VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – JUNE 1, 2021 – Congressman Bobby Scott, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, Virginia civic and business leaders, and partners celebrated the Grand Opening of The Retreat at Harbor Pointe Apartments, a new 100% affordable apartment community on the Elizabeth River.
Affordable housing is in great need in Virginia with a large portion of residents rent burdened. Congressman Bobby Scott said, “Affordable housing is in short supply. Many people are paying a substantial portion of their income towards rent. Utilizing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit as Lawson has done here is one way to remedy that situation.”
The Retreat at Harbor Pointe is a 246-unit riverfront multifamily community providing luxury accommodations to low-income families, including units set aside for residents with physical and developmental disabilities. Shattering most people’s notions of affordable housing, The Retreat spans the Elizabeth River waterfront and boasts Class-A features including a resort-style swimming pool with river views, modern fitness center, community clubhouse, and an elevated dock and walking trail. Apartment amenities include modern kitchens with granite countertops, water conserving fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances.
The community features EarthCraft certified buildings, energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving fixtures, and landscaping that works well with the waterfront setting. The Retreat at Harbor Point was recognized as an Elizabeth River Project River Star Business for its efforts to enhance the river through extensive shoreline cleanup, the addition of a living shoreline, the installation of native salt-tolerant reeds replacing invasive vegetation, the installation of rip-rap to protect the riverbank from erosion, and the installation of oyster castles under the boardwalk to provide habitat and to help naturally cleanse the river. Elizabeth River Project River Star Business Program Manager Pam Boatwright said, “At Elizabeth River Project we believe that the economy and ecology can work together. We think The Retreat at Harbor Pointe is a shining example of that, transforming this idle site into an inspiring and important community that celebrates the river.”
“The Retreat at Harbor Pointe will serve as a model for future developments in our city and in Hampton Roads.”, said Mayor Alexander. “This development offers all of the qualities and amenities of market-rate housing developments and sits on a prime location among one of the last buildable waterfront parcels in the city.”

About Lawson
At Lawson, we understand that what we do – and how we do it – affects the everyday lives of people we care about. Since 1972, we’ve focused on positively impacting the communities we serve, from team members and residents to investors and business partners. We manage and own nearly 6,000 apartment units and continue to grow with approximately 1,200 units in development. Our business model provides vertical integration of development, construction, property management and asset management, 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 over 45 years. For more information, visit www.lawsoncompanies.com.