Marla Posey, Lawson Realty Director of Training and Operations Strategist has been appointed to serve on the Virginia Apartment Management Associations 2024 Board of Directors (VAMA). In addition, Marla serves as a committee member of the VAMA Legislative Committee, focused on multifamily advocacy at the Virginia General Assembly.

“I’m pleased and honored to join VAMA’s distinguished Board of Directors, as their commitment to advocacy and positively impacting communities that they service aligns with my own passion of raising awareness and cultivating communities that can be transformative in people’s lives”, Posey said.

Through advocacy efforts at the Virginia General Assembly, VAMA helps to provide strong, vibrant communities for members and residents throughout Virginia.

Lawson is proud to share that Market Heights Apartments in Norfolk, VA have been awarded an honorable mention as a community that Best Exemplifies Special Needs Population category in the Developments of Distinction Awards.

The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Awards recognize participants who strive for excellence in community development, affordable housing and historic preservation.

Market Heights is a 164-unit income restricted 100% affordable LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) community in Norfolk’s St. Paul’s district serving residents at 40%, 50%, and 60% AMI. Seventeen apartments are handicapped accessible 504 Compliant units and 80 units are of Universal Design. All indoor and outdoor common spaces exceed accessibility standards, creating a truly inclusive community. 

 Lawson partnered with Hope House Foundation and Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas to provide permanent on-site supportive services for residents with disabilities. Hope House also assists residents with resume writing and career and financial counseling. Placing a primary focus on resident health, a $100,000 grant from LISC Hampton Roads powered by Sentara health funds a food pantry, accessible fitness equipment, and resident telehealth booth for residents.

“As a community, we are now beginning to realize that the lack of affordable housing has reached a critical point, and that we have not produced enough housing to keep up with the need.”, said Lawson Chairman, Steve Lawson.  “Affordable communities with supportive services like Market Heights are a critical component of the housing solution, but so much more needs to be done.”

Market Heights also features amenities not often associated with affordable housing including a resident community room, secure building access, elevators, fitness center, accessible playground, on-site laundry, bicycle storage, and enclosed dog park. Apartment amenities include granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer hookups, and modern kitchens with dishwasher in energy efficient Earthcraft certified buildings.

Lawson Director of Marketing, Dan Hankin will serve a three-year term on the Downtown Norfolk Council Board of Directors. Officers and board members were announced at the council’s annual meeting today.

The Downtown Norfolk Council is an award-winning urban place management organization (UPMO) comprised of more than 350 businesses and individual members dedicated to promoting and enhancing business, cultural, retail, and residential initiatives in Downtown Norfolk. The DNC also manages the Downtown Improvement District, a 50-block district ordained by Norfolk City Council in February 1999.

“I’ve worked the majority of my career in downtown Norfolk since moving to Hampton Roads in 1996.”, said Hankin. “I’ve enjoyed watching the evolution of downtown over that time and look forward to being a small part of its continued progress.”

Lawson moved their company headquarters from Virginia Beach to downtown Norfolk a little more than a year ago. The company was founded in Norfolk in 1972.