The Planet Apartments is a new community by the Better Housing Coalition in the heart of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, providing 67 units in a three-story multifamily building. Named after the Richmond Planet newspaper, which was founded in 1882, the complex focuses on providing easily accessible and community-centric housing options with the simple premise that affordable living alternatives should be available for all communities. Access to healthcare, transit, retail, and employment options are all critical to the siting of the building. The facade pushes and pulls to create alcoves for stoops and balconies, not only reflecting the precedent of the historic neighborhood’s existing row house architecture but evoking the spirit of the front porch, a place to gather, connect, and interact. A playground and sitting area on the property located across from the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, a neighborhood landmark, create engaging amenities tying the new building directly to its neighborhood. A third-floor roof garden for residents and community spaces on the first and second floors further reinforce opportunities for investment and involvement in the community itself.

This project is currently under construction.