Alexandria Proposes 91-Unit Affordable Housing Project
The proposed complex on Elbert Avenue would replace older apartments and provide new housing options for low-income families.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Apartments
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Alexandria officials are reviewing plans for a new 91-unit affordable housing complex on Elbert Avenue. The project, which targets renters earning 30% to 60% of the area median income, will replace three 1940s-era apartment buildings.
Why it matters
The development aims to increase the local supply of affordable housing, though the project currently faces a funding gap that requires city-approved tax abatements and zoning amendments to resolve.
The proposed site at 3908, 3912, and 3916 Elbert Avenue will feature 182 bedrooms across 91 units. This expansion significantly exceeds the capacity of the original 28 apartments that were vacated during the summer of 2026.
The players
Community Lodgings
An organization focused on providing housing and support services to low-income families in the Alexandria area.
Wesley Housing
A developer and non-profit partner known for building and managing affordable residential communities.
Alexandria City Council
The local governing body responsible for reviewing zoning changes, tax abatements, and large-scale development permits.
The details
The project involves demolishing three older buildings to construct a larger facility capable of housing more low-income families. Community Lodgings and partner Wesley Housing are working to secure tax-exempt financing to close the project's funding gap. If city officials approve the necessary zoning changes, construction is slated to begin in 2027.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Residents relocated from the original apartment buildings.
October 27, 2026: Alexandria City Council reviewed the development project plans.
November 5, 2026: Planning Commission public hearing scheduled regarding the zoning amendment.
April 2027: Construction is expected to break ground.
The Home Front
This proposal reflects a growing local trend of replacing mid-century multifamily structures with higher-density, deed-restricted affordable units. The requested zoning amendment underscores how municipal land-use policies are being recalibrated to support modern affordability goals.
Residents of the Arlandria area should monitor upcoming Planning Commission hearings if they wish to provide public comment on the site's density. Those following the city's housing pipeline can expect construction activity to begin in the spring of 2027 if the current financing plans are finalized.
The takeaway
This project highlights a significant effort to modernize the local affordable housing stock by expanding capacity on existing residential parcels. Future updates on the project's viability will depend on the upcoming city council decisions regarding the tax and zoning requests.
What happens next
The Planning Commission is set to hold a public hearing regarding the required zoning amendment on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local rental trends in Alexandria Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ALXnow | Alexandria, Va. breaking news, local events and community happenings.
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