Affordable housing adjacent to George Mason University marks a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) milestone
Today, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), together with SCG Development Partners and various elected officials, marked the grand opening of One University, 240 affordable homes for families and older adults adjacent to George Mason University.
“I am extremely proud to see that Fairfax County has successfully implemented HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) authority with One University,” said HUD Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Matt Heckles. “As the first RAD property in the nation to obtain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval for demolition and redevelopment, One University was the beginning of a national phenomenon. HUD has converted through RAD more than 170,000 units and generated over $17.7 billion for rehabilitation or reconstruction of these deeply rent-assisted homes, most of which housing extremely low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.”
“One University is a shining example of what is possible when we inject affordable housing solutions with creativity, innovation, and partnership,” said Lenore Stanton, Chair, FCRHA. “This development marks our first time partnering with a major university to deliver a solution that benefits the entire community across generations.”
“The One University development typifies the power of public-private partnerships. The grand opening of this multi-generational affordable housing development, which also includes student housing to serve George Mason University, is a meaningful step toward fostering stronger, more inclusive communities. By bringing together families, seniors, and students into one vibrant community, we're creating opportunities for connection, support, and shared growth. It's a model for affordable housing that works for everyone, no matter their age or stage in life."
“George Mason University is key to Fairfax County’s greater economic development strategy, both as a major employer, and in its cultivation of tomorrow’s leaders. The partnership to create One University delivers a multifaceted affordable housing solution across generations, and provides much-needed student housing for the university,” said Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“The FCRHA’s partnership with HUD, along with its Moving to Work designation, provided the flexibility to design affordable housing customized to Fairfax County’s unique needs and opportunities. This ongoing partnership with our federal government will be critical as we continue to work toward our goal of 10,000 net new affordable homes by 2034,” said James Walkinshaw, Braddock District Supervisor, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
One University Marks a national affordable housing milestone
One University marks a milestone in affordable housing as the first Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) property in the nation to obtain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval for demolition and redevelopment. Traditionally, the FCRHA, in coordination with HUD, would update and renovate RAD units in accordance with its capital plan. In the case of One University, the 48 dated townhomes of Robinson Square were completely replaced with modern, high quality, energy efficient apartments. This quintupled the density of affordable housing on the land. FCRHA and HUD worked closely to create a process which countless other RAD properties may follow to preserve and create affordable housing in communities across the nation.
Market-rate student housing generates income for affordable housing
FCRHA maintains a ground lease for the GMU student housing building with RISE which generates more than $700,000 annually in income for FCRHA. The market-rate student housing is also subject to real estate taxes, which adds revenue back into Fairfax County’s coffers.
Three ground leases deliver affordable housing and market-rate student housing
Two affordable housing ground leases required One University, at no cost to the FCRHA, to design, develop, construct, own, and operate the 240 affordable units. The ground leases will run for terms of 99 years and will require that the units be 100 percent affordable, with only nominal ground rent.
The market-rate student housing ground lease also required the developer of One University, at no cost to the FCRHA, to design, develop, construct, own, and operate the 333 units. The student housing ground lease is intact for 99 years and requires market rate rent paid to the FCRHA.
Substantial amount of affordable housing is delivered with a substantial amount of amenities
One University is available to households with income levels at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The property includes a mix of bedroom sizes and it is close to public transportation, shopping and restaurants, grocery stores and GMU campus amenities. Ten percent of the units in each building are ADA compliant. Common area amenities include a business center, cyber lounge, outdoor courtyard, underground parking with plaza built on top, bike storage, fitness center, and more. The affordable housing buildings are managed separately but operate together with student housing – a true multigenerational, mixed-income project.
Relocating existing residents and services
Existing Robinson Square residents were provided off-site accommodation during construction. As of August 2024, these families began moving into their new affordable homes on the site. The existing FCRHA Board Room space was relocated to the affordable multi-family building.
How to apply
Interested persons can apply directly to One University Properties:
Comments