Clark Realty Celebrates Completion of Columbia Heights Village Renovation

Washington, D.C. — Despite the escalating costs of housing in Columbia Heights, a partnership between Clark Realty Capital, Change All Souls Housing Corporation (CASHC), CHV Tenants Association, D.C. Housing Finance Agency (HFA), and Fannie Mae successfully rehabilitated a large apartment community and preserved over 400 low-income housing units.

During a community picnic with residents, Mayor Anthony A. Williams celebrated the renovation of Columbia Heights Village, a 406-unit apartment complex located along 14th Street, N.W., that includes seven townhomes, a 10-story high-rise, and 23 garden-style apartment buildings. The $49 million acquisition and renovation plans for Columbia Heights Village were announced in April 2002, and rehabilitation of the units began immediately. Working in collaboration with the HUD D.C. Field Office, the public and private sector partners were able to renew the Section 8 contract, ensuring the apartments will remain affordable for the next 20 years.

"Columbia Heights Village shows that tenants don't have to sit back and watch the redevelopment of their neighborhoods but can take part in the process and weigh in on the decisions," Mayor Anthony A. Williams said. "As the Columbia Heights neighborhood welcomes the fruits of revitalization - like the new Metro station and the new retail coming to the Tivoli Theater - committed residents like those living at Columbia Heights Village will remain in their homes and enjoy the new additions to their neighborhood."

The rehabilitation of Columbia Heights Village Apartments, which was performed with tenants in place, was completed under budget and four months ahead of schedule. The cost savings enabled the partnership to perform a more substantial renovation of the high-rise lobby than originally anticipated. Renovations included the replacement of the aging HVAC system in the high-rise as well as the original windows. Further, kitchens were renovated to include new cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances. Plumbing fixtures and common area electric fixtures were replaced.

Clark and CASHC have invested more than $10 million in the substantial renovation. The partnership has also invested time and resources to provide social services to this community. Clark and CASHC helped establish Columbia Heights Village Together, Inc., a non-profit organization established to work with residents, local organizations, and other partners to empower residents and help improve their individual, family, and community quality of life. The partnership holds five of the seven seats on the Board of Directors, provides the organization with an on-site office including utilities, lends funds, and employs a full-time executive director who oversees the social service organization.

At today's ceremony, Clark and CASHC presented the executive director of Columbia Heights Village Together, Inc. with a check for $24,000. The donation will be used to finance children's summer programs.

"Clark Realty is invested not only in the preservation of affordable housing in the District, but also in improving the quality of life for the residents of Columbia Heights Village Apartments. Today we're celebrating the completion of renovation. We're also celebrating the future of Columbia Heights," said Jack Lester, managing director, Clark Realty Capital. "We're grateful to CASHC, the Columbia Heights Village residents, the D.C. Housing Finance Agency, the Mayor and his staff, Council Member Jim Graham, and all the contributing team members who helped make a difference for those who live here."