Press Release: Bowser Administration Selects Development Team for Malcolm X EquityRFP Targeted for Teacher Housing

News Release — Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 20, 2021

(Washington, DC) – Today, the Bowser Administration, led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), selected Congress Park Community Partners’ (CPCP) proposal for the development of the DMPED site at the previous Malcolm X Elementary School to build a mixed-use, residential and commercial project in Ward 8 adjacent to the Congress Heights Metro Station and the new Bard High School Early College. The EquityRFP encouraged proposals to include housing targeted toward educators, consistent with the Teacher Housing Initiative Mayor’s Order 2021-005 issued in January 2021.

“This award highlights Mayor Bowser’s commitment to infusing equity into every development opportunity within our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “With this project, we have the possibility to expand housing opportunities for our educators and make it easier for them to live near the communities they serve. We have also selected a team with three organizations based in Ward 8 and look forward to working with them to meet our goal of delivering what each neighborhood and community needs.”

“This is a community in great need of opportunities and resources. We look for community partners who are inclusive and provide jobs and contracts to Ward 8 businesses and residents. I am excited to hear of the possibilities,” stated Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White.

The proposal from CPCP envisions a mixed-use, residential and commercial project that consists of 117 (100%) Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs), that will serve households earning within the 30% AMI, 50% AMI and 60% AMI ranges. There are also 42 parking spaces on the site. The commercial program includes 9,500 gross square feet and CPCP has identified Cedar Tree Academy early learning center and Greenbar, a fresh salad fast-casual concept, as potential tenants. This award grants the CPCP team with exclusive rights to negotiate with the District for their proposal to redevelop the site.

The CPCP team is led by three Ward 8-based organizations, including two District Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) – Banneker Communities and District Development Group; and one Community Development Corporation (CDC) – Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC).  CHCTDC has provided economic development services such as entrepreneurial training and financial counseling to the community since 1988.  As part of its mission, CHCTDC actively engages stakeholders in planning development in Congress Heights to ensure public involvement begins early and continues throughout the design process. The Malcolm X School EquityRFP was announced in November 2020 and delivers on Mayor Bowser’s commitment to prioritize equity inclusion in the selection of development teams as well as create affordable housing, retail and job opportunities across the District.

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