Vacant D.C.-owned properties in Southeast could become affordable housing

The District is seeking to have seven vacant properties it owns in Anacostia and Congress Heights redeveloped into affordable housing.

This week, the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) unveiled two development solicitations for the following Southeast sites: 1414 22nd St. SE, 1615 V St. SE, 1637 V St. SE, and 2206 16th St. SE in Anacostia; and 1444, 1452, and 1454 Alabama Ave. SE in Congress Heights, which are adjacent parcels.

Altogether measuring more than 29,000 square feet, the sites are part of a portfolio of dozens of vacant properties that DHCD manages. The Anacostia and Congress Heights properties range in size from 1,865 square feet to 6,277 square feet, per property records.

The housing agency wants redevelopment proposals that would provide units for families making up to roughly $94,000 a year, or 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for a family of four. Below is a breakdown of AMIs by family size via Arlington County, which is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metro Area as defined by the U.S. government.

Arlington County

In a release, DHCD also says “successful proposals” would have at least half of their units targeted to families making no more than $58,600 a year, or 50 percent of the AMI; long-term affordable rents for at least 40 years; two- and three-bedroom units; job opportunities for D.C. residents; and “quality design that complements the neighborhood’s architecture.”

Developers interested in applying for these redevelopment opportunities have until Oct. 29 to submit proposals to DHCD. The agency is having pre-bid meetings at its office at the end of August.

DHCD

DHCD

DHCD

DHCD

DHCD