The redevelopment plan for Samuel Madden Homes in Alexandria, Va., in the D.C. area, has received its final approval from the local city council. Led by Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential and The Communities Group, the project intends to replace the existing 66 public housing units with a 532-unit mixed-use and mixed-income community.
Along with the residences, the property will feature 5,000 square feet of public open space and 13,000 square feet of retail. Of the total, 321 apartments will be legally designated as affordable, split between low-income and workforce households, and the rest will be market rate. Community amenities are slated to include a swimming pool, fitness center, community room and playground.
A robust supportive package
The plan also includes an on-site food and services hub established by ALIVE!, an Alexandria based charity focused on combatting poverty and hunger. Furthermore, Hopkins House will operate a full-day preschool at a capacity of 150 children on the site, as well as career development program in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College, providing 20 full-time workplaces for residents. The developers will also partner with the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech to implement environmentally conscious components and pursue sustainability certifications.
Located at 899 North Henry St., the site is off Highway 1, placing it roughly 7 miles from Washington, D.C. It is also 4 miles from Ronald Raegan Washington National Airport. There are several retail and dining options in the immediate vicinity. Just a few days ago, another affordable community, including 160 units, broke ground in Virginia.
