Timmons Group is proud to celebrate the 2023 Golden Hammer Awards with several project recognitions, including The Planet Apartments, North Hills at Armstrong Renaissance, and Model Tobacco Lofts.
Since 1953, our practices have been rooted in the same ideals: Enhancing the beauty, safety, and functionality of our contemporary world. Whether our clients looking for expertise in creating their next project or for guidance with an existing endeavor, Timmons Group’s teams are strategically positioned to help our communities achieve every level of sustainable development and design through our trusted partnerships.
Some of this year’s award-winning projects include:
Located in historic Manchester, the Model Tobacco Lofts are a renovation to the Art Deco-style tobacco factory originally built in 1940. Known for a moderne style 9′ tall ‘Model Tobacco’ sign on the north end of the building, the renovation embodies the factory’s architecture and pays homage to the building’s historic design. The 15-acre property’s full build-out will incorporate 440 total units, a bulk of which are income-based.
Model Tobacco’s original design is indicative of early twentieth century tobacco manufacturing and storage buildings, which were designed vertically but eventually transitioned to shorter, more spread-out facilities.
The building’s rehabilitation feels more like a transformation into a modern campus — The renovation includes unique amenities for residents, including a rooftop terrace, pet spa, shared bar and entertainment kitchen, keyless entry, and video gaming room. The rehabilitation marks an enclave of efforts throughout the City of Richmond to bring historic spaces to light by celebrating their original community impact.
Model Tobacco’s amenities are interconnected and make exceptional use of existing historic architecture. The smokestack and boiler room in the back of the property have been reimagined into a pool deck and sports activity space that boasts a climbing wall and indoor basketball court. The design of the basement retains its industrial charm and is met with access to yoga studios, lounges, fitness and cycling rooms, and a movie theater.
Located at the corner of Cameo and Jackson Streets in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, the new Planet Apartments consist of 67 one-, two-, and three-bedroom income-restricted units. The affordable housing apartment community sits on 1.5 acres that is situated in close proximity to Interstate 64-95 and multiple bus lines, which offers tenants a variety of multimodal transportation opportunities.
As a nod to the historic neighborhood, the 76K SF three-story apartment building is named for the Richmond Planet newspaper, which was originally founded in 1882 by formerly enslaved Black men and edited for 45 years by outspoken Jackson Ward resident John Mitchell, Jr.
In naming the building, Better Housing Coalition honors the rich history and important contributions of one of America’s first African-American newspapers. Interior design of the community lends itself to the newspaper through accents of bright colors, uniquely angled walls, and modern lighting fixtures that resemble planet spheres.
The Planet Apartments broke ground in May 2022 and were completed in September 2023. The development costs for the apartment community are estimated at $19.6 million.
Nestled in Richmond’s Church Hill North neighborhood on the historic site of Armstrong High School, the North Hills at Armstrong Renaissance Development consists of 36 for-sale three- and four-bedroom single-family homes. The North Hills offers homebuyers four high-quality model options, with the opportunity to own modern, well-appointed homes in a mixed-income community.
The new homes, sold as affordable and market-rate, include spacious interiors with hardwood floors, energy-efficient appliances, and sleek finishes. Their exteriors are a blend of style and functionality, featuring front porches, rear decks or patios, Hardie plank siding, sodded yard, and off-street parking. Better Housing Coalition, the project developer, engaged in community outreach to increase homeownership rates among people of color and to provide counseling to public housing residents seeking homeownership.
The North Hills development project has been progressing steadily, with Phase I being completed in September 2022, comprising 10 homes, and Phase II being completed in June 2023 adding another 10 homes to the community. Currently, Phase III is underway, offering 16 additional opportunities for homeownership.
Congratulations to our project teams, partners, and community members who have made a significant contribution to the revitalization of our neighborhoods throughout Greater Richmond this year! See this year’s Golden Hammer award winners.
