St. Paul’s Baptist Church Proposes “City of Possibility” in Henrico County
- VEREP
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in eastern Henrico County, VA, is taking a bold step toward reimagining how faith communities can shape their neighborhoods. Led by Senior Pastor Dr. Lance Watson, the congregation has proposed the “City of Possibility,” a 321-acre development that blends housing, business, and recreational space with a deep commitment to service.
A Vision Rooted in Service
The proposed development would transform land surrounding the church on Creighton Road into a vibrant mixed-use community, including:
More than 1,000 housing units
Local businesses and retail space
Urban farms and community gardens
Recreational trails and green space
A defining feature is the integration of affordable housing throughout the development, rather than isolating it in one section. “We want affordable housing to be in every aspect of the community,” Watson said.
Building an Inclusive Community
Watson is clear that this is not an exclusive enclave. “It’s not a cult, it’s not a utopia,” he emphasized. Instead, the goal is to create a place where “humanity is the equalizing value—not religion, not race, not class, not affluence.”
The project, if approved, could also benefit Henrico County through tax revenue from properties not used for worship, as well as increased economic activity.
Next Steps
The congregation began envisioning this development 20 years ago, purchasing surrounding land to prepare for the project. The proposal is scheduled to go before Henrico County’s Planning Commission in August. If rezoning is approved, the “City of Possibility” could serve as a national model for how churches can leverage land for mission-driven community building.
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