In a notable stride towards sustainable living, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has inaugurated Cycle House, the District's pioneer in net-zero energy, all-affordable housing, an 18-unit community nestled in Truxton Circle, Ward 5. Mayor Bowser underscored the dual achievement of aligning housing and sustainability goals with this project, transforming a once vacant lot into a space that offers deeply affordable homes while being environmentally conscious, according to a press release by the Mayor’s Office.
The construction of Cycle House was a collaborative effort, seeing Urban Green LLC, Heleos LLC, and VNV Development at the helm, as the District facilitated with significant financial backing, providing a 99-year ground lease, $1.3 million in 9% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), DC LIHTC, and a $2 million construction loan from the DC Green Bank, emphasized Mayor Bowser's administration has been marked by a push for blended investment in housing and smart policy alterations, resulting in expanded housing opportunities like the units at Cycle House which cater to households earning between 30% to 60% of the Median Family Income (MFI).
Supporting the city's cycling enthusiasts, Cycle House integrates bicycle-friendly amenities such as complimentary bike storage and an elevator designed for easy bike transportation from the units to the street, elaborates Mark James, Founder and President of Urban Green, who pointed out Mayor Bowser's commitment to sustainable housing accessible to all incomes during the interview obtained by the press release. The name "Cycle House" was chosen to reflect this intent.
The building's innovative net-zero energy plan entails a rooftop solar array, along with a solar parking canopy, and the implementation of fuel cells, enabling it to produce as much energy as it consumes annually, the robust design of Cycle House aims not only to address affordable housing concerns but also to push the envelope on energy efficiency, through solar implementations and fuel cells that help save on expenses for both residents and owners, ensuring affordability and resilience making it the first such mixed-use building in DC, highlighted by the DC Green Bank.
The establishment of the DC Green Bank by Mayor Bowser back in 2018 positioned Washington, DC, as a trailblazer in creating such a financial institution in the United States. Brandi Colander, CEO of DC Green Bank, stated that the investments from the bank are "DC Green Bank’s investments are building a more resilient future for DC, while also delivering affordable homes and opportunity for residents," as detailed in the Mayor’s press release.
Cycle House's inception represents a key accomplishment under Mayor Bowser's tenure and the District's broad commitment towards more affordable housing, having invested over $1.4 billion into the Housing Production Trust Fund, and exceeding the housing goals set for 2025. This spotlights the success of smaller-scale projects like Cycle House, which has also garnered the unanimous backing of the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission, in positively impacting the housing landscape across the District’s neighborhoods.
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