Mission First Housing Development Corporation

Mission First Housing Development Corporation (MFHDC) is working to close on the funding for the rehabilitation of ninety-six units of affordable housing near the red line Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. In July, MFHDC orchestrated the purchase of Dahlgreen Courts (two buildings, located at 2504 & 2520 10th Street NE) in partnership with the Dahlgreen Courts Tenants Association (DCTA) and the District of Columbia Office of Housing and Community Development. Through these efforts MFHDC is now able to preserve long term affordability and to avoid displacement of residents.

Dahlgreen Courts is an ideal location for affordable housing: it is two blocks from the red line Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station, and one block from the major thoroughfare of Rhode Island Avenue. The two buildings were built in the 1920’s to provide affordable housing for federal government workers. Although they have remained affordable, the buildings are in desperate need of rehabilitation.

MFHDC plans to use low income housing and historic tax credits to help finance the redevelopment of the two buildings. Renovation plans for the building include major upgrades of all systems, including individual HVAC units, new kitchen and bathrooms, energy efficient windows, expanding and adding an elevator, new roofs, and new utilities. This all will occur while preserving and stabilizing the historic elements of the building, including the lobbies, common area travertine floors, unit hardwood floors and molding, and the building façade.