July 26, 2021
Wesley Housing’s Whitefield Commons Apartments was approved for the Virginia Landmarks Register by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources. This designation recognizes the property in the Commonwealth’s official list of places of historic, architectural, archaeological, and/or cultural significance.
While designation on the list encourages, but does not require, preservation of the property, Whitefield Commons is poised to begin a major renovation of its existing 63 units and the addition of five new units at the current historically significant garden-style apartment complex in fall 2021.
Constructed in 1944, the former Windsor Apartments exemplify the multi-family garden apartment complexes that arose between 1934 and 1954 in Arlington as a response to the critical need for moderately priced housing for a growing population in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
According to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the community incorporated the standards of forward-thinking planners and housing reformers in the Federal Housing Authority who promoted the benefits of modern, efficient interior floor plans that allow sufficient natural lighting and ventilation. The Windsor Apartment buildings were sited within a courtyard setting, enhanced by landscaped green space, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways.
Today, the community continues to provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals.