The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) – in partnership with Wesley Housing – is excited to announce the closing on a $59 million housing project that will be located just one block away from the Huntington Metro Station in the Mount Vernon District. The project, financed in-part through a $7.4 Million Housing Blueprint Loan by the FCRHA and authorized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, will bring much needed affordable housing options to support the area’s economically diverse background.

“Fairfax County is committed to bridging the gap in affordability that exists in our housing market and developing communities that embrace the principles of equity and diversity in all its forms. The Arden is another cornerstone development that demonstrates, even in the face of unprecedented challenges, that we are keeping our promises on affordable housing and on building One Fairfax.”

Chairman Jeffrey McKay
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

“The Mount Vernon District is home to a diverse community – socially as well as economically. The addition of 126 apartments at The Arden enhances opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families seeking affordable homes near work, public transit options, community amenities and top-notch schools.”

Supervisor Dan Storck
Mount Vernon District

A two-building multifamily development, The Arden will be located at the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Biscayne Drive and include an assortment of studio, one, two and three-bedroom units. The apartments will serve a wide range of households across the affordability spectrum with nearly all of the units serving households earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) – which equates to roughly $75,600 or less per year for a family of four.

The project will also include 7,500 square-feet of office space which will serve as the new location of Wesley Housing’s main offices.
 

FCRHA, County Contribution to Financing

The FCRHA and the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development has been extremely active in the financing and development of The Arden project by:

• Authorizing $7.4 million in local Housing Blueprint loans
• Awarding nearly $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to the project
• Committing 4 State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) Project-Based vouchers to serve individuals with developmental disabilities who are at or below 50% AMI
• Awarding 8 Project-Based Housing Choice Vouchers serving extremely-low-income households
   

“When we speak of responsible investment in affordable housing, we’re not talking about just buying land, bricks and mortar. We’re talking about investments in individuals and families, and wisely applying every resource entrusted to us to the development of strong, vibrant, engaging and accessible communities that celebrate the diversity for which Fairfax County is widely renowned. That is what we’re after and that is what The Arden is about.”

Chairman Robert Schwaninger
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority

What’s Next?

With closing complete, Wesley Housing is poised to begin work in the very near future. As they near completion, scheduled for Summer of 2022, Wesley Housing will begin to accept rental application from the public and referrals from individuals coming from the FCRHA waiting list. For additional information and details on the project, visit https://wesleyhousing.org/property/the-arden.