Affordable housing that’s also green
Take a closer look at some of the affordable housing options in Arlington and you will find high-quality construction, award-winning designs, modern amenities and green building features. The Macedonian affordable housing community in Arlington’s Nauck neighborhood is noted for its sustainable design and environmentally friendly features. It was the first new multifamily building in Arlington to receive EarthCraft certification. This four-story building features a partial green roof with robust planted materials to reduce stormwater run-off, and other green features including a central heating and cooling system, high-efficiency water heaters, lighting and appliances, and low-flow plumbing fixtures — all of which help to lower energy costs and water consumption.
“Sustainable development is a top priority for AHC,” said Walter D. Webdale, AHC President and CEO. “We are working hard to create green buildings with quality affordable living environments that are healthier and more cost-efficient for our residents, as well as beneficial for the community as a whole.”
The Macedonian provides 36 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments for families earning up to 50 percent or 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Six units are priced for households earning 50 percent of AMI or less; in 2015 this is about $43,000 for a two-person household and $54,000 for a four-person household. The remaining units are priced for households earning sixty percent of AMI or less; in 2015 this is approximately $52,000 for a two-person household and $65,000 for a four-person household. Five units are dedicated to Arlington County’s Supportive Housing Program for persons with disabilities.
Residents in the complex enjoy private balconies, underground parking, and a business center. Commercial space on the ground floor provides offices for the Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation (BAJCDC) and a business incubator (furnished office space) for start-up businesses.
The Macedonian was a cooperative effort between developer AHC Inc. and the Macedonia Baptist Church, which owns the property and provided a 65-year lease for the project. The building fits within the County’s Nauck Village Center Action Plan, which encourages mixed-use development and commercial retail on the ground floor.
“Besides the green energy features, this is a ground-breaking project for the community,” said Webdale. “It was essential for the owners to make this a smoke-free building. There was some resistance from some prospective residents, but they have come to embrace it. This is a model going forward. Being smoke-free reduces odors, improves resident health and lowers renovation costs for carpet replacement.”
The $13 million project was financed through tax exempt bonds from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) and nearly $6 million in low-interest loans from Arlington County. Other partners on the project include Bonstra/Haresign Architects, Bozzuto Construction and Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
Learn more about affordable housing in Arlington.