Helios is a 186-unit income-restricted residential community that expands access to affordable homes for families earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Located on Richmond's Northside adjacent to parks and public transit, Helios provides convenient access to local restaurants and cultural attractions while meeting Virginia Energy Ready Home code and EarthCraft Gold community standards.
Developed using Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the community was designed with long-term affordability and sustainability at its core. VHB provided site planning and design services to help advance the developers' vision into a cohesive plan. During conceptual planning, the team identified an adjacent parcel that created the opportunity to incorporate a 1.9-acre solar array seamlessly into the overall site plan. As one of the region's first affordable housing developments to feature an on-site solar array, Helios reduces operating costs over time through renewable energy generation. The site’s steep terrain presented a major challenge, and VHB worked with the project architect to design building floor levels that follow the natural slope of the land, reducing major excavation and fill needs while helping lower construction costs. Our familiarity with local regulations supported an aggressive development schedule, delivering a sustainable community that will serve Richmond families for generations to come.
