RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond has selected a local developer to help turn a city-owned parking lot into nearly 200 units of affordable housing. The city announced Thursday that its Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will recommend Shockoe Shines to redevelop the property at 2 12 N. 18th St. after months of evaluation and review. The firm was one of three finalists presenting their plans at a city meeting in June. The process began nearly a year ago when the city sought proposals for two city-owned surplus property sites at 212 N. 18th St. and 911 and 913 Hull St. Surplus property sites are properties the city no longer needs. Per Shockoe Shines' proposal, the redevelopment would bring 190 mixed-income units to Shockoe Bottom, with at least 57 units reserved for households whose income is below 80% of the area median income. A rendering of the mixed-income housing proposal at 212 N. 18th St. in Shockoe Bottom. (City of Richmond/Shockoe Shines RVA LLC) Richmond moves closer to new affordable housing development in Shockoe Bottom City-owned parking lot at 212 N. 18th St. (Mark Morales/8News) City leaders said HCD's recommendation is based on the project's ability to bring residential growth to the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, the strengths of Shockoe Shines' experience with development in Richmond, the financial feasibility of the project, the expected delivery date and the project design, according to the release. Construction could begin as early as August 2027, pending contract negotiations and City Council's approval. This is the city's first project in an initiative to turn surplus city-owned properties and "underperforming city assets" into affordable housing. ...read more read less