Melwood has formally submitted a site plan application for a 105-unit affordable housing project near Crystal City.
New renderings depict a five-story building with an 18,000-square-foot footprint at 750 23rd Street S., Melwood’s facility in Aurora Highlands, which it acquired after its 2017 merger with Linden Resources.
“Redeveloping our Arlington campus into an affordable, inclusive housing community enables Melwood to further our mission and support the people and community we serve, most of whom face hurdles to live independently in affordable housing with meaningful inclusion,” said Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of Melwood.
A press release promises a mixed-use development providing “much needed affordable housing with a broad range of household sizes and affordable income levels, with a portion of units intended to address the need for accessible housing for people with disabilities.”
Plans to redevelop the property in a largely residential area two blocks west of Crystal City’s “Restaurant Row” have been a source of contention. The Aurora Highlands Civic Association in particular has argued that a development of its size would be inappropriate for the neighborhood and counter to what it describes as the property’s historic nature.
Earlier this month, the AHCA backed a historic preservation nomination for the Nelly Custis School, a building on the site where Melwood currently runs job training and placement services for people with disabilities.
Built in 1923, the building contributes to the Aurora Highlands National Register District and played a role in the desegregation of Arlington County schools, per a county presentation. AHCA argues that the structure should remain standing as part of a smaller-scale development project.
Arlington’s Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board voted 5-3 last week to request further study on the property to determine whether it meets necessary criteria for a historic designation.
Melwood is partnering on the project with developer Wesley Housing.
“Our application begins the County’s iterative Site Plan Review Process, which provides multiple opportunities for input from stakeholders and the community as we advance our design to meet the principles set forth in the GLUP Study,” said Wesley Housing President and CEO Kamilah McAfee. “Approval of the proposed development by the County Board will be a critical first step allowing us to pursue the affordable housing financing and building permits necessary to bring this innovative community asset to fruition.”
