DCHA RECEIVES $17.6 MILLION IN HOUSING PRODUCTION TRUST FUNDS FOR FIRST PHASE OF KENILWORTH COURTS REDEVELOPMENT

The District of Columbia Housing Authority was awarded $17.6 million in Housing Production Trust Funds to construct the first 166 units at Kenilworth Courts in Ward 7. The three-phased project is expected to deliver a total of 532 new affordable units to the community in the coming years.

The funds were part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement today of $138 million in Housing Production Trust Funds awarded to 11 projects in total.

Because we know that safe and stable housing is the first step toward a safe and stable life, we have and will continue to make historic investments in affordable housing,” Bowser said.  

“I am pleased that the mayor awarded this project these much needed funds. Using these funds as one of our creative funding tools, married with others, will get this redevelopment underway and provide some 118 replacement units for our customers living in Kenilworth Courts now,” said DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett. “This also is one great strategy to address some of the 2,400 housing units that need immediate repair over the next 24 months.”

Kenilworth Courts, a 290-unit community built in 1958, is bounded on the north by Eastern Avenue, the east by the Anacostia Freeway (Highway 295), the west by federal and District parklands and the Anacostia River, and on the south by Benning Road.

The first phase will consist of 166 units, including the 118 replacement units for Kenilworth residents. There also will be approximately 4,500 square-feet of nonresidential ground floor uses. A 42-unit senior building will be located along Ponds Street and Kenilworth Avenue. Directly across from it will be a 67-unit multifamily building on Kenilworth Avenue. The balance of the first phase will be two- and three-story structures that will consist of 15 stacked flat apartment units and 44 townhouses, ranging from two to five bedrooms.

The entire plan currently plans for a total of 512 new affordable units. That would include 290 replacement units, 222 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units, and 20 homeownership units.

The development team of Michaels Development Organization and the Warrenton Group was selected by DCHA in 2012.

Garrett said he will present a strategy will describe how the agency will address the backlog of capital needs and preserve or develop new affordable housing for existing DCHA customers in the coming weeks. The strategy will include innovative financing approaches that include self-development, traditional financing, creative partnerships and non-traditional strategies; fostering stronger families and sustainable villages by promoting education, creating economic opportunities, and encouraging self-sufficiency; and utilizing a collaborative management approach that is outcome driven and meets highest standards.

DCHA will begin a strategic public engagement campaign to include residents, advocates, community partners, financial partners, and other key stakeholders in the redevelopment process. Any DCHA proposals also must be supported by the DCHA Board of Commissioners.