The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is launching an intensive renovation and modernization program for 19 public housing communities that will include both unit renovations and upgrades to building systems.
This investment will improve the living conditions in approximately 3,500 units for current and future DCHA residents.
“Our revitalization plan is a promise to our public housing families and the city,” said DCHA Executive Director Keith Pettigrew. “With this investment, DCHA will provide safe, quality, affordable homes for thousands of District families for generations to come.”
The revitalization plan will be funded by $700 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs), issued by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to DC Housing Solutions Inc. (an affiliate of DCHA), and $70 million of DCHA’s own funds.
The 19 public housing communities that are part of the revitalization plan were selected based on a comprehensive assessment of DCHA’s portfolio.
The first phase of renovation and modernization work is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and will include nine properties: Claridge Towers and James Apartments in Ward 2; Fort Lincoln in Ward 5; Hopkins Apartments, James Creek, Sibley Plaza and Syphax Gardens in Ward 6; Lincoln Heights in Ward 7; and Knox Hill in Ward 8.
Subsequent phases of the revitalization plan will include 10 other public housing communities: Harvard Towers and LeDroit Senior in Ward 1; Horizon House and Judiciary House in Ward 2; Regency House in Ward 3; Carroll Apartments and Kentucky Courts in Ward 6; Stoddert Terrace in Ward 7; and Highland Addition and Woodland Terrace in Ward 8.
The goal of the plan, in alignment with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Sustainable DC initiative, is that enhanced building infrastructure will create long-term cost savings and help reduce maintenance requests for DCHA.
“This strategic investment will provide our public housing families with the modern, high-quality homes that they deserve, while supporting DCHA’s long-term financial health,” said Raymond Skinner, chair of the DCHA STAR Board of Commissioners.
