Columbia Heights Apartment Complex to Get $37M Makeover

ARLINGTON, VA-Neglected and in desperate need of massive repairs, the Columbia Heights Apartments complex has been chosen to undergo a massive renovation project. Silverwood Associates Inc.–along with assistance from local, state and private entities–will spend $37 million to convert the half-century-old property into more than 200 apartment and condominium units. The final product will be heavily weighted toward affordable, mixed-income housing.

“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.