Wesley Housing Opens The Arden – A Transit-Oriented, Multifamily, Mixed-Use Affordable Community

Wesley Housing, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Fairfax County officials, and project partners gathered on January 13, 2023 to celebrate the grand opening of The Arden. Located at 2317 Huntington Avenue at the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Biscayne Drive, The Arden offers 10 efficiencies, 26 one bedrooms, 76 two bedrooms, 14 three bedrooms, and 11 fully accessible units for families with household incomes at or below 40% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). There are also 12 project-based vouchers from the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority to serve extremely-low-income households and individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, the 7,500 sq. ft of space on the ground floor of the building will serve as Wesley Housing’s new main office.

The seven-story building in the Mount Vernon District of Fairfax County is situated in a transit-oriented neighborhood just one block from the Huntington Metro, connecting residents to employment and commercial centers throughout the region. The community is also located one half mile from 495 and Route 1, providing residents with easy access to bus transit routes, shopping, jobs, and amenities. Residents of The Arden will enjoy a community room with access to computers, free in-unit and common area Wifi, a courtyard patio, bike storage, on-site laundry facilities, and garage parking. The Arden also meets Energy Star® and EarthCraft Multifamily Gold green building standards.

“The Arden is a prime example of the progress we can make as a community, with the private and public sectors working together on providing affordable housing options in vibrant neighborhoods,” said Chairman Jeffrey McKay, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “This inclusive community not only contains state-of-the-art affordable homes, but the amenities and resources for people to remain in their homes for years to come. As we work toward our goal of developing 10,000 new affordable homes by the year 2034, The Arden serves as a true model of innovation and partnership.”

Following tremendous collaboration between the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Fairfax County and the local community, Wesley Housing with the support of key partners such as Heffner Architects, WCS Construction, and Walter L. Phillips has delivered its largest construction to date. With a development cost of $59 million that was creatively funded by 12 local, state, federal and private sources, The Arden is a prime example of a cooperative effort using all the tools across several toolboxes.

“Not only does this beautiful new building provide affordable homes for our local workforce, but it also supports our workforce as the headquarters of Wesley Housing,” said Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck. “This is a win-win for our economy and residents. As Supervisor of the Mount Vernon District, I am thrilled to see the progress we are making on revitalizing our area and ensuring that affordable housing options are a part of this effort so that all who want to live and work here can continue to do so. My revitalization commitment to you is ‘Leave No One Behind.’”

Wesley Property Management will manage the community and Wesley Housing’s on-site resident services team will provide year-round programs and services for the individuals and families who began moving in earlier this month. In addition, local nonprofit partners, Our Stomping Ground and Community Residences Inc. (CRi), will provide supportive services to residents with developmental disabilities or with mental health needs.

“The Arden is a true representation of our vision for a holistic approach to housing,” said new Wesley Housing President/CEO Kamilah McAfee. “This property offers more than a roof over heads, it provides a critical foundation along with wrap-around services that will strengthen and stabilize households in our community for years to come,” McAfee added.

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