Honoring the Past, Building the Future

The Better Housing Coalition (BHC) broke ground last month on the Colbrook Legacy Project in Chesterfield County, a $60 million redevelopment that blends history with urgent housing needs.

The site was once home to the Colbrook Motel, a safe haven for Black travelers during segregation and a listed destination in the Green Book. Decades later, the property will be transformed into a new community featuring 144 high-quality, affordable apartments for working families.

Homes at Colbrook will be affordable to a range of income levels, ensuring access for households who might otherwise struggle to secure safe, stable housing. In addition to thoughtfully designed residences, the community will feature a resource-rich environment with amenities such as a community center, landscaped courtyards, walking paths, and on-site services that support long-term stability and wellness.

BHC will honor Colbrook’s history with a restored sign, historical marker, and on-site gallery dedicated to its role during the civil rights era.

“Colbrook was always a place of refuge,” said Greta Harris, BHC’s President & CEO. “This redevelopment allows us to carry forward that legacy by creating a safe, affordable community where families can thrive.”

Founded in 1988, the Better Housing Coalition is the Richmond region’s largest not-for-profit community development corporation. BHC develops and manages high-quality, affordable housing while providing supportive programs that help residents of all ages build brighter futures.

Developed in partnership with Purcell Construction, Timmons Group, Baskerville, Chesterfield County, J2H Partners, and Boston Financial, Colbrook is expected to welcome its first residents in 2026.