Standard Communities Begins South Richmond Townhome Project

Construction is underway on a 234-unit townhome development on East German School Road in Richmond.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern townhome architectural model, representing residential development projects in Richmond. — Standard Communities has broken ground on a $90 million, 234-unit townhome development in South Richmond, designed to support low-to-moderate-income households. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support the construction of new income-based housing developments in your local community?

Standard Communities has officially broken ground on a new $90 million residential development located at 250 E. German School Road. The 15-acre site in South Richmond will feature 234 for-rent townhomes specifically reserved for low-to-moderate-income households.

Why it matters

The development aims to address local housing needs by providing rental units for families earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income. The project is bolstered by $45 million in bond financing from the RRHA to ensure the units remain attainable.

The development consists of 35 rows of three-story units with three-bedroom floor plans priced at $1,650 and four-bedroom plans at $1,840 per month. Construction is supported by a coalition of financial entities including Virginia Housing, U.S. Bancorp, Citi, and Stifel.

The players

Standard Communities

This real estate firm specializes in the development and preservation of affordable housing communities across the United States.

RRHA

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority manages public housing and community revitalization initiatives throughout the city.

Genesis Properties

This property development company focuses on building and managing multi-family apartment communities in the Richmond region.

The details

The project represents a significant expansion of rental housing in South Richmond, utilizing a 15-acre plot previously acquired for $1.5 million. Development plans include 234 total units, with construction expected to span the next 18 months.

Plans for the development were filed in 2024.
Standard Communities purchased the land in summer 2026.
Groundbreaking at 250 E. German School Road occurred in October 2026.
Genesis Properties completed the Pinnacle at Afton project in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader movement toward densifying residential zones through rental townhome developments rather than traditional single-family footprints. It signals a shift in local real estate strategies to prioritize managed rental communities over individual ownership models in rapidly growing urban corridors.

Households earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income will gain access to new three- and four-bedroom rental options in South Richmond. The project creates a specific pathway for these residents to secure housing at fixed monthly rates of $1,650 or $1,840.

The takeaway

The addition of 234 rental units is set to impact the local housing stock over the next year and a half. Residents seeking affordable housing should monitor project timelines to stay informed on when the leasing application process officially begins.