Housing Authority Selects Team For 15-Acre Southwest D.C. Redevelopment, But Board Delays Project
The head of the D.C. Housing Authority selected the developers for a major Southwest D.C. project, but issues with the agency's board are delaying negotiations.
The D.C. Housing Authority selected Pennrose, EYA and Bozzuto to redevelop the 15-acre Greenleaf Gardens Public Housing community, ultimately envisioned to feature more than 1,800 units, UrbanTurf reports.
DCHA submitted the selection to its Board of Commissioners this week, but the board rejected the resolution seeking to begin negotiations, saying the agency didn't provide enough information on the team's financing plans, the Washington City Paper reports.
It is the third time in two months DCHA Director Tyrone Garrett has failed to get the board's approval for projects aimed at revitalizing the city's public housing stock, according to the City Paper. DCHA in February 2019 unveiled an initiative to reposition at least 2,400 units over a 24-month period.
As part of that initiative, the agency in April 2019 released a request for proposals for a team to redevelop the 493-unit Greenleaf Gardens community. The 1950s-era public housing community occupies several blocks near the intersection of M Street SW and Delaware Avenue, about a quarter-mile from the Waterfront Metro station and a half-mile from The Wharf.
The team of Pennrose, Bozzuto and EYA presented its vision for the site to the DCHA in a public meeting in December. The team plans to build new housing for the community's residents before demolishing the existing buildings. It would split the project into four phases, starting at the intersection of Third and M streets NW.
At least three other groups presented proposals for the site: a trio of Jair Lynch, Dantes Partners and Gilbane Development Co.; a partnership of Foulger Pratt and TM Associates; and a team of Brookfield, The Menkiti Group, Warrenton Group, Fivesquares Development and the NHP Foundation.
