Mayor Muriel Bowser along with District officials and community members, gathered today in the historic Barry Farm-Hillsdale area to honor a significant progress in neighborhood revitalization. The ceremonial ribbon cutting of The Asberry signifies the delivery of 108 all-affordable housing units for seniors, a critical addition under the District’s New Communities Initiative. Following this event, the team also broke ground on The Edmonson, which will introduce 139 modern multifamily units to the area.
The event, held at 1200 Sumner Road SE, marked a renewed focus on affordable housing in Washington, D.C., where gentrification and rising living costs have been ongoing issues. According to a statement from the Mayor's office, The Asberry is designed to strengthen community connections among residents aged 55 and older, while The Edmonson is intended to serve as a stepping-stone for families looking to establish themselves in the neighborhood.
The New Communities Initiative, responsible for spearheading these developments, began during the tenure of Mayor Anthony Williams. It seeks to transform deeply disadvantaged housing into lively, mixed-income communities. Mayor Bowser was joined by Councilmember Anita Bonds and other key figures, such as Nina Albert, the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and Keith Pettigrew, Executive Director of DCHA, to commemorate the occasion.
Fulfilling a promise of a collaborative approach to development, the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) and the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) are working in tandem to preserve the historic legacy of Barry Farm while fostering an inclusive future. Maia Shanklin-Roberts, Vice President of Real Estate Development at POAH, underlined the importance of community during the ceremony, while former Barry Farm resident Shawntay Vines brought a personal voice to the proceedings, reflecting the direct impact of the initiative. The event's live feed was provided by the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, accessible via the Mayor’s official social media channels and website.
