(Washington, DC) – Today, the District approved plans to develop Plaza West, a Ward 6 development that will bring 223 units of affordable housing for seniors and families in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood. This unique $84 million development project will provide 50 housing units for “grandfamilies,” grandparents raising grandchildren who make 30-40 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) and 173 units of housing serving individuals and families making 50-60 percent of AMI, with 11 of those units set aside for Department of Behavioral Health clients.
 
The Bowser Administration worked with the development team as they amended plans for Plaza West to include all 223 units of affordable housing.
 
“I am excited to see Plaza West,  the first ‘grandfamily’ development in the District, move forward,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This is a shining example of our community stepping up to make affordable housing possible for our most vulnerable residents. My Administration will continue to identify innovative ways to ensure our seniors and working families can afford to live in this city. Together, we will make the District of Columbia a great place to live for all residents – regardless of age, income, or zip code.”
 
The 4th and K, NW site is currently vacant and includes three parcels totaling nearly 34,500 square feet.  The new 12-story Plaza West development will provide on-site social services for grandfamilies and over 9,500 square feet of outdoor recreational space.
 
Bible Way Church is the sponsor of this project through its affiliate, Golden Rule Plaza, Inc. (GRP). GRP is a DC-based non-profit whose mission is to provide more affordable housing and other community-oriented assets in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood in downtown Washington, DC. GRP has partnered with Mission First and The Henson Development Company to develop Plaza West.
 
Plaza West construction is set to begin early next year with completion scheduled for the spring of 2017.
 
Since taking office, Mayor Bowser has made affordable housing a major focus of her Administration. Earlier this year, she set aside $100 million investment in the budget for the Housing Production Trust Fund to expand affordable housing opportunities and create more pathways to the middle class for District residents. Mayor Bowser also created a Housing Preservation Strike Force, a team tasked with developing an action plan to preserve existing affordable housing in the District of Columbia.