Lawson proudly announces its recognition as a finalist in the National Association of Home Builders' 2023 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards. Market Heights Apartments in Norfolk, VA, stands out as a finalist in the category of Best Affordable Community over 100 units.
“This is a highly competitive national award and it’s a true honor to be named a finalist.”, said Lawson Chairman, Steve Lawson. “I’m extraordinarily proud of our team and the communities we’re building.”
Market Heights is a 100% affordable 164-unit LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) multifamily community in Norfolk’s St. Paul’s district, a few short blocks away from the downtown business district. The development serves individuals and families earning 40-60% of the Area Median Income offering 80 units of universal design and 17 fully accessible 504-compliant ADA units.
Lawson partnered with Hope House Foundation and Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas to provide permanent supportive housing to residents with disabilities. Hope House has space on-site to provide services to residents with developmental disabilities and mobility impairments.
Focusing on resident health throughout the community, Hope House obtained a $100,000 grant from LISC Hampton Roads, powered by Sentara Health to fund a mobile food pantry, private telehealth booth, and accessible fitness center with wellness classes for residents.
Market Heights raises the bar of affordable housing with high end amenities including community rooms, secure access, elevators, fitness center, accessible playground, on-site laundry, bicycle storage, and a dog park. Apartments boast open floor plans, some with balconies and city views, granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer hookups, and modern kitchens with dishwasher.
Additionally, Market Heights is the first property approved under Norfolk’s new resiliency code with specific measures applying to flooding, energy efficiency, and building integrity. The site is raised above the flood plain and features permeable parking areas and building downspouts feeding an underground stormwater management system that filters and holds stormwater for slow release into the city stormwater system to prevent flooding at street level. The system minimizes pollution in the neighboring Elizabeth River and manages 25% more stormwater due to these improvements and removal of impervious concrete. Environmental improvements resulted in Market Heights being recognized as an Elizabeth River Project River Star Business.
The Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards have been rewarding excellence in multifamily housing for over two decades. The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing over 140,000 members nationwide. Lawson was previously recognized with a 2019 Multifamily Pillars Award for Seaside Harbor Apartments in Virginia Beach and a 2021 Multifamily Pillars Award for The Retreat at Harbor Pointe Apartments in Norfolk
