Housing and Community Development

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Tom Fleetwood
HCD Director

Department Resources

One University

One University

One University refers to the redevelopment of a 10.8-acre property located adjacent to the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax County, VA. The property is owned by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and included 46 affordable townhomes (Robinson Square) and meeting space for the FCRHA. The redevelopment of One University is a critical component for expanding the county’s affordable housing portfolio and will quintuple the number of affordable homes on the site – to include both multifamily and senior housing opportunities. All affordable units will serve individuals and families earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (or roughly $77,400 for a family of four based on fiscal year 2021 figures).

Project Scope

The One University Development will include:

  • 120 Affordable Senior Independent Housing Units
  • 120 Affordable Multifamily Units
  • 333 Student Housing Units
  • Meeting Space for the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority

 


The development is a prime example of a strategic approach to the creation of affordable housing. Pursuant to the terms of a ground lease, SCG Development will construct, own and operate the 240 total units of multifamily and senior housing. Concurrently, a portion of the FCRHA property will be leased to RISE for the development of 333 units of student housing.  The income from the student housing was a critical component to the financial viability of the project.

In addition to the creation of 240 units of affordable housing in a highly cost-burdened Fairfax/Fairfax City area, the project will also provide the following benefits:

  • The development is in close proximity to public transportation, shopping and restaurants, grocery stores and George Mason University campus amenities
  • Units will have long-term affordability
  • Design will incorporate multiple universal and sustainable features
  • Ten percent of the units in each building will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Common area amenities including business center, cyber lounge, outdoor courtyard, underground parking, bike storage, fitness center and more
One University Site

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION FUEL PROJECT SUCCESS

Robinson SquareThe project also marks a historical milestone in becoming the first Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) converted property (Robinson Square - pictured) to obtain US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval for demolition and redevelopment.

Throughout the development phase, the FCRHA and HUD worked closely to blaze a trail and create a process which countless other RAD properties may follow to preserve and create affordable housing in communities across the nation. 

One University is a prime example of Fairfax County’s multifaceted approach to financing affordable housing by strategically utilizing all of the tools and resources available. The financing plan for One University includes a creative investment of both financial and land resources: 

  • The 10.8-acre site is public land owned by the FCRHA
    • The portion of the land contribution related to the 240 units of affordable rental housing equated to a subsidy of approximately $12 million.
  • $20 million in FCRHA revenue bond issuance
  • $6.5 million in local Housing Blueprint loans
  • The application project-based subsidies for 71 units (46 RAD project-based vouchers, and 25 non-RAD project-based vouchers)
  • FHA-insured loans 
  • The award of 9 and 4 percent low-income housing tax credits by Virginia Housing
     

Project Resources

The following timeline reflects the present timeframes (or estimated timeframes) for the completion of major milestone components of the project. This information will be updated as needed as the project progresses.

  • Summer 2021 – Relocation of the Residents of Robinson Square to new housing
  • December 2021 – Closing on all project financing
  • December 2021 – Site preparation and demolition of existing structures at Robinson Square begins
  • January 27, 2022 – Official Groundbreaking Ceremony
  • 2024 – Estimated Occupancy

Leasing activities for homes to be located at One University have not yet begun. 

Multifamily and Senior Apartments: Upon completion of the project, the affordable multifamily and senior apartments will be owned and operated by SCG Development and shall be managed by Paradigm. Paradigm's management of the property will include the administration of the application process, all leasing activities, and wait list management. It is anticipated that leasing activities will not start until late 2023.

Student Housing: It is anticipated that student housing will be available for occupancy in 2024. 

As leasing process information become available, links to the appropriate managing entities will be provided here.


QUESTIONS

For general questions pertaining to the One University development project, please email the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority at RHA@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

For questions or concerns on the construction activities on the site, please call SCG Development at 703-942-6610.

For questions pertaining to the management of the affordable multifamily and senior housing once the project is complete, please call SCG Development at 703-942-6610.

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