Affordable Living. Historic Legacy.
A New Chapter Begins.
144 affordable homes coming to Chester, VA — Fall 2026. Built on the legacy of the Green Book era, developed by Better Housing Coalition for households earning 30–80% AMI.
Be The First To Know!
We've already heard from hundreds of families interested in calling Colbrook home. Don't miss your opportunity to be among the first to receive updates on leasing, apartment availability, floor plans, and application openings. Sign up today to stay informed as we prepare to welcome new residents to this historic community.
Available Homes
Floor Plans
1 Bedroom
From 500 sq ft
- Open-concept living
- In-unit laundry
- Private patio/balcony
Floor plans are illustrative. Final layouts subject to change. Units available for households earning 30–80% AMI.
Preserving History, Creating Opportunity
A Safe Haven Along Route 1
The Colbrook Motel was originally established in 1946 along U.S. Route 1 in Chester, Virginia, by William E. Brooks, Audrey W. Brooks, and Dr. Cortlandt M. Colson.
During the Jim Crow era, it became one of Virginia's few lodging establishments listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, serving as a safe and welcoming place for African American travelers from 1956 to 1967.
More than just a motel, Colbrook became a symbol of resilience, entrepreneurship, and dignity during a time when Black Americans faced widespread discrimination while traveling.
A Legacy Transformed
Today, the site is being transformed by Better Housing Coalition into Colbrook Apartments — a $60 million affordable housing community that will provide 144 high-quality homes for individuals and families earning 30–80% of the Area Median Income.
The redevelopment intentionally preserves the site's rich history by restoring the original Colbrook Motel sign, installing a Virginia historical marker, and creating an educational gallery and community spaces that honor the Brooks family's legacy and the importance of the Green Book.