Newport News Opens First Phase of Choice Neighborhood Housing

By: City of Newport News

The Lift & The Rise is first developmentcompleted as part of $30 million HUD grant
The City of Newport News and Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority hosted a ribbon cutting yesterday to celebrate the conclusion of the first phase of construction of new housing for the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI). The Lift & The Rise on Jefferson is a vibrant mixed-use development that blends affordable and market-rate living spaces. This residential area is reinvigorating economic growth in Newport News and creating a strong and thriving community.  In 2019, the City of Newport News and the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority received a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Choice Neighborhoods Initiative program. The Lift & The Rise, a project that began in the summer of 2021, is the first development completed through the city’s CNI program, with additional phases to come over the next two years. The initiative is community-driven, with current and former residents playing a large role in planning the future of this neighborhood. The Lift & The Rise features 81 one, two, and three bedroom apartments and six townhomes. The complex includes a variety of amenities, including a community room, fitness area, community terrace and lounge, outdoor seating, play area, in-unit washers and dryers, controlled access doors with security cameras, and on-site management and maintenance. Pennrose Management is overseeing the leasing and management of The Lift & The Rise. At this time, over 2,500 people are on the interest list for this new complex. The $19.7 million project was funded by the CNI grant from HUD, Affordable Housing Tax Credits, Home Investment Partnership dollars, State Vibrant Communities allocations, Virginia Housing Trust contributions, and city resources. Approximately 46% of the units are reserved for individuals and families who were displaced by the demolition of the CNI targeted assisted apartments, which were subsidized by HUD. The remaining apartments will be rented at market rate. The ground floor of The Lift & The Rise includes retail space for lease. The Redevelopment and Housing Authority has contracted with Abbitt Realty to secure businesses for two commercial/industrial storefronts.  The complex is located off Interstate 664 and in close proximity to major employers and the city’s revitalized downtown area, which includes restaurants, amenities, a brewery, distillery, and more. For additional information, visit www.LiftandRiseonJefferson.com.