A 303-unit Sec. 8 community in Southeast Washington, D.C., has undergone a $69 million rehabilitation, which is improving the lives of its occupants as well as other low-income District residents.
Boston-based WinnCompanies acquired and redeveloped Atlantic Terrace and Atlantic Gardens apartments in 1982. With the buildings’ income restrictions about to expire, Winn refinanced in late 2015 to address various physical and financial aspects and ensure the community’s long-term affordability.
“We’re pleased not only to upgrade [Atlantic Apartment Homes] but to preserve it for another 40 years,” says Ed Cafasso, senior vice president of communications at Winn.
The rehab modernized all units, common areas, and HVAC systems; created new community space with the on-site Community Impact Center; and expanded resident services through the collaboration of more than 30 local and regional nonprofits.
In addition, the development is Enterprise Green Communities certified, improving indoor air quality with enhanced materials and reducing utility expenses with high-efficiency appliances, lighting, and water fixtures.
At the end of the rehab process in January, the largest community renewable-energy facility in Washington, D.C., was installed, after Winn was awarded a grant through the District Department of Energy and Environment’s Solar for All Program. The renewable energy produced by the 651-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system is fed into the District’s utility grid through net metering, with the savings passed back to qualified low-income residents through credits on their utility bills.
According to Winn, the solar is expected to reduce annual utility bills by $500 for nearly 160 low-income households.
“The energy created in this low-income community helps other low-income residents in the District with cost savings on their electric bills,” says Cafasso. “It’s a perfect exclamation point for 35 years of work.”
In addition to the grant, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, D.C. Housing Finance Agency, Citi Community Capital, D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility, and Boston Financial Investment Management provided financing for the rehab.
