Construction Underway for 90 Homes at Barry Farm Redevelopment

Why It Matters

The new homes expand critical affordable housing stock in Ward 8, helping replace aging public housing while preserving the historic community’s legacy and leveraging substantial public investment.

Key Takeaways

• Construction begins on 90-unit Hillsdale Flats Phase I
• Nine three‑story buildings offer 1‑5 bedroom mixes
• Units reserved for renters up to 80% area median income
• 42 homes allocated to former Barry Farm residents
• Part of 900‑unit redevelopment with $1 billion Ward 8 funding

Pulse Analysis

Barry Farm holds a unique place in Washington, D.C.’s history as the city’s first homeownership community for newly freed African Americans, established in 1867 and later transformed into public housing in the 1940s. Decades of disinvestment left the complex deteriorating, prompting the city to pursue a comprehensive redevelopment that respects its cultural legacy while addressing modern housing needs. The current effort reflects a broader shift toward mixed‑income, low‑rise designs that aim to integrate residents more fully into the surrounding urban fabric.

Phase I of the Hillsdale Flats project marks a tangible step in that transformation. Developed by Preservation of Affordable Housing, the nine three‑story buildings will provide 90 units with a range of bedroom configurations, targeting households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income. By reserving 42 units for former Barry Farm tenants, the plan seeks to mitigate displacement and maintain community continuity. Funding flows from a $1 billion Ward 8 investment package, illustrating the city’s commitment to scaling affordable housing through public‑private partnerships and leveraging federal, state, and local resources.

The broader implications extend beyond the immediate neighborhood. Adding 90 units contributes to D.C.’s goal of delivering 5,000 new affordable homes by 2030, a target set to counter rising rents and housing scarcity. Successful execution could serve as a template for other redevelopment projects in historically underserved districts, demonstrating how sizable public capital can be marshaled to preserve cultural heritage while delivering modern, affordable living spaces. As the Barry Farm site progresses toward its 900‑unit vision, stakeholders will watch closely for lessons on community engagement, financing structures, and the long‑term socioeconomic impact on Ward 8 residents.