Proposal for 212 N. 18th St. will bring mixed-income housing to Shockoe Bottom 

Richmond, VA  —The City of Richmond’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has selected Shockoe Shines RVA LLC as the preferred partner for the redevelopment of the City-owned property at 212 N. 18th Street, following a thorough review and evaluation from community members and staff.  

The recommendation follows a nearly 11-month competitive process which began in November 2025 with a request for proposals (RFP). 

The Shockoe Shines RVA LLC proposal was selected from eight development team submissions and was one of three finalist concepts to be presented to the community earlier this summer. If approved as proposed, the project would bring 190 mixed-income units to Shockoe Bottom, with at least 57 of those units reserved for households whose income is below 80% of the Area Median Income.  

“The redevelopment of 212 N. 18th Street represents an important step in the continued transformation of Shockoe Bottom and is one of many investments we are working to advance this historic neighborhood,” said 7th District Councilmember Cynthia Newbille . “This development can serve as an anchor for Shockoe, bringing new housing, including affordable housing, economic activity, and long-term investment that strengthens the neighborhood for generations to come.” 

HCD is recommending this proposal based off an assessment of the project’s ability to bring residential growth to Shockoe Bottom, as well as the strengths of the team’s experience with development in the Richmond market, the financial feasibility of the project, the expected delivery date, and the project design. 

Once contract negotiations between the selected development partner and the City are completed, and if approved by City Council — the project would transform an underutilized City-owned parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-income development, expanding housing opportunities and helping drive the continued revitalization of Shockoe Bottom. Construction could begin as early as August 2027. 

“Shockoe Shines RVA LLC is honored to have been selected by the City of Richmond as the recommended developer for the project located at 212 N. 18th Street in the heart of Historic Shockoe Bottom.” said Managing Partner Daniel Salomonsky . “ The project reflects a shared vision of creating an active, inclusive, and economically vibrant district that honors Shockoe Bottom's past while positioning it for future growth. We look forward to working closely with city leadership, community organizations, neighborhood groups, and business partners as plans move forward.” 

Since 2025, the Department of Housing and Community Development has led Richmond’s effort to strategically dispose of surplus City-owned property to create housing. The goal of the initiative is to deliver affordable housing by converting under-performing City assets into housing. The redevelopment of 212 N. 18th street is the first project in this initiative, with several more already in the pipeline. 

“212 N. 18th Street is a great example of how we can take an underutilized City-owned property and turn it into new housing, economic opportunity, and long-term value for Richmond,” said Mayor Danny Avula . “The interest in this site shows its potential to provide housing that is close to jobs, education, healthcare, transit, and recreation – an opportunity that all Richmonders deserve to have. I am proud of the City’s efforts to move this project forward and hope it will serve as a model for many more to come.”  

In the coming weeks, HCD will work towards a development agreement with Shockoe Shines RVA LLC, with the expectation of bringing an ordinance to Council to approve the disposition of the property in the coming months.