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The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority selected the development team to transform the Samuel Madden Public Housing site in November, Concept 1 filing kicks off public approval process
The filing includes initial plans to bring affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing, as well as public open space, services provided by local nonprofits, and retail space to Old Town
Alexandria, V.A. (April 5, 2022) – Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential and The Communities Group announced the filing of the Concept 1 Plan with the City of Alexandria outlining plans to transform the Samuel Madden Public Housing site in partnership with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) into a new mixed-use community. The plan proposes to redevelop the site’s 66 current homes and create a community with 529 apartments, more than half of which will be affordable and workforce housing, in Old Town. The concept plan also includes a 10,000-square-foot public park with a playground and public art, a food pantry, an early learning and childcare center, and retail space.
After ARHA selected the development team for this redevelopment in November, the Concept 1 filing begins the official public process to get the approvals needed for the development. While the concept plan is reviewed by the City, the development team will continue to meet with community leaders, civic associations, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders to ensure a community-driven final plan.
“We are delighted to partner with Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential and The Communities Group to expand affordable housing in Alexandria,” said ARHA CEO Keith Pettigrew. “We’re excited to join with them as we engage with residents in collaborating on a final plan for the site. Together, we will begin the work of creating a wonderful new community and gateway to our city.”
“The Samuel Madden Homes sit at a critical site in Northern Virginia. It’s a gateway to Alexandria, and just minutes away from Amazon HQ2. It has the potential to serve as an important link in the community with mixed-income housing, public open space, and needed childcare and food resources for the entire neighborhood,” said Noah Hale, Director, Development, at Fairstead. “This is an exciting moment to bring our collective experience developing high-quality housing and pairing it with community support services to support the future of Alexandria and the region. We look forward to working with our neighbors, community members and elected leaders to create a great project for all.”
“The opportunity to help reimagine the north end of Old Town is an opportunity we’re grateful for, and we’re eager to work with civic leaders and our wonderful partners to make it a reality,” said Joe Muffler, Managing Director of Development for Mill Creek Residential. “As a native of Alexandria, it is both personally and professionally rewarding to be selected for this exciting and unique opportunity, and we look forward to delivering to this market a project that the City will be proud of.”
“One small step for our team, but one giant step for Alexandria!” said Jaime Bordenave, President of The Communities Group. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Samuel Madden residents and ARHA for this historic redevelopment in the Alexandria community.”
The proposed plan designates more than half of the apartments for low-income households (30-60% of Area Median Income) and workforce housing (60-80% of Area Median income). The 10,000-square-foot public park would include a playground, water feature, and public art.
Hopkins House, a non-profit institution that has served Alexandria since 1939, would operate a 13,000- square-foot daycare and early learning center, with scholarships or sliding scales rates offered based on economic need. The site would also be home to a 500-square-foot food pantry run by Alive specializing in fresh food and vegetables. There would be an additional 16,000 square feet for street-level retail.
In line with Alexandria’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis, the team is partnering with the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech to incorporate green design elements, strategies to reduce energy and water consumption, and pursue sustainability certifications.
