What's in the Works

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential, and The Communities Group are proposing a plan that reimagines the Samuel Madden House as a sustainable mixed-use community with affordable and workforce housing. The plan includes brand new homes for current residents, as well as new on-site amenities, including courtyards, management offices, pool, exercise rooms, and indoor and outdoor community rooms.

The redeveloped Samuel Madden community will also include 13,300 square feet of retail, and a 13,500-square-foot early learning and childcare center run by The Hopkins House, a non-profit institution in Alexandria since 1939. The site would also be home to a proposed 500-square-foot food hub, increasing food security by providing more access to fresh food and vegetables.

Additionally, in line with Alexandria’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis, the team will be partnering with the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech to incorporate green design elements, strategies to reduce energy and water consumption, and pursue sustainability certifications.

What's There Now

The site is currently a 66-unit affordable housing community.

What's Happening Next

ARHA and the development partners submitted a concept plan to the city and will begin meeting with civic associations, neighborhood groups, zoning and planning boards, and obtain City Council approval for the final Plan.