Villas Apartments benefits from an attractive and convenient location. With grocery stores and restaurants nearby, residents will have easy access to essential amenities. The complex will feature primarily brick facades and spacious three-story buildings. On-site parking will be provided, with two spaces per unit, totaling 168 spaces. In addition, residents will enjoy a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse with a community room, fitness center, and leasing office. The development will also include sidewalks along Villa Park Drive and Brook Road, enhancing walkability.
Environmentally Conscious Design
Brook Villas Apartments is being built to EarthCraft gold energy standards, reflecting the developer’s commitment to sustainability. The project is designed by Winks Snowa Architects, with Townes Site Engineering responsible for the plans. Rehab Builders Inc., a reputable general contractor from North Carolina, is leading the construction efforts.
Growing Together with the Community
Mark Dana Corp. purchased the 6-acre site from St. Joseph’s Villa in 2019, emphasizing the shared vision for affordable housing in the area. The company’s President, David Koogler, expressed their excitement about being next door to St. Joseph’s Villa, as they value the idea of affordable housing and view their neighbors as an attractive addition to the community. With the success of Brook Villas Apartments, Mark Dana Corp. aims to continue developing similar projects in the Richmond metropolitan area, further contributing to the region’s growth.
