Norfolk Finalizing Plans to Redevelop Young Terrace and Calvert Square

City aims to transform historically low-income neighborhoods near downtown

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The city of Norfolk is working to finalize a plan to redevelop the Young Terrace and Calvert Square neighborhoods, six years after construction began on the former Tidewater Gardens area. The redevelopment project seeks to tear down low-income housing built in the 1950s and replace it with mixed-income housing, allowing displaced residents the right to return for up to five years.

Why it matters

The St. Paul's redevelopment project in Norfolk has been a controversial effort to transform historically impoverished neighborhoods near downtown. While the city aims to provide better housing options, there are concerns about the displacement of long-time residents and the potential for gentrification.

The details

As of March, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) has built 701 units on and around the former Tidewater Gardens, now known as "Kindred", with another 191 units currently under construction and 191 more planned for later this year. The NRHA says it has helped more than 103 residents return to the new mixed-income housing and is committed to assisting displaced residents throughout the entire transition process. The city is now turning its focus to redeveloping the Young Terrace and Calvert Square neighborhoods in the coming years.

  • Construction on the former Tidewater Gardens neighborhood began six years ago.
  • As of the beginning of March 2026, 701 units have been built on and around the former Tidewater Gardens.
  • Another 191 units are currently under construction and 191 more units are planned for later this year.

The players

Steve Morales

Chief Development Officer for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Susan Perry

Norfolk's Director of Housing and Community Development.

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

The agency overseeing the redevelopment of the St. Paul's area in Norfolk.

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What they’re saying

“We've had more than 103 residents return on site and they retain their right to return for up to five years.”

— Susan Perry, Norfolk's Director of Housing and Community Development (News 3)

“Not only is NRHA helping get residents into the new spaces, they're committed to helping them throughout the entire transition.”

— Steve Morales, Chief Development Officer for NRHA (News 3)

What’s next

Residents can still weigh in on the project in neighborhood meetings and have their voice heard on NRHA's Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Plan.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the St. Paul's area in Norfolk is a complex and controversial effort to transform historically impoverished neighborhoods, raising concerns about displacement and gentrification, but also promising improved housing options for residents if they are able to return.