RAD

From the District of Columbia Housing Authority's press release:

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), alongside the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) and nonprofit developer Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), celebrated a historic milestone for the Barry Farm-Hillsdale community with the grand opening of The Asberry, a 108-unit mixed-use building and the first on-site building delivered under the New Communities Initiative (NCI) at Barry Farm. Officials and community members also broke ground on The Edmonson, a 139-unit affordable mixed-use property and the second new construction building on site.

“As a city, we made Barry Farm residents a promise under our New Communities Initiative – that we would welcome residents back into fantastic, safe, and affordable housing that honors and preserves the rich legacy of the community,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, we take another step forward in delivering on our promise in a way that respects and celebrates the history – and future – of Barry Farm-Hillsdale.”

Located at 1200 Sumner Road SE, adjacent to the Barry Farm Recreation Center, The Asberry is the first building completed as part of the redevelopment of the historically significant Barry Farm-Hillsdale community. Established in 1867, Barry Farm was created to provide formerly enslaved African Americans with the opportunity to own land and build a self-sustaining community after the Civil War.

DCHA and POAH serve as co-developers for the site. Once completed, the Barry Farm redevelopment will feature a vibrant mixed-income community with at least 900 new affordable rental and for-sale housing units, including 380 public housing replacement units. The Barry Farm redevelopment project has so far created a total of 351 construction jobs for DC residents, with the highest percentage going to residents living in Ward 7 (68) and Ward 8 (92).

“This is a watershed moment for our DCHA families who had made Barry Farm Dwellings such a special place to live,” said Keith Pettigrew, DCHA Executive Director. “The opening of The Asberry gives our returning residents an opportunity to live in new, modern homes and creates a foundation for reestablishing the vibrant, spirited Barry Farm community for generations to come. Thank you to our partners in this project for bringing quality affordable housing options to Anacostia while honoring the Barry Farm-Hillsdale legacy.”

The Asberry, which has 77 replacement units for former Barry Farm residents, is a 100% affordable, 55+ senior preference residential property with 33 units at 30% of Median Family Income (MFI), 44 units at 50% MFI, 21 units at 60% MFI, and 10 units at 80% MFI. It also includes 5,096 square feet of commercial space and amenities include a sundeck, courtyard, fitness center, recreation room, and wellness room. Construction was completed in October 2024. The Edmonson will be the second newly constructed building in the redevelopment project, which is being led by co-developers DCHA and POAH. It will include 139 affordable units, including 52 two-bedroom units. The Edmonson will also have 50 replacement units for former Barry Farm Dwellings residents, 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, shared community spaces, and outdoor amenities.

“We are excited to celebrate the progress of the Barry Farm Redevelopment Project with the grand opening of The Asberry and the groundbreaking of the forthcoming Edmonson,” said Maia Shanklin-Roberts, Vice President of Real Estate Development, POAH. “These milestones represent not just buildings, but a vibrant future for this community—one rooted in opportunity, equity, and connection. It’s an honor to be part of a development that prioritizes quality, affordability, and the preservation of the rich history of Barry Farm, while paving the way for generations to thrive.”

DMPED invested approximately $43 million in Phase 1 of the redevelopment, including roughly $14.5 million towards construction of The Asberry. The five-story building also was funded by $33.7 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).

“Mayor Bowser is delivering on the promises the District made as a city to the Barry Farm–Hillsdale community,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert. “DMPED is proud to be a part of this incredible partnership that is fostering inclusive growth and delivering the type of housing, amenities, and opportunities that residents want and deserve. And we’re just getting started.”

For The Edmonson, DCHFA issued $61.1 million in tax-exempt bonds and underwrote $52 million in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity. DMPED also provided a $21 million NCI loan. A $2.5 million grant from the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and $3 million in financing from DC Green Bank is supporting a community geothermal system, which provides energy efficiencies, cost savings, and sustainability.

“The Barry Farm community is a site full of history and culture. The Asberry is the next chapter and a resurrection of that culture. Seniors, our long-term residents can now return to wonderful homes that are beautiful, healthy, and affordable,” said Christopher E. Donald, Executive Director/CEO, DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA). “DCHFA is proud to continue investing in the redevelopment of Barry Farm. The Edmonson is the Agency’s second investment. We eagerly anticipate what is to come and look forward to much more in subsequent phases of redevelopment of Barry Farm.”

By using an innovative Faircloth-to-RAD conversion approach, the Barry Farm redevelopment will increase the number of affordable housing units available at the site. Once complete, the project will create at least 900 residential units across several buildings – including at least 380 affordable replacement units onsite for former Barry Farm residents, an additional 320 other affordable units and 100 homeownership units; community-serving retail spaces; and a large central park with community facilities for on-site services and programs.

Run through a partnership with DMPED and DCHA, NCI is a District government program that was created to redevelop distressed public housing communities into vibrant mixed-income neighborhoods. Barry Farm is one of four NCI projects, along with Northwest One which officially opened in Ward 6 in late 2022; Lincoln Heights – Richardson Dwellings in Ward 7, where hundreds of replacement units have been delivered; and Park Morton in Ward 1, where construction is underway.

From the Chicago Housing Authority's press release:

The Chicago Housing Authority, The Michaels Organization and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today commemorated the official grand re-opening of Albany Terrace Apartments, a 17-story high-rise community serving seniors with low and moderate incomes that recently underwent an extensive $93 million rehabilitation.

“CHA has an obligation to all residents to ensure that they are living in safe and modern homes. This obligation is especially profound when we talk about our senior residents, who deserve to live in dignity and comfort,” said CHA Interim CEO Angela Hurlock. “The work we did at Albany Terrace represents the kind of improvements that matter to our residents and will make their lives more comfortable. And these are exactly the types of projects that CHA will be doing more of in the future.”

Greg Olson, Regional Vice President of Development for The Michaels Organization, said:

“This revitalization marks a new chapter for Albany Terrace. To the CHA, the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, HUD, and each private sector partner involved in this revitalization – thank you for ensuring our senior residents can enjoy the modern and sustainable affordable housing they deserve.”

Upgrades to the 350-unit building include both interior and exterior renovations to all apartments and community spaces. Individual apartments have received new flooring, painting, LED lighting, upgraded kitchens and baths as well as HVAC upgrades, including central air conditioning, and new electrical and plumbing replacements.

An on-site management office as well as tenant amenities, including a fitness center, package room, health and wellness center, first-floor laundry facility and community room have been added to the development. Additionally, a third elevator was added to accommodate the building’s 350 apartments.

Exterior renovations include masonry repairs, walking paths, parking lot improvements, and more.

The rehabilitation of Albany Terrace was financed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) RAD program and support from the City of Chicago and the Chicago Housing Authority. US Bank was the project’s construction lender and tax-credit investor. A joint venture between Skender Construction and Blackwood Group led the rehabilitation efforts. Canopy Architecture + Design served as the project’s architect.

This project follows the recently completed $45 million renovation of Irene McCoy Gaines Senior Apartments, a 150-unit CHA senior property in East Garfield Park. That 17-story building, also more than five decades old, received a comprehensive internal and external renovation and reopened in October 2024.

The Michaels Organization will continue to provide property management services for both Albany Terrace and Irene McCoy Gaines Apartments, ensuring high-quality and long-term affordable housing for Chicago seniors.

From the New York City Housing Authority's press release:

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and partner team, RDC Development, a joint venture between Wavecrest Management and MDG Design & Construction, today announced the completion of the $492 million comprehensive renovation of Williamsburg Houses as part of the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program. This project renovated over 1,600 apartments across 20 buildings (home to more than 3,000 residents), as well as building infrastructure, development grounds, shared spaces, a community center, two childcare facilities, and 19 commercial storefronts. Completed in 1938, Williamsburg Houses is one of the oldest NYCHA properties and was designated as a New York City Landmark in 2003 and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Because of the historic status of the buildings, NYCHA was able to leverage $142 million in State and federal historic tax credits.

"This RAD/PACT redevelopment has provided thousands of Williamsburg Houses residents with modern, lead-free homes, ensuring these apartments stay affordable for future generations,” said HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey Alicka Ampry-Samuel. “Over 23,000 NYCHA apartments have been renovated and preserved through RAD/PACT. Our partners also hired NYCHA residents through HUD’s Section 3 program, creating job opportunities and uniting contractors with HUD-subsidized workers. These extensive renovations not only preserved affordable housing but also safeguarded the historical significance of this landmark."

"Today, we celebrate the delivery of safe and healthy homes for over 3,000 residents of Williamsburg Houses,” said U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez. “These renovations will help ensure apartments are lead-free and that the families in this historic development are protected for years to come. Utilization of federally-funded Project Based Section 8 vouchers were instrumental in the facilitation of these upgrades. As the highest ranking New Yorker on the Housing and Insurance subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with NYCHA leadership and all who are committed to providing public housing residents in New York with the quality of life they deserve."

“The $492 million of comprehensive renovations and repairs at Williamsburg Houses represent years of hard work and collaboration between residents and the RDC Development team,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “Williamsburg Houses is a shining example of this administration’s commitment to ensuring NYCHA residents are able to shape and plan their Williamsburg community.”

“I’m grateful to join Williamsburg Houses today in celebrating the renovation of over 1,600 apartments as well as the improvement of building infrastructure, shared spaces, development grounds, and commercial spaces,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Congratulations to NYCHA and RDC Development on this extensive project. I look forward to seeing more work like this to ensure Brooklynites have access to safe, dignified, and enjoyable spaces to call home.”

"We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this $492 million renovation at Williamsburg Houses, a historic landmark that has now been revitalized for over 3,000 residents," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "NYCHA extends its deepest appreciation to Williamsburg residents for their partnership throughout the process, and to the PACT partner team who shared in our vision of preserving the development's historic significance while providing much-needed renovations to one of NYCHA's first developments that will improve residents' quality of life for generations to come."

Last month,  Patrick Costigan,strategic advisor and co-founder of the RAD Collaborative and principal of CF Housing Group, and Greg Byrne, principal of Greg Byrne Consulting, wrote an op-ed in Affordable Housing Finance reflecting on the impacts of the Rental Assistance Demonstration after a decade of its success and discussing the future of the program. 

Read Op-Ed