Attain at Farmhouse
Project Overview
In late 2025, Back Bay Brewing Company informed the Wood family - longtime owners of the property at 1805 Kempsville Road - that they would be relocating, creating an opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine the site's future.
Seeking a path forward that honored both the land and their family legacy, the Woods partnered with Bonaventure to propose a redevelopment of the property in a way that preserves the Farmhouse, which has remained in the family since 1910, while introducing Attain at Farmhouse, a new 251-unit residential community designed to carry the site's story into its next chapter.
Key Facts
Back Bay Brewing Company is looking for a new home, but remains open and operating
The property has not been sold and remains within the Wood family, who are partnering with Bonaventure to redevelop the property
The Farmhouse will be preserved and incorporated into the development
Bonaventure has submitted a Rezoning Application to Virginia Beach's Planning Department that is currently under review
Common Questions
Is the project Scale and Density compatible with the City’s approved 2040 Comprehensive Plan?
Yes, the property is located within the Centerville Strategic Growth Area, specifically in a Local Center surrounding the Centerville Turnpike and Kempsville Road intersection. The Comprehensive Plan expressly encourages additional residential density and thoughtfully scaled, mid‑rise development to address documented housing supply constraints. Concentrating new multifamily housing in Strategic Growth Areas is a core City policy objective as stated in the Comprehensive Plan, intended to increase housing options while leveraging existing infrastructure and protecting existing neighborhoods.
Does the project offer any commitments to address housing affordability?
Yes, the project commits to reserving 7% of the apartments for households earning at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), helping ensure homes are attainable for local workers and families. Note also that there is no public funding, tax credits nor Section 8 involvement to meet this commitment.
The project must undergo a comprehensive review by City Departments, ensuring it complies with all requirements associated with public utilities, transportation, emergency services, and parks and recreation. Any project-related improvements identified through the City’s review process will be designed and constructed in accordance with City requirements.
Is existing infrastructure capable of supporting the project?
Will stormwater management be provided on-site to mitigate the impact on existing infrastructure?
Yes, a comprehensive stormwater management system will be designed and constructed on the property that will meet applicable State and City engineering standards, with on-site systems designed to manage runoff responsibly and prevent adverse impacts to adjacent areas.
Does the project require any public funding?
No, the project is privately funded and is not requesting any public money.
Will the project have a positive fiscal impact on the City?
Yes, comparable projects typically result in increased City revenue through real estate, sales and personal property taxes, construction and post construction-related employment, and ongoing support for local businesses once the project is completed and occupied.
Is the City’s Centerville Turnpike Phase II Road Widening project proceeding?
According to the Virginia Beach Transportation Department, Phase II is funded and scheduled by the City to move into construction, with completion anticipated ahead of Attain at Farmhouse’s delivery, improving overall mobility and safety in the Centerville area.
Will Attain at Farmhouse worsen traffic in the surrounding neighborhood?
Attain at Farmhouse is expected to generate fewer vehicular trips than a potential commercial development under the property’s current B-2 zoning classification. Traffic impacts are being evaluated through the City’s required traffic review process. The project is located in a Strategic Growth Area and served by existing and funded roadway improvements.
Will the project impact local schools?
School impacts are being reviewed as part of the City’s standard development review process, which coordinates with Virginia Beach City Public Schools to ensure growth is planned responsibly and that projected student enrollment remains within acceptable capacity thresholds.
What is the development team’s experience as local property owners?
The Attain at Farmhouse development team has an established history as a local property owner in Virginia Beach and steward in this community. As a long-term owner and manager of its communities, the team takes a personal interest in the neighborhoods where it builds, creating housing that is well maintained, thoughtfully managed, and a positive presence over time. Beyond its properties, the team supports local nonprofits and community-focused initiatives that strengthen the places where residents live and work.
Updates to Application in Response to Community Feedback
Over the course of our community engagement process, we gathered input from neighbors and stakeholders, and made the following updates to the Attain at Farmhouse plan.
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Reduced the maximum unit count from 275 to no more than 251.
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Committed to reserving 7% of units for households earning up to 100% of Area Median Income, with affordability protections in place for a minimum of 10 years. This commitment to attainable housing will be funded privately.
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Expanded the outdoor amenity space adjacent to the Farmhouse by over 45% to better accommodate flexible outdoor programming that compliments the public commercial use.
Site Plan and Program
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Proposed constructing right turn lanes along Kempsville Road at entrances into the property, subject to final engineering and agency approval.
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Committed to providing an 11' sidewalk along the frontage to enhance pedestrian connectivity through the neighborhood.
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Removed the existing pedestrian entrance on Luck Lane to align with neighborhood input.
Transportation and Connectivity
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Repositioned garages to the north and east sides of the site to strengthen buffering and reduce visibility between existing neighbors and the project.
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Relocated the waste and recycling service area away from existing homes.
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Committed to identifying mature trees along the perimeter for preservation and illustrating protection measures on the site plan.
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Committed to providing a fence along the shared property line with existing neighbors.
Buffering, Screening and Adjacent Neighbor Considerations
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Based on community feedback regarding the building scale, materials and street-facing design, we made the following refinements:
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Expanded the use of brick to add depth and variety to the façade.
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Simplified corner roof elements adjacent to existing neighborhood in order to reduce the massing and lower the roofline at those building corners.
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Enhanced and articulated the facade to strengthen the project’s street presence along Kempsville Road.
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Architecture and Design Refinements
Updates reflect current plans and commitments as of the date posted and may be refined through engineering, permitting and agency review.