Dismissal of nearly decade-old complaint paves the way for community-serving redevelopment at 1800 Columbia Road

Washington, DC — On December 3, members of the Kalorama Citizens Association and Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development gathered at Jubilee Housing’s headquarters to finalize an agreement that formally ends an almost decade-long lawsuit. The 1800 Columbia Road property has long been a point of conflict, but this signing clears the way for the site to become a place “where people can just be,” said Adams Morgan resident Tara Vassefi, referencing the plaza at Columbia Road and 18th Street.

Debate over the site’s future dates back to the 1970s, including whether the 4,000-square-foot parcel should remain a public plaza. In 2016, SunTrust agreed to sell the land to developer Hoffman & Associates, but protests and legal challenges stalled their plans. During the pandemic, the plaza became an informal encampment before being fenced off. The property was later donated to Jubilee Housing by Truist, which plans to create approximately 50 deeply affordable homes with ground-floor retail.

“It is an honor to be a part of this moment. This eight-year dispute has ended through listening and understanding,” said Jim Knight, Jubilee Housing President and CEO. “We believe stewarding this historic corner will allow us to serve people through deeply affordable housing while transforming a site marked by conflict into a place of belonging and joy.”

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About Jubilee Housing 

Jubilee Housing builds strong, compassionate communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. Through what we call Justice Housing®, we create deeply affordable homes paired with on-site and nearby support services, in neighborhoods with access to good schools, transit, groceries, and jobs. Together, we’re building more than just housing, we’re creating pathways to opportunity. Learn more at jubileehousing.org.