A New Westhaven: For Us, By Us
CRHA and PHAR, in partnership with Westhaven residents, is embarking on a development journey to reimagine the future of Westhaven.
Please sign up below for TextMyGov to receive text alerts from CRHA!
Westhaven c. 1960s from Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Westhaven in Construction c. 1963
Cox’s Row c. 1940
Westhaven Today
Planning for Westhaven’s Future
Planning for Westhaven’s future is rooted in honoring its past while creating a vibrant, inclusive community led by the voices of its residents. Built in 1965 and deeply tied to Charlottesville’s urban renewal efforts, Westhaven carries the weight of the Vinegar Hill displacement. In response, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) is committed to a redevelopment process which enhances Health and Safety to ensure a secure environment for all residents, prioritizes Memory and History to honor the area’s rich heritage, incorporates Balanced Density and Livability to create thoughtful, livable spaces, can Cultivate Community by strengthening social ties, and fosters Urban Connectivity to improve accessibility and interaction within the community. This collaborative approach empowers residents to shape a future that reflects their needs and aspirations, ensuring a brighter path forward for Westhaven.
About Westhaven
Westhaven, built in 1965, is a key part of Charlottesville's history, connected to the city's urban renewal efforts and the displacement of the Vinegar Hill neighborhood. Prior to becoming Westhaven, the area consisted of historic Black neighborhoods that began forming around 1885, including Cox’s Row, where the 824 Hardy Drive building now stands, and Echo Lane, near the 802 building. In the early 1960s, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) acquired these properties, laying the foundation for what would become Westhaven.
Many see the destruction of Vinegar Hill as a tragic moment in Charlottesville’s past, and today, the CRHA is committed to making amends through a redevelopment process that benefits Westhaven residents. This new development will be shaped by the residents themselves, ensuring their voices lead the way.
The community includes 126 homes with 1 to 5 bedrooms across 9.9 acres. While Westhaven is currently zoned R-3, upcoming changes to the zoning code will allow for more flexibility in terms of building density and height. All of our households earn below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 85% earning less than 30% of AMI.
Westhaven is a vibrant, diverse community, with about 80% of residents being African-American, and a growing number of non-English speakers from Asian and African nations. Our residents include families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and our goal is to increase the number of affordable housing units, create spaces for community programs, and strengthen connections to the surrounding neighborhood and services.
