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May 31, 2023
Last month, Wesley Housing, residents, and partners celebrated the re-opening of The Hampshire, a historic 56-unit multifamily community in Washington, DC (Ward 4). The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of extensive renovations that have transformed the historic community into a safe, quality, affordable home that will impact residents like Mr R.C.for generations to come.
Mr. R.C. has lived in The Hampshire apartments on New Hampshire Avenue NW in the Fort Totten neighborhood of Washington, DC for 53 years.
Post renovation, Mr. R.C. finds himself reveling in the transformation of the historic landmark which he calls home. “The neighborhood is a little brighter now,” he shared.
Mr. R.C. (right) posing with his brother C.C. (left) at The Hampshire Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mr. R.C.’s brother also lives at The Hampshire.
Photo Credit: Keith Pham
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 resident programming, an on-site management office for easier interactions, and an outdoor courtyard for residents to gather.
Photo credit: Brauhaus (left); Keith Pham (right)
Despite all these changes, the warmth and familiarity of his home remain intact, serving as a testament to the building’s enduring spirit. “There’s lots of memories in this building for me,” said Mr. R.C.
Back in the ‘70s, when the building was under different management, R.C.’s aunt was the property manager. She got him a job as janitorial staff caring for the community while living on-site and working a second job as a truck driver in Montgomery County.
Photo credit: Keith Pham (right)
Mr. R.C. mopped floors, took the trash out every morning, and cut the grass. In the winter months, he shoveled coal to make sure the buildings had heat, and in the summer, he’d bring a lawn chair onto the roof to enjoy his lunch. “That was my beach,” he laughed.
From the laughter shared with friends and neighbors to the challenges faced and overcome, including the loss of his aunt and close friend, every corner of the community carries a piece of his life story.
Mr. R.C. and his aunt were very well known in the community and neighborhood. “We’re all like family,” he said. This sentiment still holds true for him as he routinely checks in on his longtime neighbors, from seniors like Ms. B to those with disabilities like Mr. T, to name a few.
In addition to caring for other residents, Mr. R.C. hopes that with the new renovations, everyone can help to maintain the community. “Protect your building. If I see trash, I pick it up. That’s where we live. We should take care of it.,” he said. “I appreciate Wesley and am so glad we voted them in. Our living arrangements were never as good as they are now,” he added.