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The Warwick SRO
Newport News, Virginia

The development of the Warwick SRO has revitalized a downtown landmark in Newport News.

Built in 1883, the Warwick Hotel was once the center of downtown activity in Newport News, Virginia. A fire destroyed the original structure in 1960, but operations continued in the hotel's 1928 annex until it closed in 1988. Several housing uses were considered for the vacant hotel; in 1991, the City of Newport News supported a proposal to transform the structure into single-room occupancy (SRO) rental housing for homeless persons.

VMH, Inc., a statewide nonprofit housing developer, converted the hotel annex into 88 units, each containing a private bath and a compact kitchen area. The building also houses two community lounges, a computer lab for residents, and laundry facilities.

Funding and other support for the $2.1 million project came from a variety of public and private sources, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the State of Virginia, and the Newport News HOME program, which is administered by the Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority under contract to the city. The authority also applied for and administers rental assistance for the project, provided under the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation program.

The resident computer lab was made possible through an equipment donation by First Union National Bank. Furnishings for the units were provided by a Virginia furniture company through the use of Virginia Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits. Local Navy volunteers unloaded and installed the furniture. Several local churches and businesses provided the financial resources to purchase linens and dishes for individual units.

The Warwick SRO was completed in August 1995. VMH and the housing authority jointly marketed the project through newspaper advertising and articles as well as outreach to local shelters and providers of services to the homeless. All units were leased within 90 days of the completion of the project.

Residents of the project all earn less than 50 percent of median income; nearly half earn less than 30 percent of median income. Although all 88 residents receive rental assistance, more than half pay a portion of their rent.

VMH continues to work with area businesses and educational institutions to provide on-site employment training and educational opportunities that can promote greater self-sufficiency and economic stability for the residents.

The Warwick SRO illustrates the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in addressing a critical local housing need while restoring an historic downtown landmark.

Contact: William L. Hawkins, Jr., Executive Director, Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 757/247-9701

Copyright 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000
Affordable Housing and HOME
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
630 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-3736
Telephone: (202) 289-3500
Fax: (202) 289-4949