The Green Gobbler

Another Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing project commences along the Columbia Pike Corridor

APAH is known for putting together meaningful projects that bring together community and sustainability. At their most recent ground breaking celebration for the Buchanan Gardens project at 914 Buchanan Street in Arlington Virginia in the heart of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization’s turf for building strong sustainable community, APAH unveiled to the residents and community their plans to undergo major renovations which will bring energy efficiency and sustainability to this steadfast group of residents.

Through partnerships with the Virginia Housing Development Authority, VHDA and EarthCraft House, APAH,  “the only non-profit affordable housing  developer working exclusively in Arlington and the largest owner of committed affordable housing on Columbia Pike” has been able to create a community which will enable its current residents to enjoy a quality of life that will be healthier, more comfortable and affordable right in the heart of Arlington. EarthCraft will be providing the third party verification services to ensure that the project is staying on target for the level of energy efficiency that they wish to achieve on this project.

Watch this short video from the Buchanan Gardens Ground Breaking Ceremony:

At the ground breaking ceremony last week, APAH had one of the current Buchanan Garden residents speak on why she was so excited about the renovation project and what it meant to her and her family. As an immigrant and single mother, having affordable housing is imperative to her, and the fact that APAH made it very clear that they planned to make the transition simple for the residents meant so very much to her. It is quite clear that sustainability doesn’t just mean green building all of the time; it also includes the element of affordability, and this comes into play with the cost of living associated with the cost of operations as well as development costs. Sustainable building is something that APAH is passionate about and they bring it full circle when they involve their residents in their plans for redevelopment and renovation. APAH notes that “residents, relocated temporarily during a three-phase renovation, will return to an apartment community that has increased energy efficiency, all new systems and finishes, new interior fixtures and appliances, family friendly units, a community room and playground… Post renovation Buchanan Gardens will be 100% affordable.”