Former Norfolk public housing complex undergoing redevelopment is receiving new name

In the midst of its own redevelopment, the public housing complex formerly known as Tidewater Gardens has a new name.

“Kindred” was the most popular among responses submitted from over 1,000 Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority residents and community leaders through City Hall, the NRHA, the Basilica of Saint Mary, community meetings and focus groups, according to the city.

Gale Stone, who has lived in the development since 1955 and is planning on returning, is a fan of the name, according to the release.

“My pastor used to be named Kindred, so when I hear the name I think about Jesus because of my pastor,” Stone said in the release.

The new name was announced Monday by the city of Norfolk, the NRHA and Brinshore Development, the Chicago-based company redeveloping the site.

“Kindred suggests an unbreakable bond that permeates all throughout the families and community of St. Paul’s,” said Ron Jackson, NRHA executive director, in the Monday release. “We are extremely proud to be a part of making this happen.”

Blocks are next to be renamed and two of the development’s buildings under construction have already been named, according to the release.

“Origin Circle at Kindred,” which used to be Block 20, will have 120 apartment units ranging from one to three bedrooms with common areas and “Reunion Senior Living at Kindred,” formerly Block 19, will have 72 apartments with one and two-bedroom units, according to the release. The two blocks are slated to begin taking residents again next year and with other units opening up on a rolling basis through the fall of 2025.

The $300 million overhaul of the neighborhood formerly known as Tidewater Gardens began last year. Funding for the redevelopment included over $150 million in local and private funding as well as a $30 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Over half the families who were living in Tidewater Gardens, 334 households, have said they plan to return to the neighborhood when the redevelopment is complete. The NRHA has a “right to return” policy for the families who had to move for the project and they can use that for up to five years after the development accepts occupancy again. There are requirements though, which include having lived in Tidewater Gardens compliant with the dwelling lease when they left, can pay rent at the new Tidewater Gardens, which will remain as 30% to 40% of adjusted income, no outstanding debts to the NRHA and other requirements, according to the St. Paul’s District website.

Ian Munro, 757-447-4097, ian.munro@virginiamedia.com