Market Heights Apartments

Location: Norfolk, VA
Award Applicant: Lawson
Architect: TS3 Architects
Developer/Marketing Firm: Lawson
General Contractor: R.A. Lawson Corp.
Interior Designer: TS3 Architects
Photographer: New Media Systems
Interior Merchandiser: Define Design
PR/Advertising Firm: Rubin Communications
Web Designer: Mason Digital
Project Website: MarketHeightsApartments.com

Project Statement

Market Heights is in Norfolk, Va., a city threatened by sea level rise and flooding, making resiliency a priority. The site is raised above the flood plain to 8 feet above sea level. Buildings are raised an additional 3 feet.

Permeable parking areas and building downspouts feed an underground stormwater management system that filters and holds stormwater for slow release into the city stormwater system to prevent it from being overwhelmed and flooding street level. Filtering minimizes pollution from runoff into the neighboring Elizabeth River. The site now manages 25% more stormwater because of these improvements and removal of impervious concrete.

Market Heights is not only affordable, but also an attractive development with four-story brick buildings matching the character of this historic city. A pedestrian plaza with benches separates the buildings and flows into a new sidewalk that Lawson widened and expanded to provide a safe path for students to the middle school next door. All buildings are Earthcraft certified and energy efficient.

The development features high-end amenities, including a resident community room, secure key fob access, elevators, fitness center, playground, onsite laundry, bicycle storage and dog park. Apartment amenities include granite countertops, washer/dryer hookups and modern kitchens with dishwasher.

Lawson partnered with Hope House Foundation and Volunteers of America to provide supportive services to residents with disabilities. Hope House has space onsite to provide services to residents with developmental disabilities and mobility impairments, and will expand support to the entire community assisting residents with resumes, job applications and interview skills.

Hope House obtained a $100,000 grant from LISC Hampton Roads, powered by Sentara Health, to fund a food pantry, telehealth booth and accessible fitness equipment. Hope House manages funds, food and nutritional wellness education. The program is intended to improve social determinants of health in the community.