Sentara Healthcare Invests $11M to Support CNI in Newport News

By: City of Newport News

Sentara Healthcare announced an $11 million investment in the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) in Newport News. This project leverages public and private investments to replace distressed public housing and create neighborhoods of opportunity.

Sentara is providing $11 million in financial support for loan financing to complete Phase Two of the project, which is focused on the overall rejuvenation of the former Ridley Place neighborhood in the city of Newport News. The goals of the project are to provide a variety of housing options to meet the needs of a diverse community; integrate housing types in an indistinguishable manner; provide affordable housing in an equitable way; increase homeownership rates; and foster community. The City of Newport News, Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Pennrose are leading the development of the project; and Breeden Construction is managing the construction. Construction for Phase Two is expected to be completed in late 2024.

“This significant investment from Sentara Healthcare ensures citizens in Newport News have access to the housing options and resources they need to thrive,” said Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS. “We are honored that Sentara is partnering with us to reinvigorate this historic part of our city and influence health outcomes in a positive, transformative way. Their commitment to Newport News will improve the health and well-being of residents for generations to come.”

The project design plans for Phase Two include a three-story apartment building with 41 units on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and 16th Street, with space for retail activity on the ground floor. The project also includes 14 two- and three-story buildings with 114 townhomes, a walking and bicycle trail for community use, and an early childhood development center.

In 2019, the City of Newport News and the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority were awarded a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The city developed a community-driven transformation plan for the Marshall-Ridley area of the Southeast Community to create new housing options, community services, recreational opportunities, and parks. The city just celebrated the grand opening of Phase One housing, which includes a mixed-use development featuring apartments, townhomes, and retail space.