Jackson Ward in its heyday was Richmond’s “Black Wall Street.”
After the Civil War, the area now known as Jackson Ward became a center for Black economic and cultural growth. In the 18th Century, the first Black homeowner in Richmond, Abraham Skipwith-Roper, purchased his home in the area, and that legacy continued in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Countless Black-owned businesses began there, including Maggie L. Walker’s very own St. Luke Penny Savings Bank.
The name “Jackson Ward” was given to it by the City government when it divided Richmond into political wards (similar to our present City Council districts). The boundaries of Jackson Ward were drawn to contain a vast majority of Black Richmonders in just one political district, effectively reducing the power of their votes. But despite the disenfranchisement, Jackson Ward thrived.
Segregation took its toll eventually though, and about half of Jackson Ward was targeted for “slum clearance” under racist urban renewal policies. This led to the creation of Richmond’s first public housing community, Gilpin Court. Soon afterward, under the influence of infamous highway planner Robert Moses, the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (now I-95/I-64) destroyed a massive swath of homes and businesses in Jackson Ward and cut the neighborhood in half.
A pattern of segregation, destruction, and disinvestment defined Jackson Ward in the 20th Century, but today, the neighborhood is beginning to bounce back. We aim to keep the dream of homeownership alive in Jackson Ward.
MWCLT does not have any homes in this neighborhood currently under construction or rehabilitation. However, any of our occupied homes in the neighborhood can be re-sold at any time to approved MWCLT applicants.
Find out if you qualify!
Saint James Street $205,0002 bed/2.5 bath1,017 sq ft This handsome modern townhome is in the heart of Historic Jackson Ward. It features a generous living room, modern kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops, sleek tiled bathrooms, and hardwood...
Saint James Street $205,0002 bed/2.5 bath1,017 sq ft This handsome modern townhome is in the heart of Historic Jackson Ward. It features a generous living room, modern kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops, sleek tiled bathrooms, and hardwood...
Saint James Street $205,0002 bed/2.5 bath1,017 sq ft This handsome modern townhome is in the heart of Historic Jackson Ward. It features a generous living room, modern kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops, sleek tiled bathrooms, and hardwood...
SOLD: Saint James Street $205,0002 bed/2.5 bath1,017 sq ft This handsome modern townhome is in the heart of Historic Jackson Ward. It features a generous living room, modern kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops, sleek tiled bathrooms, and hardwood...