A new approach

Published January 18, 2017 by Paula C. Squires

Union on Queen, a $77.2 million, mixed-income multifamily community has opened in Arlington under a concept that helps Arlington County meet goals for affordable housing

Developed by the Bozzuto Group and nonprofit developer Wesley Housing Development Corp., the community at 1515 N. Queen St. in downtown Arlington has 193 apartments of which 78 (40 percent) are designated as affordable housing. These units are open to households earning 50 to 60 percent of the area’s median income of $106,484.

The project offers both market-rate apartments and affordable-rate apartments. Under affordable rates, for instance, a bedroom with 714 square feet that would go for $1,018 would be more than $2,000 at the market rate. 

According to the developers, the idea behind mixed-income communities with affordable housing is that teachers, police officers and firefighters, as well as low-income renters or retired people living on Social Security, can live in the neighborhoods where they work.

“This community welcomes everyone no matter where they fall on the economic scale,” Shelley Murphy, president, Wesley Housing Development, said in a statement.  “… We are creating stabilized neighborhoods with quality living arrangements for residents with mixed-incomes and for families. This development is significant in Arlington County’s Affordable Housing Master Plan and provides housing for a broad range of Arlington residents.” 

Arlington County Housing Director David Cristeal said the project — one of the few mixed-income housing developments in the area — “represents the next generation of housing affordability because it is better integrated into the surrounding community, has features that will help its residents save money with access to more ways to get to and from work, and helps to strengthen our economy.”

Union at Queen has access to Route 50, 1-66 and the George Washington Parkway. The 12-story, LEED silver certified development is considered a transit-oriented community because of its proximity to the Orange, Blue and Silver Metro lines at the Rosslyn and Courthouse stations.

Floor plans include studio apartments and one- two- and three-bedrooms. Among the amenities are a clubroom, e-lounge, fitness center, outdoor kitchens with a fire pit and rooftop deck with views of the U.S. Capitol.

Architectural firm Davis Carter designed the community, with interior design by Design Works. Bozzuto Construction Co., based in Greenbelt, Md., served as the general contractor.

Support came from Arlington County, the Virginia Housing Development Authority and financial partners Capital One Financial Corp., Hudson Housing, Walker & Dunlop and Freddie Mac.

“Affordable housing helps strengthen communities and partnering to play a role in that process is exciting,” Ed Delany, senior vice president Community Finance, Capital One, said in a statement.