Doug Childers

More than 100 years ago, a developer set out to build a neighborhood for affluent black homebuyers in what is today Richmond's North Side. And the company – Washington Park Land Corp. – made its amenities a central part of its marketing strategy.

Buyers looking for new townhomes in Midlothian are about to get more options. Construction is underway on the first of 14 townhome buildings in the new Sycamore Place, which is located near the intersection of Coalfield Road and Midlothian Turnpike.

The options for active-adult homebuyers in Greater Richmond are expanding, with new homes under construction in one of Goochland County's largest residential communities.

Hanover County-based artist Lindsey Finch has undertaken a variety of commissions since graduating from art school. Often, she paints portraits of pets for their owners. She also produces oil paintings of weddings.

Editor's note: This is an installment in the “Top Blocks” series, which looks at individual city blocks that have historic or architectural significance.

Construction is wrapping up in a gated, low-maintenance community in South Richmond, nearly 20 years after planning for it began.

Doug Childers/Homes Correspondent Editor's note: This is an installment in the “Top Blocks” series, which looks at individual city blocks that have historic or architectural significance.

A Hanover County-based developer is on a quest to educate homebuyers about the virtues of land conservation and the rural lifestyle. And he's building a 26-home, gated community to show how it works.

At a glance, designing a residential development might seem fairly straightforward – especially if it's going to be built on a large tract of undeveloped land. From a bird's-eye view, the map's an engagingly blank slate, right?

Homebuyers looking for new townhomes and villa-style attached homes in Chesterfield County have a few more options to consider. Midlothian-based Main Street Homes opened sales in Oasis in August.