On April 24, the District’s Zoning Commission provided comments and asked for a few additional details before voting on the first two buildings at RIA, the proposed mixed-use and mixed-income community on Rhode Island Avenue. We anticipate that the Commission will take final action approving this phase on May 22.
Background:
Brookland Manor is a 20-acre garden-style apartment community. This 80-year old property consists of 535 units, including 373 units designated for project-based Section 8 housing. MidCity spends over $200,000 per year on social service programming for its residents including a food pantry, meal programs, employment outreach, after-school tutoring, computer literacy, health fairs and more.
Proposed Plans:
RIA is a modern mixed-use and mixed-income community that will offer brand new affordable, senior and family residences. The new community will include a central public park, a full-service grocer and neighborhood shops. The DC Zoning Commission provided unanimous Stage 1 PUD approval in the Fall of 2015 with unanimous support from the ANC. MidCity will replace all 373 Section 8 units with brand new apartments. In addition, the residents who are living in the remaining units, most of which are rented through DC Housing Authority (DCHA) vouchers, will be able to live in brand new apartments as well. Upon full build-out, RIA will be at least 22 percent affordable.
Build First Approach:
MidCity will follow the principle of “build first”. This means that no residents will be displaced. The first phase includes two buildings: a 200-unit senior building for residents 62 and over and a 131-unit multifamily building. Both of these building will be four-story, elevator buildings with underground parking, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, controlled access with key fobs and security cameras and new and modern fixtures and finishes. The senior building will offer amenities specifically designated for senior needs and an outdoor garden area for relaxation. The multifamily building will include washers and dryers in each unit and a roof-top deck with grilling stations and family use areas.
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