CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Leaders with the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority said it's time to refresh some housing properties and build a new one.
“We have housing stock that was built anywhere from 1961 to 1994,” said John Kownack, the executive director of the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Now it’s time to give some of those buildings a facelift. Kownack said the Peaceful Village and MacDonald Manor communities are due for upgrades.
“The interiors really need new flooring, new kitchens, new bathrooms, new appliances,” he said.
Along with the plan to renovate the two communities, Kownack said there’s also a plan to tear down one of the buildings at MacDonald Manor to make room for a new senior housing community.
“Chesapeake, in terms of the housing authority, does not have any exclusively senior apartments with elevators.”
He said the agency is experiencing a higher demand for senior housing. Kownack said the project will be divided into three phases as part of a multi-year process which is expected to cost millions.
“Peaceful Village, that’s probably going to be in the $20 million range," he said "Then, the second phase is MacDonald Manor… that’s probably a $35 million project.”
Kownack said possible construction on a new senior facility would cost anywhere from $8 to $10 million.
He said potential renovations on units at Peaceful Village are slated to begin either late summer or early fall. MacDonald Manor residents could see improvements starting in 2025. New senior housing construction wouldn't start until 2026 when all renovations are complete.
Kownack said these projects are still in its early stages. The housing authority will need approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before they can change any building.