Renovation officially began today with a kick-off ceremony on the historic buildings at 21 East Leigh Street. City’s Community Development Director Rachel Flynn, local developer Kelvin Hanson and Historic Jackson Ward Association President Charles Finley, Mayor Wilder, architect Walter Parks, and Neverette Eggleston all spoke on the past and future of the building and then tours were given of the building.

I’ve got some photos from the kick-off ceremony up on flicker and have gotten the current renderings for the project.

From the press release:

This property is being turned into an independent living residential complex for Jackson Ward senior citizens who wish to continue living in their historic neighborhood. The City-owned property, deteriorating and vacant for years, was sold in 2006 to The Hanson Company, LLC and Alexander and Alexander which plans to invest approximately $4 million to develop what will be called B.T. Washington Plaza, a complex of affordable apartments enabling Jackson Ward’s seniors an opportunity to remain in their neighborhood.

With property values escalating in Jackson Ward and changing neighborhood demographics, B.T. Washington Plaza will offer a unique opportunity to assist seniors who can no longer afford to own homes yet also do not want to leave their neighborhood.

The history of 21 East Leigh Street traces to more than a century of public education use. The main building was one of the first three public schools built by the City. Originally named Leigh School, it opened in 1872 as a school for white children. Over subsequent years, it became Armstrong High School, Booker T. Washington Elementary School, and then the Benjamin Graves Junior High School. Richmond Public Schools transferred the property to the City in the early 1970s, which leased it to the Richmond Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. until 2003 when it was vacated and fell into disrepair.