Reimagining Richmond

Richmond Neighborhood Restoration (RNR)’s transformation of the once-forgotten Readmore Building has become a symbol of Richmond’s downtown resurgence. Its impact goes beyond bricks and mortar, symbolizing a community rediscovering its potential. This commitment to community and potential is central to what Manpower does as well, which is why Michael Allen invited RNR Executive Director Roxie Deer to The Hub Podcast to share how she got involved with RNR and why this work means so much to her.

From Family Legacy to City-wide Impact

Roxie openly discusses her dedication to transparency, authenticity, and sharing her story—qualities influenced by her mother, who passed away in 2017 after battling breast cancer. Her mother was her last living relative, a woman deeply dedicated to helping local women through her work at Reid Health and her volunteer efforts with BRAVO.

Two days before her mother passed, a fundraiser at Chuck’s Sports Bar raised $14,000 to support BRAVO’s mission. The support from the community confirmed what her mother always believed: Richmond shows up for its people.

In 2020, Roxie honored that legacy by starting the Deer Family Fund through the Wayne County Foundation. The fund supports women’s health and education programs in the community and is guided by collaborations with local healthcare providers. Annual events like the July golf outing continue to grow, inviting anyone in the community to join. Donations can be made at waynecountyfoundation.org.

Reflecting on her decision to stay in Richmond, Roxie told Michael on The Hub podcast:

“When my mom passed, I had the opportunity to go anywhere I wanted,” Roxie shared. “But when I looked around, I asked —where else am I going to find a job and a community that supports me, checks in on me, and lifts me up even on my worst days? Richmond gave me the opportunity to grow into a position that I love, into a community that I love.”

A Career Built on Community Insight

Roxie holds a degree in Sociology from the College of Wooster and a master’s degree in education from Concordia University. Her early work at IU East and later at the Chamber of Commerce opened her eyes to both the opportunities and challenges that Richmond faced.

That perspective eventually led her to cross paths with Dave Jetmore of RNR. After touring one of the organization’s restoration projects, she was offered the chance to join the efforts at RNR.

From One Restored Home to Citywide Transformation

RNR started as a small group of volunteers with the skills and financial resources to restore one home each year. After these successes, the group officially became a nonprofit. Then came a significant turning point: the soaring cost of construction materials in 2020. Instead of slowing down, RNR gained new momentum.

In 2021, RNR purchased a commercial building and partnered with the City of Richmond to rehabilitate properties that could provide broader economic growth. Soon after, Earlham College approached them with an opportunity: a $25 million grant initiative through the Lilly Endowment. This initiative, called Revitalize Richmond, expanded the vision beyond housing.

Inside the Revitalize Richmond effort:

●       RNR is restoring four to five historic buildings downtown.

●       Partnerships with the Parks Department will advance the Gorge Activation Plan.

●       Beautification projects are underway citywide.

●       Investments are supporting major historic structures, including the Oddfellows building.

RNR still completes select residential projects, including restoring the 1876 Washington Dulan House in the Starr Neighborhood. However, their main focus through 2028 remains downtown Richmond. The organization only purchases buildings that can be saved—carefully assessing each for safety, historic significance, and long-term community impact.

Looking ahead, RNR expects to complete its downtown projects within five years, fill retail spaces, and eventually shift its focus back to residential development neighborhoods.

As Roxie noted: “When you come in off of I-70 and drive to downtown, then you get to the core of our community. You go, ‘This place is a little bit different.’ Let's make that sparkle. Let's make that Readmore corner happen all across our community.”

Become A Part of the Community

Roxie invites everyone to join community efforts—regardless of skill level or comfort with hands-on work: “We love all the support that we can get, either financially or volunteering. We have Saturday morning volunteer groups that get together most Saturdays.”

Learn more about Richmond Neighborhood Restoration on Facebook or https://www.rnrinc.org/.

Watch Michael Allen’s full interview with Roxie on The Hub podcast here:

https://www.mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast/9a2053d1-49eb-45f8-a1fc-954f0a93b195