The D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development has moved forward to provide more workforce housing in the District aligned with the auctioning of 33 properties through Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “Vacant to Vibrant DC” initiative.
“Vacant to Vibrant DC is one more way we are getting Washingtonians in all eight wards on pathways to the middle class,” Bowser said. “The outpouring of support for this initiative is a reflection of our community’s commitment to finding new and innovative ways to build more affordable housing, create new job opportunities, and ensure that more residents are able to participate in our city’s prosperity.”
The five-day auction by Alex Cooper Auctioneers closed Jan. 23, with all 33 sites — including neighborhoods such as Bellevue (Ward 8), Carver/Langston (Ward 5), Deanwood (Ward 7), and Park View (Ward 1) — receiving bids.
The winning bidder has to create workforce housing under specific criteria and timeframes. Now that the auction has closed, the winning bidder will be notified and administrative steps will be taken over the next several weeks to finalize the purchase agreement.
“Those who attended our informational meetings represented a variety of groups–real estate investors, real estate agents, community representatives, homeowners and future home buyers,” said DHCD Director Polly Donaldson. “No matter what their category, attendees were most interested in the auction’s potential to provide more homeownership opportunities in the District.”
