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Model Tobacco Buildings to Get $84 Million Makeover

Hunt Investments LLC will invest $84 million to restore six buildings, including the six-story, art deco Model Tobacco building, in South Richmond. City Council approved last night the developer's plan to convert the complex into 600 apartments, including 211 set aside for lower-income residents at reduced rates, reports Will Jones for the Times-Dispatch .

The units will average 750 square feet, though some will be as small as 560 square feet. The community will have an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and child-care center.

Despite concerns expressed by the Blackwell Civic Association about the low-income units, Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell , whose district includes the Jefferson Davis Corridor, said the Model Tobacco project would spur more investment in the area.

Hunt Investments has been developing properties in Richmond for about a decade. Developments include the American Heritage Building at 10th and Main, built in 1904 as the city's first skyscraper, among many other historic restoration projects.