12-Story Affordable Housing Apartment Complex Opens In Rosslyn

ROSSLYN, VA — Arlington County public officials and affordable housing advocates gathered Tuesday to cut the ribbon on the Queens Court Apartments, a new 12-story affordable housing community in Rosslyn.

The 249-unit apartment complex at 1615 18th St. N. is the latest effort by Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to provide much-needed housing for the county's lower income populace.

“We are excited to be cutting the ribbon, signifying a new chapter in the lives of 249 individuals and families who will call this community home,” said Nina Janopaul, APAH president and CEO, in a release. “Our largest and most ambitious project to date, Queens Court makes a significant dent in meeting the area’s affordable housing goals and provides beautiful, affordable homes to essential workers, seniors, and so many others earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income.”

Sen. Mark Warner, who was one of the speakers at Tuesday's ribbon cutting, said in a release that he was proud of the partnership between APAH and the community for bringing the project forward to completion.

“With affordable housing continuing to be a challenge all across the country, these new apartments will help attract more folks to live, work, and raise a family in the Commonwealth," he said.

In order to make the construction of Queens Court a reality, the Arlington County Board needed to approve a $16.7 million loan from the Affordable Housing Investment Fund.

“Quality affordable housing units are in high demand in Arlington. This project adds to our supply of units and does so in a needed area of Rosslyn,” Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said, in a release. “We are proud to support this project to help fulfill a critical goal we share with APAH: housing affordability for years to come in a location that is accessible and will help the neighborhood, residents, and our community thrive.”

APAH also received 4 percent and 9 percent tax credits from Virginia Housing, which allowed the partnership to generate $43 million in equity investment. In addition, APAH was able to take advantage of other Virginia Housing programs to help find additional funding for the $107 million project.

As it has in five other projects, Bank of America served APAH's as equity investor for Queens Court. The BOA invested $43 million or the project and provided a $26 million loan for construction.

Queens Court Apartments, which is part of the wider, Western Area Planning Study (WRAPS), offers 210 affordable apartments, with a mix of studio and 1-3 bedroom units. Residents will be able to take advantage of handicapped accessible apartments, underground parking, a business center, common spaces, and onsite laundry facilities. A 9,000-square-foot park and playground will be also be open to residents and the surrounding community.