Wearing hardhats and bearing shovels, executives of The Michaels Organization, The District of Columbia Housing Authority, and The Warrenton Group gathered with federal and local officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the first phase of the Kenilworth Courts redevelopment in the Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood of Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7.
“The Michaels team is so proud to be a part of this exciting redevelopment process, as it provides the opportunity to not only bring beautiful, sustainable, affordable homes to the residents of Ward 7, but it also allows us to invest in the people of the Kenilworth community, which is just as important,” said John O’Donnell, CEO of The Michaels Organization.
The first phase of the $83 million Kenilworth Courts redevelopment includes a multifamily elevator building designated for seniors, as well as stacked flats and townhouse rentals. Of the 166 total units, 118 units will be deeply subsidized replacement public housing units and 48 units will be affordable at 50% of the Area Median Income for a family of four.
The planning process for the Kenilworth Courts redevelopment began 10 years ago after the DC Housing Authority was awarded a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Planning Grant. The process was organized to maximize the engagement and participation of public housing and community residents; as well as key stakeholders from the faith-based community, business interests in Kenilworth-Parkside, educational institutions, and social services organizations.
The District contributed $16.9 million from its Housing Production Trust Fund while an additional $4 million was provided by the District of Columbia Housing Authority (via the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development). The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency contributed $41.4 million in tax exempt bonds and administered $2.8 million in 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit allocations from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, leveraging $26.2 million in equity.
“We are very grateful to The Bowser Administration, the City Council, the local ANC, and everyone else in this community whose strong support for new, high quality affordable housing has enabled us to celebrate this milestone today ” said Christopher Earley, Michaels’ Regional Vice President of Development.
Other members of the development team include Torti Gallas, serving as the Architect and Michaels Construction serving as the General Contractor. Social services will be provided by Open Arms Housing, with support from Better Tomorrows. Berkadia Affordable syndicated the tax credits. Michaels Management will serve as the property manager, ensuring Kenilworth Courts remains a neighborhood asset for generations to come.
Construction is expected to be complete in late 2023.
Published: March 8, 2023
