NHC member Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) was joined last month by Mayor Muriel Bowser and various housing leaders to celebrate the planned revitalization of affordable housing developments in the Edgewood neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Edgewood Commons, formerly known as Edgewood Terrace, was a haven for open-air drug markets before CPDC acquired and redeveloped the portfolio of properties between 1995 and 2001. It is now in the process of being transformed into a mixed-use community of economically diverse residents. CPDC’s approach for the redevelopment is to prevent the displacement and disruptions of current residents and those who have lived in the community for a number of years by preserving affordability.
“We know that even more important than physical renovations, communities thrive when residents are invested and take ownership in the place they call home,” Pamela Lyons, CPDC’s senior vice president of resident services said in a press release. “Our inclusive approach to resident engagement has spurred a cultural transformation at Edgewood—one of asset-based community building, organizing and engagement.”
Community revitalization and stabilization will be the focus of NHC’s Solutions for Restoring Neighborhoods convening Nov. 5-6 in New Orleans. The convening will draw connections between housing an economic development, and include policy developments and practical solutions. More details will be available soon, so save the date and plan to attend the convening.
The first phase of redevelopment was completed last year. Phase II, consisting of 292 apartment homes, is currently underway.