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April 21, 2023
Photo Credit: Keith Pham
Alexandria, VA – April 21, 2023: Wesley Housing, government officials, project partners, and residents gathered on April 20, 2023 to celebrate the preservation and revitalization of The Hampshire, a 56-unit multifamily historic property in Washington, DC. Located in the Fort Totten neighborhood of Ward 4, this newly updated community offers thirteen (13) studio, 39 one-bedroom, and four (4) two-bedroom apartments across two buildings for households whose income is at or below 30% to 80% of the area median income (AMI). Further, five (5) apartments are fully accessible for individuals with disabilities and three (3) are reserved for individuals with hearing and visual impairments.
Pictured left to right: Steve Smith, Senior Vice President, Truist Community Capital; ShaDonte Butler, Director, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta; Alexandros Taliadoros, Communications Director, Office of Councilmember Janeese Lewis George; Kamilah McAfee, President/CEO, Wesley Housing; Anthony Pirrotti, Chairperson, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (4D08); Richard Livingstone, Deputy Chief of Staff, DC Department of Housing and Community Development
The development project began in 2018, when the former owner of the property gave notice to its residents under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) that it intended to sell the property. In partnership with the residents of 5000 and 5040 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Wesley Housing acquired the community, restored the vacant units, and renovated the entire property, preserving it as a critical affordable housing resource for generations to come. With the support of key partners such as Stoiber + Associates and Monarc Construction, the team completed construction in just over eighteen (18) months. The combined rehabilitation scope totaled $37.6M and was financed with 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits provided by DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), equity, construction, and permanent debt from Truist, a second construction loan from City First Bank, a major grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, and an acquisition bridge loan from LISC DC. The community also received (8) eight housing choice vouchers from the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
“We’re fortunate to have resources like the Housing Preservation Fund and low-income housing tax credits to create a financing package that can preserve affordable housing for District residents,” said DHCD Acting Director Colleen Green. “By investing in projects like The Hampshire, we give longtime residents an opportunity to benefit from the progress being made in their community.”
The Hampshire buildings (Left); Longtime residents of The Hampshire celebrate its reopening (Right)
The rehabilitation scope, accomplished over two phases, was a combination of production and preservation, including the addition of three new units; replacement of all major systems; overall modernization of the apartments; reconfiguration of the lower level in each building; installation of accessible entrances and eight (8) accessible units; and drastic improvements to the site amenities and landscaping. Residents of The Hampshire now enjoy updated interiors, including new kitchens and bathrooms, new floors, individual heating and air conditioning controls, as well as amenities such as bike storage, a community room for structured residents programming, an on-site management office for easier interactions, and an outdoor courtyard for neighbors to gather. The community, which has met Enterprise Green Community building standards, also boasts a variety of “green” features including solar arrays, new energy efficient lighting, and ENERGY STAR® appliances.
Many of the original residents returned to the property after nine months following the completion of renovations of the first building. The remaining existing residents, along with new residents, are expected to move into their new homes in May.
“We are thrilled to welcome residents back into their brand-new apartments where they will thrive in their community,” said Wesley Housing President/CEO Kamilah McAfee. “This neighborhood faces strong gentrification pressures and has few affordable rental options, so to be able to preserve affordability for new and existing residents, as well as generations to come, is impactful.”
Kamilah McAfee, President/CEO, Wesley Housing (Left); Richard Livingstone, Deputy Chief of Staff, DC Department of Housing and Community Development (Right)
The Hampshire is managed by Wesley Property Management and Wesley Housing’s on-site resident services team will continue providing year-round programs and services for residents including housing stability, education, health & wellness, and community engagement.
About Wesley Housing: Wesley Housing, a leading nonprofit developer in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked to provide affordable rental housing for individuals and families for nearly 50 years. Since its founding, Wesley Housing has emerged as a premier developer of affordable housing. Wesley Housing has acquired or developed over 2,900 rental units, providing quality housing for thousands of at-risk individuals and families each year. Wesley Housing supplements housing with supportive services to build up the lives of its residents, including low- and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease. For more information, please visit www.wesleyhousing.org and follow @WesleyHousing on social media.
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