Nystrom Village

Historic photo of a typical home in Nystrom Village.

Jet Lowe, Library of Congress. HAER CA-326-O

Nystrom Village

Access: Active. housing area. Currently no buildings to enter. Please be respectful of residents and property as you safely drive through the housing area.
Location: Nystrom Village is situated on Maine, Virginia and Florida Avenues between 13th and 16th streets.

Nystrom Village is a historic housing complex located on Maine, Virginia, and Florida Avenues between 13th and 16th streets. The village comprises 51 single-story duplexes, thoughtfully arranged around central open spaces. This design shares many attributes with Atchison Village, the only other surviving defense housing project in the Richmond area.

Built during World War II, Nystrom Village was intended to provide housing for defense workers and their families. Today, the complex remains largely intact and is administered as low-income housing by the Richmond Housing Authority. The units range in size, offering one, two, and three-bedroom accommodations to residents.

Future Plans and Historical Significance

Plans for the future of Nystrom Village include refitting one of the houses as an exhibit dedicated to showcasing daily wartime home life. This exhibit will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the living conditions and community atmosphere of the 1940s.

As a significant part of Richmond's historical fabric, Nystrom Village stands as a testament to the city’s role in supporting the war effort. The preservation of this complex not only honors the past but also provides a tangible connection to the stories of those who lived and worked during a pivotal time in American history.