Recognizing the Chatham Square housing project, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, along with the City of Alexandria and developer Eakin/Youngentob & Associates, received the Current Topic Award for Housing Choice and Affordability.
The National Capital Area Chapter of the American Planning Association presented the award. It honors a plan, community program, or design that demonstrates "successful use of planning principles to expand housing choices and affordability in a manner that strengthens neighborhood revitalization, reduces sprawl and promotes public health."
The award was presented during the chapter's award gala on Nov. 8 at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
Known locally as "The Berg," the 60-year-old Samuel Madden Homes public housing project was replaced with a combination of public and market-rate housing units. Of the 152 units on the north Old Town site, 52 are managed by ARHA as affordable rentals while 100 market-rate townhouses are for sale to the public.
The public housing units were funded with a mix of federal, state, local and private money. Eakin/Youngentob & Associates served as the developer and general contractor for the project.
In giving the recognition the APA also recognized the project for its "innovative, public-private partnership."