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New East Capitol
History
The HOPE VI application for New East Capitol, funded in 2000, provides much needed financing for the redevelopment of two public housing developments, East Capitol Dwellings and Capitol View Plaza, and a vacant HUD foreclosed property, Capitol View Plaza II, located on a contiguous boundary of the site, with a combined 1,107 units. A third former public housing site, the 92-unit Capitol View Townhomes, was converted to home ownership through an independent 5(h) plan, and conveyed to a low-income cooperative formed by the public housing families living in the development in September 2001. It is not part of the HOPE VI project but stands to benefit greatly from the dramatic improvements made to its immediate neighbor.
Located at East Capitol Street and Southern Avenue, in Ward 7, East of the Anacostia River, the properties targeted for redevelopment marked the boundary between the District of Columbia and Prince Georges County, Maryland, and are the first thing seen by many as they enter the nation’s capitol. The developments suffer from the typical characteristics of distress and dysfunction, including dilapidated structures, the absence of defensible space and decades old infrastructure which is obsolete.
Project Summary
Once complete, this redeveloped site will include 515 units of beautifully constructed, mixed-income units. Of those, 96 will be public housing units, 262 will be affordable and market rate rental units and 157 will be home ownership units, utilizing both lease-to-purchase and Section 8 home ownership rules, and ensuring home ownership for a number of current residents.
The $30.8 million HOPE VI grant was leveraged with an additional $74 million in funding and services through commitments of funds from Mayor Anthony Williams, the D.C. Housing Finance Agency, Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Employment Services, DCHA non-federal sources, tax exempt bonds, low income housing tax credits, a FHA up front grant, private equity and other substantial private investment.
The residential developer is a joint venture between A& R Development Corporation and The Henson Development Company, Inc., A&R/THC, LLC, who bring experience with numerous successful HOPE VI projects, including DCHA’s Wheeler Creek. The commercial developer is the JENCO Group, in partnership with the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO), based in the District’s Ward 7.
Highlights of the PlanMajor Commercial/Retail Center
Through the direct participation of Mayor Williams and the D.C. Government, An approximately 100,000 square foot commercial center will be constructed within walking distance of the development, on East Capitol Street, a major thoroughfare through the District. The center will be anchored by Shoppers Food Warehouse, the neighborhood’s first full service supermarket, and will include a variety of retail shops. The commercial center will provide the larger neighborhood with much needed amenities while providing permanent employment opportunities to residents of New East Capitol.
Assisted Living
New East Capitol will include a 150-unit senior building, located next to an attractive, newly renovated park and stream, and is planned to include 40 assisted living units, a DCHA-first.
East Capitol Community Development Corporation
The East Capitol CDC is a resident owned and operated corporation which was formed as a result of an extensive community planning process. The CDC is operating the Community Self-Sufficiency Program and is working to create a diverse set of business and employment programs. The Wheeler Creek CDC is providing technical assistance.
Community Center and Day Care CenterA newly constructed community center will house the offices of the East Capitol View CDC, family and career counseling offices, a multi-purpose room, a computer training center and other facilities for delivering community and supportive services. The Day Care Center, located adjacent to the Community Center, will offer facilities to support pre-school children.
Focus on Employment
The Community and Support Services Program offers comprehensive pre-employment services and commitment from community partners of at least 50 temporary construction jobs, over 200 permanent non-construction jobs, with numerous additional jobs associated with the commercial center on East Capitol Street, day care, property maintenance and management.
Home Ownership Opportunity
One hundred fifty-seven units will be available for home ownership at the New East Capitol. The Home Ownership program managed by the East Capitol View Community Development Corporation will assist 56 East Capitol Residents who have successfully completed the CSSP program make the transition to home ownership. Marshall Heights CDC will provide credit repair and home ownership counseling to eligible individuals.