WASHINGTON, DC — The Community Builders (TCB), the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), co-developer Dantes Partners, and Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau joined community members in celebrating the grand opening of Park Morton Apartments.
The new five-story, 142-unit, fully affordable multifamily building is the first on-site building delivered at Park Morton under the District’s New Communities Initiative (NCI).
“The grand opening of Park Morton Apartments underscores TCB’s mission to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “We’re incredibly thankful to our partners at the City of Washington, D.C., and Dantes. With phase one now open, residents are already connecting to amenities and services that bring opportunity. TCB looks forward to continuing the revitalization of this neighborhood and delivering more affordable homes to the people of D.C.”
“Park Morton Apartments represents more than new housing—it’s a commitment to neighborhood revitalization,” said Deputy Mayor Nina Albert. “By investing in this project, we’re creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity in the Park View community.”
“So many people in the community have poured their hearts into this project. This is exactly what we’ve talked about since the start—delivering beautiful, dignified housing to the people of Park Morton. This is the first phase of more than 500 new units to be built here and at Bruce Monroe, just down Georgia Ave, making Ward 1 a leader in housing production over the past 10 years,” said Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau.
Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, Park Morton Apartments includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.
“Park Morton Apartments exemplifies our collective goal to create mixed-income communities that offer modern, affordable homes and enhance the quality of life for DCHA families,” said Keith Pettigrew, DCHA Executive Director. “DCHA is proud to partner on a project that prioritizes inclusion, equity and community as it brings high-quality affordable housing to the Park View neighborhood.”
The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments to tenants earning 0-80% of the area median income (AMI). The modern units feature simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a “Kids Hub” lounge, a “Tech Hub” coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.
The opening of the new multifamily building marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan. Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 273 off-site rental apartments, including 87 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.
“This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fulfill the promises made to the Park Morton residents while addressing the ongoing need for affordable housing,” said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. “Seeing this vision come to life is deeply gratifying. The process has been one of persistence, collaboration, and purpose, and the outcome reflects the collective dedication of everyone involved. This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our partners, whose shared passion and hard work helped turn this vision into reality.”
“With the opening of Park Morton Apartments, DCHA and its partners are delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality affordable housing that fosters community and establishes a foundation for District families to thrive,” said Raymond Skinner, DCHA Board Chair.
DMPED invested approximately $14.8 million towards phase 1 infrastructure, as well as $26.3 million for predevelopment and infrastructure for phase 2. The new five-story building was also funded by $51.1 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).
Park Morton Apartments is the latest new construction property built under NCI, a District government program creating vibrant mixed-income neighborhoods. Park Morton is one of four NCI projects, along with ‘Rise at Temple Courts’ in Northwest One, which officially opened in Ward 6 in late 2022. There’s also Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings in Ward 7, with ‘Providence Place and The Strand Residences’ – two 100% affordable housing communities where 179 units were delivered; including 63 through NCI; and, Barry Farm in Ward 8, where construction of the 139-unit Edmonson is underway and The Asberry, a 108-unit mixed-use property, opened in late 2024.
###
About DC Housing Authority
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to providing a safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents of the District of Columbia. The agency emphasizes fostering a collaborative work environment to meet the highest expectations of the affordable housing industry. With a focus on innovation and community development, DCHA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more about DCHA and the work that the agency is doing to impact the residents of Washington, D.C. at dchousing.org.
About Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) assists the Mayor in the coordination, planning, supervision, and execution of economic development efforts in the District of Columbia with the goal of creating and preserving affordable housing, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue. DMPED pursues policies and programs that create strong neighborhoods, expand and diversify the local economy, and provide residents with pathways to the middle class. Learn more at dmped.dc.gov/.
About The Community Builders
Working with dedicated partners, The Community Builders (TCB) develops high-quality homes for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Since 1964, the mission-driven organization has advanced fair housing through award-winning, affordable, and mixed-income communities. Today, TCB owns and manages over 14,000 apartment homes, connecting residents with resources to unlock their full potential.
About Dantes Partners
Established in 2006, Dantes Partners is a Black owned business with a mission to develop Luxury Affordable Housing® and community-focused real estate initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic and Southern region. To date, Dantes Partners has successfully financed, developed, and acquired over 7,200 units, with a combined financing and investment value exceeding $2.6 billion dollars. Simultaneously, Dantes Partners leverages its extensive expertise in the field of real estate development and financing of company-owned portfolios and provides exclusive consulting services in public-private deal structuring and negotiations. Furthermore, Dantes Partners also offers consulting in pre-development planning and oversight, market research and analysis, debt or equity underwriting, project and asset management, community outreach, as well as portfolio due diligence. For more information on Dantes Partners please visit: www.dantespartners.com.