On April 30, the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority hosted a Grand Reopening to mark the completion of a $15 million rehabilitation at the historic Fairfax Hall in Waynesboro, a project that pairs historic preservation with expanded affordable housing for senior residents.

Developed by the South River Development Corporation (SRDC), the nonprofit affiliate of the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the project modernized the nationally-listed historic building while expanding accessibility for residents. Originally constructed in 1890 as the Brandon Hotel, the building has served many purposes, including as a girls’ junior college and later a training center, before being converted to affordable housing for seniors after a 2001 renovation.

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission played a key role, contributing $200,000 through the Planning District Commission (PDC) Housing Development Grant to fund two accessible and affordable housing units inside the historic structure — units that were completed in FY24.

Today, Fairfax Hall demonstrates how historic preservation and affordable housing can work together — keeping a piece of the region’s architectural heritage in active use while adding accessible homes for seniors who need them. The CSPDC looks forward to supporting similar projects across the region as additional PDC Housing Development Grant funds from Virginia Housing become available.