Project Description
Opened in August 2024, Terrace Manor is a 156,000 square foot, 4-story, 130-unit property. All units are affordable, with rents based on 30%, 50% and 60% AMI.
Terrace Manor had been a safe, well-maintained community. But neglect by the former landlord lead to decay, rodent and mold infestation, extensive water damage, and serious crime. In 2016, the DC Office of the Attorney General sued the building’s former owner.
The case eventually landed in Bankruptcy Court and Terrace Manor was put up for sale. Working with Bread for the City, the Terrace Manor Tenants Association approached WC Smith about buying the 11-building, 61-unit complex. WC Smith acquired the property in 2017.
WC Smith moved the 13 families who lived at Terrace Manor to our nearby properties and paid all relocation expenses. Tenants were given the right of first refusal for units in the new property. The property was rezoned under a PUD and the buildings razed in June 2022.
Throughout the design process, the development team engaged with the tenant association to ensure that the residents’ input was incorporated into plans for the new building.
The team jettisoned the old, scattered building blueprint in favor of a single, L-shaped building. This offers multiple benefits, including all new building materials offering high efficiency and healthy living; community spaces that allow for residents to meet and socialize; and better security, with a secure front entrance and fob access to each floor.
The building features modern systems and amenity spaces, including a gym, business center, community room, community garden, playground, secure garage parking, elevator, a package room, an onsite leasing team and a 24/7-staffed front desk. There are 48 secured bicycle parking spaces in the garage.
Certified LEED Gold, Terrace Manor has a 14,774 square foot green/136kw solar array roof and a bioretention pond, with high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting and low-flow fixtures. All stormwater management is conducted on site. There are EV charging stations in the garage.
