DCHA JOINS CITY AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS TO CUT THE RIBBON AT THE BEACON CENTER

The mayor, city partners, and church partners cut the ribbon at The Beacon Center, a mixed-use development in the Brightwood neighborhood of Ward 4 that includes 99 affordable housing units— as well as an array of community services—targeted at low- to moderate-income households.

“The Beacon Center reflects a promise kept to the Ward 4 community and a life-changing event for hundreds of residents who will finally be able to secure stable, affordable housing,” said Bowser at the event on March 13. “This development will serve as a model for future projects as we relentlessly commit to turning our record investments into affordable housing that delivers more opportunities for residents.”

The Beacon Center, located at 6100 Georgia Avenue, N.W., is a collaborative effort between private entities and city agencies, and is a redevelopment of the historic Emory United Methodist Church. The development includes 99 affordable rental housing units for close to 300 individuals and families—including veterans, seniors, and individuals transitioning from homelessness. Specifically, 18 units are for households making no more than $35,160 (30 percent of the median family income) for permanent supportive housing, and 81 units are for households making no more than $70,320 (60 percent MFI). Nearly one-third of units are family sized.

DCHA is administering $215,352 annually in Local Rent Supplement Program funds to support eight efficiency and one-bedroom units for formerly homeless persons.

DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett said that the Beacon Center is a perfect example of how various communities can come together to build a structure supporting human capital to create an even greater community built on economic development.

“DCHA is just a piece of the puzzle, but without all of the pieces of the puzzle, you can’t create a masterpiece,” Garrett said to the hundreds of people gathered at the ceremony.

The development of The Beacon Center is a collaboration between the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, the D.C. Housing Finance Agency and DCHA. The affordable housing component was made possible by $17.2 million in Housing Production Trust Fund financing from DHCD. DCFHA provided $21.6 million in bonds and $16 million of equity raised through four percent low-income housing tax credits.

The Beacon Center also includes multi-purpose space for cultural, civic, and social services, as well as a newly renovated 500-seat multipurpose sanctuary and community theater.

Interested households can go to www.beaconcenterresidences.com for leasing information.