The Faircliff

The Faircliff is a 125-unit affordable housing project in the historic Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Developed in partnership between Somerset Development Company, Jonathan Rose Companies and Housing Up, the building is among the most sustainable yet in the District.

The Faircliff is built alongside Novel 14, a 197-unit market rate apartment developed by Crescent Communities. Collectively, these two communities replaced the former 80-unit Faircliff Plaza East apartment complex. Residents of the former Faircliff Plaza East voted unanimously to move forward with the project, and 80% elected to return to live in the new building.

Designed by Eric Colbert & Associates and built by John Moriarty & Associates, the eight-story, 145,000 sf building features multiple communal spaces aligned with our Communities of Opportunity program, including a courtyard with playground, community room with kitchen, Little Free Library, which provides free books to residents in partnership with the DC Public Library, Common Goods lending library, fitness center, rooftop event space and a community garden. Furthering our digital access goal, all residents have access to free, high-speed Community Wi-Fi in their apartments and all common areas. The community also benefits from a full-time Resident Services Coordinator overseen by Communities Together Inc. The property is managed by Habitat America and case management services for 9 supportive housing units provided by Housing Up.

The Faircliff sets a new standard for green multi-family buildings in the District. The all-electric design is on track to achieve LEED Platinum and Passive House (Phius CORE) certification and features a range of innovative green design strategies, including a green roof with an integrated 67 kW solar array, electric vehicle charging for 19 parking spaces, and carbon-injected concrete that will capture nearly 1million kg of carbon within the building’s structure.

Financing for the $110 million development was arranged through a mix of public and private resources, including $49.3 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the DC Housing Finance Agency, a $16.9 million subsidy loan from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, and a $440,000 annual rental subsidy from the DC Housing Authority to support nine supportive housing units dedicated for formerly homeless families.  

Capital One provided a $35.1 million FHA 221(d)(4) permanent loan that will be serviced by Rose Community Capital upon Final Endorsement. Boston Financial represented Capital One who provided $42.4 million in tax credit equity. The project was also made possible by a $25 million bridge loan from Eagle Bank and a $1.85 million predevelopment loan from DC Green Bank.