Jubilee Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at 1724 Kalorama Road NW
Former TransCentury commercial space now home to 25 affordable apartments and a new arts hub
Washington, DC — Last week, outside a historic building first constructed in 1923, Jubilee Housing gathered with government officials, funders, community partners and neighbors to celebrate the ribbon cutting of 1724 Kalorama Road NW—a once-vacant commercial space now reborn as 25 units of affordable housing and a space for opportunity.
“It’s a deep joy to be here celebrating this milestone,” expressed Alex Orfinger, Jubilee Board Chair and Washington Business Journal’s Market President and Publisher. “I remember when 1724 Kalorama was abandoned — for as long as I can remember, going back to when I first lived in Adams Morgan. And now, to see it transformed into homes that will change lives — it’s extraordinary.”
The 22,000-square-foot building, which had long stood empty, will now include 25 affordable apartments for families and a new residential hub on the penthouse level. The ground floor will soon welcome Sitar Arts Center’s expansion—Sitar Next Door—bringing arts education and career development opportunities to even more District youth.
“Inside, D.C. youth will find a recording studio, a media arts lab, a video production area, and a professionally equipped theater space. Now we can offer career development programs all year long, with the technology needed to bring them to the next level,” said Maureen Dwyer, Executive Director of Sitar Arts Center.
Acquired by Jubilee Housing in 2018, the property is a major step forward in expanding deeply affordable, family-sized housing in Adams Morgan. Two-thirds of the new apartments are two- and three bedroom units—meeting a citywide need for larger homes. Two-thirds will also be reserved for families earning at or below 30% of the area median income.
“I get to stand here on a beautiful October day in the heart of Adam’s Morgan to Celebrate Jubilee Housing’s latest project,” said Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development. “I just walked through the building and there’s 3-bedroom units for families at the deepest level of affordability. When I think about what we aspire to as a city, as a community of people, it’s always about how we make sure there’s opportunity for all to thrive in every part of our city.”
Jubilee Housing is deeply grateful to its partners whose support made this vision a reality. Long-time government partners: tax exempt bond financing from the DC Housing Finance Agency, gap financing from the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development and Local Rent Subsidy Program funds from the DC Housing Authority. Private partners: JP Morgan Chase, R4 Capital, RiseImpact Capital, and Enterprise Community Loan Fund. The project also debuts funding from Justice Housing Partners LP, an impact investment fund sponsored by Jubilee Housing.
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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.