WASHINGTON, DC - The NRP Group, a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder and manager of multifamily housing, in partnership with Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. (MHCDO), announced the completion and opening of Emblem Apartments, a 115-unit affordable housing community located in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s NoMa and Union Market neighborhoods. The new community expands access to high-quality, deeply affordable housing in one of the district's most dynamic and high-cost neighborhoods, with all homes reserved for individuals and families earning up to 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The milestone was celebrated with a grand opening celebration on Sept. 23 that brought together local officials, financial partners and community leaders.
“We call this community ‘Emblem’ for a reason: because it is emblematic of how NRP and our partners are committed to bringing deeply affordable housing to high-access, high-opportunity neighborhoods,” said Chris Marshall, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group. “Together with MHCDO and our public and private partners, we transformed a small, oddly-shaped site into 115 high-quality homes that help families easily reach jobs, transit and everyday amenities. This community shows what’s possible when mission-driven partners come together to expand access to opportunity and deliver housing that will help DC residents for years to come.”
Located at 301 Florida Avenue NE in Washington, D.C., Emblem Apartments is a 13-story flatiron apartment building on a triangular site just over one mile from the U.S. Capitol Building. Immediately adjacent to the Union Market District, the community puts residents within walking distance of a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment destinations, as well as several grocery stores, high-performing schools and the Metropolitan Branch Trail, serving commuters and recreation-seekers alike. Residents also have convenient access to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metro Rail system and two high-frequency bus lines, providing connections to work, school and recreation throughout the District.
“For more than 47 years, MHCDO has worked to create pathways to greater stability and economic mobility for individuals and families across the District,” said Babatunde Oloyede, President and CEO of Marshall Heights Community Development Organization. “With Emblem, we are bringing that mission to life through a community that pairs quality affordable housing with the services and resources residents need to move forward. From financial education to entrepreneurship and economic mobility programming, our goal is to help residents build greater stability today while creating stronger financial futures for themselves and their families.”
"Emblem is a powerful example of what can be achieved when strong financing tools, committed partners, and a shared vision come together to address the District's housing needs," said Colleen Green, Director of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development. "Transforming an underutilized site into deeply affordable homes creates opportunities for District residents to live in NoMa and enjoy a higher quality of life. We are proud to have supported this project from its earliest stages and to celebrate the grand opening today.
Designed to build connection and support residents at every stage of life, Emblem features a variety of community-focused amenities, including a dedicated toddler playroom, oversized bike storage, and a multipurpose community room that serves as a hub for resident programming, events and gatherings.
Residents will also have access to supportive services and programming designed to promote long-term economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Offerings include targeted financial education, entrepreneurship resources and economic mobility programming, providing residents with tools and opportunities to strengthen their financial futures.
Emblem Apartments was made possible through a collaborative financing structure involving the DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), DC Housing Authority (DCHA), DC Green Bank and Bank of America. The project represents NRP’s first affordable housing development in Washington, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area remains a priority for The NRP Group and this completion reflects strong confidence in the region’s long-term rental housing market. The NRP Group has developed more than 68,000 apartment homes since 1994, and currently manages over 33,000 residential units across the U.S.