Developer Files Rezoning for Shockoe Bottom Project

Historic Housing seeks to build more than 400 new residential units near Richmond’s Main Street Station.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration of a miniature brick apartment model surrounded by simple city blocks, representing residential development. — Historic Housing has filed for zoning approval to transform three Shockoe Bottom parcels into a residential project featuring over 400 units. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe large-scale residential redevelopments improve the character of historic neighborhoods in your area?

Historic Housing recently filed rezoning applications to transform three parcels in Shockoe Bottom into a residential development. The proposed project aims to add more than 400 dwelling units to the area.

Why it matters

The proposal represents a significant effort to invest in and revitalize the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. Developers are targeting the area for its proximity to transit hubs like Main Street Station.

The 2.1-acre assemblage includes a 1.1-acre site with a 1910s-era warehouse and two smaller lots of 0.6 and 0.4 acres. Historic Housing plans to distribute the residential units across three buildings, with 225 at 1601 East Grace, 173 at 200-222 N. 17th St., and 52 at 1800 E. Grace St.

The players

Historic Housing

The real estate development firm is currently under contract to purchase the Shockoe Bottom properties for a multi-unit project.

Loving family

This family group has owned the parcels in the Shockoe Bottom district since at least the 1960s.

Macfarlane Partners

This investment firm previously sought to redevelop the Loving-owned lots in 2020 and successfully secured rezoning in 2021.

The details

The developer is under contract to purchase the sites from the Loving family, who have held the properties since at least the 1960s. The plan utilizes preliminary site-specific building designs to seek TOD-1 Transit Oriented Nodal District zoning, which would allow for up to 12 stories.

1910s: A warehouse was constructed on the largest of the three parcels.
1960s: The Loving family began their long-term ownership of the properties.
2020: Macfarlane Partners identified these lots for potential redevelopment.
2021: Rezoning for a previously proposed Macfarlane Partners project was approved.
Last week: Historic Housing officially filed the current rezoning applications.

Culture Shift

The rezoning application highlights the ongoing tension between developer-led high-density initiatives and evolving city-wide urban planning frameworks. It marks a departure from previous land-use strategies by explicitly aligning with transit-oriented design goals for the Richmond urban core.

Residents near Shockoe Bottom may see increased construction activity and shifts in local traffic patterns if the project moves forward. The proposed redevelopment could significantly change the density and retail landscape of the area surrounding Main Street Station.

The takeaway

The proposed development underscores the high demand for residential space near Richmond's major transit corridors. Interested locals can monitor future City Council or planning commission meetings for public hearings on the requested rezoning.