Barry Farm Aquatic Center and The SeVerna on K Ribbon Cuttings
Last December, the New Communities Initiative celebrated two important ribbon cuttings on projects that bring quality affordable housing and recreational opportunities to District residents.
On Saturday, December 13, 2014, city officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the opening of the new Barry Farm indoor Aquatic Center in Ward 8. The Barry Farm Aquatic Center is part of the New Communities Initiative, through collaboration with the District of Columbia Housing Authority, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services. The new 8,800 square foot indoor Aquatic Center replaces an outdoor aquatic facility and features a 6-lane, 25-meter, fully ADA-accessible lap pool, a leisure pool with beach entry, and a waterslide.
The Aquatic Center is the first phase of the $26 million Barry Farm Recreation Center renovation project that began in 2013. When completed, the approximately 32,000 square foot facility will feature an indoor gymnasium with seating for 250 people, a fitness room, computer lab, kitchen, teen room, senior lounge and multipurpose rooms. Outside, there will be a multipurpose field for football, baseball, and soccer, a press box, community gardens, basketball courts, a playground and below grade parking structure.
The Aquatic Center is free to District residents with proof of ID or DC One Card. The Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30am-8:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm. A variety of swimming classes are offered for youth, adults, and seniors, and the full programming schedule can be accessed on the Department of Parks and Recreation website, featured here: http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=27.
In addition, on Thursday, December 11, 2014 city officials joined development partners Mission First Housing Group, the Henson Development Company, and members of Bible Way Church, to celebrate the grand opening of The SeVerna on K, a newly constructed 133-unit mixed-income apartment building in Ward 6 in Washington, DC located at 43 K Street NW. The development is an important milestone in the redevelopment of the Northwest One New Community, adding to SeVerna Phase I, and the recently completed 2M Street. The financing for the development involved a number of public and private partners, which included tax exempt bonds issued by the DC Housing Finance Agency, under a private placement structure with Bank of America. The Department of Housing and Community Development provided HOME funding, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development provided $3.6 million in gap funding through the New Communities Initiative. PNC Bank served as the equity investor. The mixed income building includes 48 replacement units set aside for individuals and families previously relocated from the neighborhood under the Northwest One New Communities program.
The SeVerna on K includes studio, one and two bedroom units with underground parking. Amenities include a club room, fitness room, business center, lounge, and roof deck with views of the Capitol. The building incorporates many green design features that will enhance livability for residents. For more information about the property and leasing opportunities, visit www.SeVernaonK.com.
