Ilda’s Overlook
Update
03/25/24
Ilda’s Overlook Senior Residences Welcomes Residents in the Braddock District of Fairfax County
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), Fairfax County officials, and project partners celebrated the grand opening of Ilda’s Overlook Senior Residences yesterday. This new community provides 80 affordable homes to seniors ages 62 and above with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI). Ilda’s Overlook was built in partnership with Erickson Senior Living, who selected APAH as the affordable housing partner for the Woodleigh Chase Senior Living Community site, which was formerly the Northern Virginia Training Center. Ilda’s Overlook contributes to Fairfax County’s goal to increase the number of affordable housing units by 10,000 units by 2034. “The delivery of Ilda’s Overlook puts us at almost 1,000 new, affordable homes delivered since January of 2020. By the end of the calendar year, we will be close to 1,500 new homes. This is great progress and demonstrates that affordable housing belongs in all corners of Fairfax County, and across all generations,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay.
About Ilda’s Overlook
The property’s name, Ilda’s Overlook, is a nod to Black history in Fairfax County. It references a community founded by Moses Parker and Horace Gibson, two blacksmiths who were formerly enslaved but purchased their freedom and a plot of land after the Civil War. They created a bustling, integrated neighborhood and named it after Gibson’s daughter Matilda’s affectionate nickname, Ilda. “One of APAH’s core values is racial equity, and we lead with this lens. It’s exciting to honor local history while we build for the future and strive for a more inclusive region,” said APAH President and CEO, Carmen Romero.
Ilda’s Overlook is thoughtfully designed for independent seniors to age in place, foster social connections, and build a sense of community. The property is 100% Universal Design, ensuring accessibility to residents of varying ages and physical abilities, and is built to EarthCraft Gold standards, a high bar for sustainable construction and reduced energy consumption. Ilda’s Overlook is APAH's first property to include rooftop solar panels, incorporating clean, renewable energy and reducing energy bills for lower-income residents. Amenities at Ilda’s Overlook include in-unit washers and dryers, free Wi-Fi access for all residents, shared community spaces, a fitness and wellness suite, and community gardens.
(Photo credit: Jon Fleming Photography)
