DCHA Launches Revitalization Plan to Modernize & Renovate 3,500 Affordable Housing Units

 

For Immediate Release July 2, 2025

CONTACT: Alison Burdo media@dchousing.org

DCHA Launches Revitalization Plan to Modernize & Renovate 3,500 Affordable Housing Units

DMPED to issue $700M in Bonds to Support Capital Improvements at 19 DCHA properties

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. [July 2, 2025] – The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is launching an intensive renovation and modernization program for 19 public housing communities that will include both unit renovations and upgrades to building systems. This investment will improve the living conditions in approximately 3,500 units for current and future DCHA residents.

DCHA’s revitalization plan will be funded by $700 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs), issued by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to DC Housing Solutions Inc., an affiliate of DCHA, and $70 million of DCHA’s own funds.

“Our revitalization plan is a promise to our public housing families and the city. With this investment, DCHA will provide safe, quality, affordable homes for thousands of District families for generations to come,” said DCHA Executive Director Keith Pettigrew.  “By designing this innovative financing model, DCHA has created a path to better the lives of our current residents and house more families. We are grateful to Mayor Bowser, DMPED and City Council for their support as we work towards our shared goal of preserving affordable housing in our city.”

The 19 public housing communities that are part of the revitalization plan were selected based on a comprehensive assessment of DCHA’s portfolio. The IRB funds will catalyze the work that DCHA already has underway and in turn, accelerate DCHA’s ability to improve the living environments for thousands of public housing residents.

The revitalization plan, which is aligned with Sustainable DC, will also have a significant effect on DCHA operations as the enhanced building infrastructure will create long-term cost savings. It will also help reduce maintenance requests, allowing staff to focus on routine and preventative maintenance work.

“This strategic investment will provide our public housing families with the modern, high-quality homes that they deserve, while supporting DCHA’s long-term financial health,” said Raymond Skinner, chair of the DCHA STAR Board of Commissioners.

The first phase of renovation and modernization work is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and will include nine properties: Claridge Towers and James Apartments in Ward 2; Fort Lincoln in Ward 5; Hopkins Apartments, James Creek, Sibley Plaza and Syphax Gardens in Ward 6; Lincoln Heights in Ward 7; and Knox Hill in Ward 8.

The nine communities identified for phase one were selected, in part, because work can begin in vacant units, which minimizes the risk of off-site relocation. The planned work for the phase one communities will involve modernizing and rehabilitating approximately 1,900 units, including accessible units, and upgrading building systems and infrastructure. The specific scope of work for each property will be finalized following resident engagement sessions at the nine communities, which are scheduled to begin this month.

“The revitalization plan is about more than improving the physical structure of our portfolio,” said Executive Director Pettigrew. “By creating healthier homes for our residents, DCHA is ensuring our public housing communities are a foundation that fosters their success and well-being.”

Subsequent phases of the revitalization plan will include 10 other public housing communities: Harvard Towers and LeDroit Senior in Ward 1; Horizon House and Judiciary House in Ward 2; Regency House in Ward 3; Carroll Apartments and Kentucky Courts in Ward 6; Stoddert Terrace in Ward 7; and Highland Addition and Woodland Terrace in Ward 8. 

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About DC Housing Authority

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to providing safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents of the District of Columbia. The agency emphasizes fostering a collaborative work environment to meet the highest expectations of the affordable housing industry. With a focus on innovation and community development, DCHA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more at our website about DCHA and the work that the agency is doing to impact the residents of Washington, D.C.