"Arlington lost about 4,000 affordable-housing units between 2000 and 2002, and no new housing has been built in this neighborhood in the past decade," Silverwood president Mark Silverwood explains. "This new public-private partnership will increase Arlington's affordable-housing stock and create new home-ownership opportunities while beautifying and rehabilitating one of the most dilapidated communities in the area." Construction is on target to begin this fall.

Situated off the Columbia Pike at 815 Greenbrier St., Columbia Heights currently offers 152 rental units spread out over seven low-rise structures. Once the remodeling endeavor comes to an end, the multifamily complex will consist of 109 low-income apartment units constructed in five of the seven original buildings.

The two remaining structures will be demolished to make room for a new four-story building that will contain 96 condominiums for purchase. Designed by Vienna, VA's Lessard Architectural Group, the condominium portion of the project will also have several affordable dwelling units set aside, a move that was by no means required by law.