Condemned Multifamily Property to Get New Life

WASHINGTON, DC-Redevelopment of the condemned Kentucky Courts housing community has gotten under way. A public-private project of the District of Columbia Housing Authority and Innovative Development Solutions, Kentucky Courts will emerge from construction as a 38-unit combination townhouse and apartment property. The entire reconstruction endeavor will cost nearly $8 million.

Located in the District’s Capitol Hill East neighborhood, the Kentucky Courts buildings face 14th St., C St., and Kentucky Avenue. Ultimately, the property will feature 18 rental apartments and 20 townhouses, of which 12 will be set aside by DCHA as public housing. “The redevelopment will create a new homeownership community and provide quality, affordable rental housing,” DCHA executive director Michael Kelly says. “It will also have a dramatic positive influence on the surrounding community by increasing property values and tax revenues, while opening the door to more positive influence in the community.” The project’s first units are scheduled for completion in September 2004.