Norfolk, VA – June 8, 2026 – Lawson, a Virginia-based real estate development, construction, and management firm, celebrated the groundbreaking of phase III of Miller’s Rest Apartments, a new 160-unit affordable housing development that will further expand housing opportunities for individuals and families in Lynchburg earning at or below 80% AMI.

Upon completion, Miller’s Rest Apartments will include 355 affordable apartment homes across three phases, making it one of the region’s most significant affordable housing communities. The new phase builds upon the success of phase I, which delivered 80 affordable apartment homes, and phase II, which added 115 affordable apartment homes.

“This phase alone represents a total investment of $47 million into the local economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating significant economic activity throughout the region,” said Lawson VP and Director of Development, Austin Pittman. “But the impact we’re most proud of is the addition of 160 new affordable apartment homes for hard-working Lynchburg families.”

Phase III will feature 160 apartment homes designed to serve households earning between 20% and 80% of the area’s median income. The development will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, with accessibility features incorporated throughout the community, including ADA-compliant and Universal Design units.

Residents will enjoy access to the community’s existing amenities, including a fitness center, dog park, playground, outdoor gathering spaces, clubhouse, and bicycle storage. The expansion will also enhance the property’s wellness offerings through the addition of a new yoga studio connected to the existing fitness center.

The development is being financed through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and will be constructed to Energy Star and EarthCraft Gold standards, promoting long-term sustainability and reduced utility costs for residents.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by community leaders, development partners, and housing advocates who gathered to celebrate the start of construction and the continued investment in affordable housing opportunities in the Lynchburg region.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

Miller's Rest Phase III groundbreaking

About Lawson:

At Lawson, we understand that what we do – and how we do it – affects the everyday lives of people we care about. We focus on positively impacting people, from team members and residents to investors and business partners. We manage and own approximately 5,000 apartment units and continue to grow with nearly 1,200 units under construction or in development. Our business model provides vertical integration of development, construction, property management and asset management services, which enables our team of experts to add value at every stage for our partners. When you act with integrity, focus on quality and work to find creative solutions, great things are possible. It’s how we’ve done business at Lawson for more than 50 years. For more information, please visit www.lawsoncompanies.com.