Published October 28, 2026 | Written by the Mission Realty Team.
A Los Angeles-based developer has started construction on one of the larger new rental townhome projects in South Richmond. Richmond BizSense reports that Standard Communities has broken ground on Joyfield Towns at 250 E. German School Road, a 234-unit community of for-rent townhomes aimed at households earning moderate incomes.
This post walks through what is being built, how it is financed, what the timeline looks like and what the project may mean for the surrounding neighborhoods.
What Is Joyfield Towns?
Joyfield Towns sits on about 15 acres near the interchange of Chippenham Parkway and Midlothian Turnpike. The plan includes 35 three-story townhome buildings with three and four bedroom floor plans. All 234 homes are for rent rather than for sale.
Units are priced for households earning between 50 and 60 percent of area median income. Reported rents are about $1,650 a month for a three-bedroom and about $1,840 for a four-bedroom. Those figures come from the developer as reported by BizSense and could change as the community nears opening.
Who Is Building It and How Is It Financed?
Standard Communities is the developer. The project carries a budget of about $90 million. Financing includes Virginia Housing, U.S. Bancorp, Citi and Stifel, along with $45 million in bonds from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Morgan-Keller is the general contractor and BSB Design is the architect.
By-right plans were filed in 2024, which means the project did not need a rezoning. The developer bought the land for about $1.5 million this past summer. Construction is expected to take roughly 18 months.
Why Three and Four Bedroom Rentals Matter
Most new rental construction in the Richmond region skews toward studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms. Larger floor plans are harder to find, particularly at income-restricted rents. Families who want more space but are not yet ready to buy often have few options, and townhome-style rentals fill part of that gap.
For some renters, a stable rental like this can also be a step toward ownership. If that is your goal, our preferred lenders can walk through credit, savings and down payment programs well before you are ready to shop.
Our team can help you compare neighborhoods on both sides of the river and find a home that fits your budget and commute.
The Surrounding South Richmond Area
The site is close to two of the region’s busiest road corridors, which makes it convenient for commuters headed to Downtown, Chesterfield and the southside employment centers. For context on how neighborhoods in the city of Richmond differ, see our City of Richmond community guide, which covers areas such as Forest Hill and Stratford Hills, both on the south side of the James River.
Nearby Chesterfield County is also a common option for buyers who want more yard space. Our Chesterfield County guide and the community pages for Bon Air and Midlothian are good starting points.
What Buyers and Neighbors Should Watch
A project of this size can affect traffic patterns and local demand for services during construction and after opening. Because the plans were by-right, the public approval stage has already passed, but the city still publishes permit information through the City of Richmond. Our guide to checking what is being built near a Richmond home explains how to look up permits and plans for any address.
If you are shopping for a home nearby, you can search current listings and compare them with new builds on our new construction page.
Joyfield Towns is expected to open in roughly a year and a half. Whether you are a future renter, a nearby homeowner or a buyer weighing the area, tracking projects like this one helps you understand where the market is heading.
Frequently asked questions
How many townhomes are planned at Joyfield Towns?
The project includes 234 for-rent townhomes in 35 three-story buildings.
Where is Joyfield Towns located?
It is at 250 E. German School Road in South Richmond, on about 15 acres near the Chippenham Parkway and Midlothian Turnpike interchange.
Are the Joyfield Towns homes for sale or for rent?
They are for rent. None of the 234 homes are planned as for-sale units.
What are the expected rents at Joyfield Towns?
Reported rents are about $1,650 a month for a three-bedroom and about $1,840 for a four-bedroom, according to Richmond BizSense. Final rents may change.
Who qualifies to rent at Joyfield Towns?
The units are aimed at households earning 50 to 60 percent of area median income. Exact eligibility rules will be set by the property manager and funding programs.
Who is the developer?
Standard Communities, based in Los Angeles, is the developer. Morgan-Keller is the general contractor and BSB Design is the architect.
How is the project financed?
The roughly $90 million budget includes Virginia Housing, U.S. Bancorp, Citi, Stifel and $45 million in Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority bonds.
When will Joyfield Towns be finished?
Construction is expected to take about 18 months from groundbreaking.
Did the project need a rezoning?
No. Plans were filed by-right in 2024, which means the zoning already allowed the use.
