Gilbane Development, City Officials and Development Partners Celebrate Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking for 100% Affordable Barnaby & 7th in Washington, DC
Barnaby & 7th: Delivering 518 Homes across six buildings with Community-Focused Amenities and Support Services in a Transit-Friendly Location
Washington, DC (June 11, 2025) – Gilbane Development, along with City officials, community leaders, MED Developers, Equity Plus Manager LLC, and Housing Help Plus (HHP), celebrated the ribbon-cutting of The Upland, phase one of three in the larger Barnaby & 7th affordable housing redevelopment project. The team simultaneously broke ground on Phase 2, which consists of 229 units across four buildings.
The project reinforces Gilbane’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for the D.C. community. The ceremony featured remarks from Marcus Ervin, SVP of Multifamily Lending and Neighborhood Investments, District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA), Brett Macleod, Executive Director of Community Development Banking [at] J.P. Morgan , Bruce Finland, Managing Member, MED Developers, Avram Fechter, Managing Director, Equity Plus, Sean Cullen, Managing Director and Program Manager, M&T Realty Capital Corp., and members of the Gilbane development team.
“Addressing the affordable housing crisis requires strong partnerships, and Barnaby & 7th exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration, said Yarojin Robinson, Senior Vice President, Gilbane Development. “Gilbane Development is proud to be a part of this joint effort to create high-quality, affordable housing solutions in Washington, D.C. By working together, we’re ensuring that residents not only have access to safe and stable housing, but also the essential services and opportunities that foster long-term community growth and success.”
The Upland (Phase 1) brings 169 units with a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments for households earning 30 percent and 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and including 34 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units made possible by the 34 Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) project-based rental assistance. In collaboration with HHP, The Upland has a space dedicated to comprehensive case management services, following a Housing First approach. The Upland, which is welcoming returning residents from the previous Belmont Crossing Apartments complex, is 25 percent pre-leased.
The Upland’s community amenities include a garden and amphitheater, a courtyard with a playground, separate dog parks for small and large dogs, and a cellar level with a computer lab, library, multi-purpose room, gym, and yoga rooms. Additionally, the first floor of The Upland offers a flexible lounge and a community room.
Green roofs across the project are designed to meet DC’s stormwater management requirements and accommodate solar panels, both of which help reduce environmental impacts and the project’s carbon footprint.
Barnaby & 7th,, which is well-served by metro bus lines and major highways, features a new public road to further support residents and Washington DC’s transit-oriented development policy. The Upland also offers a below-grade garage with 58 parking spaces.
“Today, we celebrate completion of The Upland, the first phase of Washington DC’s exciting Barnaby & 7th redevelopment project. We warmly welcome both returning and new residents,” said Bobvala Tengen, Senior Development Manager, Gilbane Development Company. “The Upland not only delivers much-needed affordable housing with top-quality amenities that enhance comfort and livability but also sets the stage for a community-driven transformation of the Washington Highlands.”
The groundbreaking of Phase 2 of the redevelopment project is also being celebrated today. This phase will bring 229 units across four different buildings, with a mix of studios to three-bedroom apartments catering to households earning 30%, 50%, and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Twenty percent of the homes will be set-aside as PSH units administered by DC’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS). A key amenity of Phase 2 is a pedestrian walkway that will enhance connectivity between all six of the project’s buildings. Phase two is set to open in fall 2026.
“Welcoming residents to The Upland is a proud moment for all of us—it marks the beginning of a thriving, connected community designed to enhance quality of life,” said Stacey Hunter, Director of Asset Management, Gilbane Development. “We remain deeply committed to delivering exceptional housing and amenities that foster comfort, stability, and a true sense of home for everyone who lives here. ”
“This project represents the second phase of a transformative investment in the neighborhood bringing new highly amenitized housing for the residents of the Washington Highlands community,” said Christopher Donald, DCHFA Executive Director and CEO. “This beautiful, affordable and healthy housing represents the best we have to give to the people of our city. I look forward to the next phase and much more. “
“This project is another example of the District’s willingness to collaborate with tenants who take action and are committed to preserving affordability,” said Colleen Green, Director of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). “Mayor Muriel Bowser’s leadership encourages us to find innovate solutions with our financial tools so that long-time District residents can stay in the city.”
“Delivery of this project represents a promise kept to our tenant-partners who were instrumental in driving this process to completion. We strive every day to uphold their trust and faith as we build this community together,” said J. Maxwell Finland, Executive Director, Housing Help Plus.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to work for an organization whose mission is to create safe, affordable communities,” said Darren Swanson, Managing Director of Red Stone Equity Partners. “Barnaby & 7th is especially meaningful, providing beautiful replacement housing and serving as an economic catalyst for a promising neighborhood. Red Stone is proud to have contributed $41.5 million in tax credit equity and is deeply grateful to our partners—especially Gilbane Development—for bringing this vision to life.”
“When I first began working with the Tenant Association over eight years ago, none of us envisioned this project would grow to this scale, scope, and design. Now that it’s built, we’re incredibly proud to still be involved.” Bruce Finland, Managing Member, MED Developers.
“It has been a tough road, and the development team encountered many unforeseen challenges as we embarked on the long journey to rescue this slumlord property and redevelop the neighborhood into a desirable and affordable place to live. The on-going partnership between the tenants, ownership team, and the DC Government is a shining example that you can have big dreams and see them through if you are working with the right group of organizations and people,” said Avram Fechter, Managing Director, EquityPlus Manager
“We are proud to support Gilbane Development Company on the transformative Belmont Crossing Redevelopment project, which marks a significant milestone in providing affordable housing solutions in Washington, D.C.,” said Brett Macleod, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan. “This project will transform the lives of hundreds of residents by offering stable housing and essential social services at no cost to the residents, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in the Washington Highlands neighborhood.”
“M&T Realty Capital Corporation is pleased to provide a Fannie Mae forward commitment loan in support of Gilbane’s efforts to expand affordable housing in Washington, D.C. This financing reflects our continued dedication to strengthening communities and increasing access to quality housing for local residents,” Sean Cullen, M&T Realty Capital Corporation Affordable Housing Platform Manager. “Phase III will potentially include an additional 120-unit rental project in one multifamily building funded by the federal government’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.”
When complete, Barnaby & 7th will deliver 518 new affordable housing units located at the intersection of 7th Street, SE and Barnaby Road, SE. The location is transit-friendly, well-served by metro bus lines and major highways, providing safe and convenient access to various parts of Washington DC. The development fosters a sense of community by offering amenities designed to enhance the quality of life, ensuring residents have a comfortable and supportive environment to call home. All residents of Barnaby & 7th will benefit from on-site social services focused on wellness, education, and employment, alongside financial education classes to assist residents in retaining housing and improving their quality of life.
Gilbane Development remains committed to developing dynamic communities by leveraging its expertise in sustainable, community-focused development, creating affordable living spaces that foster long-term growth and prosperity for the community and its residents.
For more information about this project visit barnaby7th.com
About Gilbane Development
Gilbane Development is the real estate development, financing, and ownership arm of Gilbane, Inc., a 155-year-old family-owned company. With over $11.8 billion in development and more than 25,000 units of housing completed/underway, Gilbane Development’s projects incorporate every aspect of real estate including: multifamily housing (market rate apartments, student housing, and affordable housing); mixed-used developments; healthcare facilities; K-12 schools; government facilities; and many types of facilities delivered through public-private partnerships. To learn more, visit gilbaneco.com.