920 Stewart Avenue sat vacant for many years, leaving walls, flooring, and interior systems heavily deteriorated despite preventative maintenance done by the previous owner. Acquired in late 2020, Restoration Housing envisioned returning the property to its original two-family layout for affordable rental housing.
Before & After
Use the slider below the image to see the before and after.
Acquisition & Rehabilitation Budget
Restoration Housing invested more than $350,000 into 920 Stewart Avenue, thanks in large part to a public and private partnership. Additional funding was provided through Historic Tax Credit syndication as well as private foundation and donor support. These funding sources subsidized most of the construction costs, allowing Restoration Housing to keep rents affordable for low-income families.
$150,000 from the City of Roanoke Community Development Block Grant Program
$122,445 from Historic Tax Credits
$20,000 from Foundation Support (Louise R. Lester Foundation & Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation)
$32,000 from Fundraising by Restoration Housing
$28,028 from Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission’s Housing Development Program
Tenant Testimonial
I feel like I can finally breathe. I was so behind on everything like I was on the verge of being homeless. I was on the verge of losing everything.
Passion Purdy
Restoration Housing Tenant
House History
This 1904 Folk Victorian home was constructed as a two-family dwelling, providing rental housing for Norfolk & Western Railway workers and their families.
Outcomes
Completed in Fall 2022, two affordable housing units for low-income* families were created from the 2,700 square foot structure. Both units feature new kitchens and bathrooms with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and energy-efficient appliances; in-unit laundry; porches; and generous yard space.