Silver Spring, MD (October 5, 2023) – MHP today broke ground on a comprehensive renovation of Worthington Woods Apartments, a 394-unit affordable housing complex in Ward 8, Washington, D.C. This milestone comes after the nonprofit developer recently secured $132 million in financing for the project.

MHP purchased Worthington Woods in 2019 with a plan to preserve long-term affordability and prevent resident displacement. MHP restricts 100% of these apartment homes for residents earning at or below 60% of area median income as part of its commitment to expanding housing access for low- and moderate-income community members.

Built in 1944, spanning more than 14 acres, Worthington Woods is a garden-style community and MHP’s largest property. Since the acquisition, the nonprofit developer has worked to obtain enough funding to complete a series of extensive renovations, reflecting its commitment to quality affordable housing. One key source was the district’s Section 108 funds.

“The District of Columbia uses a variety of financing programs and structures to create affordable housing for its citizens. However, the Section 108 Loan Guarantee program was a powerful tool that was dormant for quite a while,” said Colleen Green, Director of the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “Under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser, we successfully petitioned to use the federal program’s funds for preserving affordable housing. We are excited to leverage the program’s funds, and our housing preservation fund, to create long-term affordability for the tenants at Worthington Woods.”

MHP has already installed solar roofs at the property, lowering utility costs for residents. Upcoming renovations will include upgrades to electrical systems, installation of new security systems, new flooring, new light fixtures, and more. MHP will also remove central boilers, add in-unit HVAC units, and build a 3,200 sq. ft. community center.

“We are excited to begin this major renovation and improve the quality and sustainability of affordable housing for almost 400 D.C. families,” said MHP President Robert A. Goldman. “Since acquiring Worthington Woods, we have been working up to this moment and engaging with numerous funding partners – now we are seeing it through. The results of this collaboration will not only improve residents’ apartment homes, but also enhance their lives through the addition of new community programming and facilities.”

After being selected by the property’s tenants association to develop the property, MHP has built strong ties to the Worthington Woods community. As part of its commitment to the mission of housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods, MHP conducts outreach to Worthington Woods residents through meetings with the tenants association, community events such as block parties, and tailored support for individuals and families. Once the new community center is completed, MHP will provide robust Community Life programs that enrich the lives of young residents and families.

MHP thanks funding partners including D.C. Housing Finance Agency, D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, JPMorgan Chase, PNC, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additional partners include the Worthington Woods Tenants Association and Anacostia Economic Development Corporation.