Lynhaven Apartments—Wesley Housing’s First Purchase in the City of Alexandria

“We have made a commitment to affordable housing both in the City and in the region, and this is a good opportunity to live up to that commitment.”
                         —(Former) Alexandria Mayor Kerry J. Donley

 Wesley Housing Development Corporation purchased Lynhaven Apartments, the organization’s first community in the City of Alexandria, in June 2002.  Today, 80 children and adults enjoy upgraded amenities and landscaping at Lynhaven.

The preservation effort for this 28-unit garden-style property, located in a lovely tree-lined Alexandria neighborhood, represented an innovative collaboration between several entities, including Wesley Housing, Carpenter’s Shelter, Northern Virginia’s largest homeless shelter, and the City of Alexandria.  Carpenter’s Shelter pledged $250,000 of support for use of four (4) apartments for formerly homeless families in transition.  The City of Alexandria approved a loan of $325,000 from its Housing Trust Fund (HTF)—fees paid by developers to subsidize area affordable housing. The project was the City’s first HTF public/private partnership.

Wesley Housing subsequently invested $210,000 of its resources to rehabilitate the Lynhaven community. To assist with the rehabilitation, the Virginia Housing Preservation Fund (VHPF) awarded Wesley Housing a $75,000 loan (one of only 11 loans of its kind awarded last year).  The rehabilitation, which includes a new roof and furnaces, thermal pane windows, landscaping, and new paint, carpeting, appliances, and bathroom fixtures in select apartments, has significantly upgraded the livability, overall condition, and appearance of the property. 

Of the 28-units, Wesley Housing has maintained 16 apartments as affordable units, including the four (4) units committed to formerly homeless families transitioning from Carpenter’s Shelter’s program, and rent the remaining units at market rates. Affordable apartments are rented to families or individuals who earn 50 % of the area median income of $91,500, or $43,500 for a family of four in 2002. 

 “This is exactly the kind of project that we should be supporting,” said Alexandria Councilwoman Joyce Woodson.  Permanent ownership by Wesley Housing preserves Lynhaven’s affordability indefinitely, compared to the 15-year lifespan of affordability in a Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) transaction with a for-profit general partner.

The success of families and individuals transitioning into permanent rental housing will be insured through supports offered by a Carpenter’s Shelter caseworker. Each family stays for 18 months and works with the caseworker to ensure stability and movement into steady employment.  “This collaboration represents a community effort to provide a continuum of care to those at risk of homelessness in Northern Virginia,” said Fran Becker, Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter.

Interim financing was provided by Southern Financial Bank and Acacia Federal Savings Bank. Virginia Housing Development Authority SPARC (Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities) provided the permanent mortgage.

For information about Lynhaven Apartments, call site manager Karen Howard (703) 548-0093.