HomeFront

AHC Inc. is a private, nonprofitdeveloper of low- and

moderate-income housing.Founded in 1975, AHC producesand preserves affordable rentalhousing; provides homeownership

services; and offers on-siteeducational services to improvethe quality of residents’ lives.

Yoanna Ganeva has worked atGeorge Mason University for 8 ½

years, and was resigned to never find-ing an affordable home of her own closeto work. Today her family lives in abrand new three-bedroom condomini-um in Davis Place. “With the help of thehomeownership program of ArlingtonCounty, and my family, I am proud tocall myself a homeowner. Just like infairy tales, we had to go through a lotto have our unit. It is not the goldenapple… but it is something that is moreprecious to me: home,” says Ganeva.

With 10 spacious two- and three-bedroom homes, Davis Place is thelargest affordable homeownership pro-ject built in Arlington in more than fouryears. Seven families, including elemen-tary school teachers, Arlington countyemployees and two long-time Nauckcommunity residents have alreadymoved in.

Davis Place MakesHomeownership Dreams Come True

Many factors contributed to theDavis Place story – a generous donor,an impassioned community activist, a30+ year partnership between AHC andthe Nauck neighborhood, and fundingsupport from Arlington County thathelps make the homes affordable tomoderate-income buyers.

The project began three years agowhen AHC Inc. received the propertyfrom an anonymous donor, whostipulated the land be used foraffordable housing.

“The generous donation gave AHCan opportunity to focus on a challeng-ing niche – moderate-income familieswho have a particularly hard timefinding affordable homeownershipoptions in Arlington,” explained WalterD. Webdale, AHC president and CEO.“We also wanted a creative design thatsaid this was a community – and not

Inside HomeFront

Vol. 35 No. 2 Building Affordable Homes and Strong Futures Since 1975 Fall 2009

Resident Services – page 4

Transformation ofMonteVerde – page 2

Gates of Ballston winsHistoric PreservationAward – page 3

Davis Place, a new condominium community developed for moderate-income families,includes 10 two and three-bedroom homes in the Nauck neighborhood.

Homeownership

continued on page 5

Page 2 The HomeFront

Affordable Properties

The Transformation of MonteVerde -Preserving 301 affordable apartments for elderlyand disabled Baltimore residents

Several years ago,MonteVerde (formerly

called Greenhill Apartments)was a rundown Section 8 apart-ment complex featuring twin13-story buildings that had notbeen updated since they werebuilt in the 1970s. Exposedcinder block hallways, deterio-rating kitchens and baths,and uniformed guards at thedoors added to the drearyatmosphere.

After learning the owner wastrying to sell the building, GreaterBaltimore AHC (GBAHC) steppedin to preserve and extend theSection 8 housing contract for low-income seniors and persons withdisabilities. “We wanted to turnbare bones housing into somethingwe could really stand behind – aphysical and social transformationthat would provide a higher qualityof life,” explains Andrew Vincent,GBAHC Director.

Transforming aneglected buildingThe $30 million renovation wasdesigned to completely rejuvenateMonteVerde – to create a place“anyone would love their mother

to live in.” Work includedupdated kitchens andbaths, windows, new heatingand cooling systems, enhancedelevators, and a new roof. New wallcoverings, flooring and sconces nowbrighten every hallway, creating amore welcoming atmosphere. Anewly constructed two-story entrylinks the two buildings andincludes a new lobby, “living

room,” and management offices.A new large multi-purpose

room, with an exercise room andwellness center, was built next tothe entrance. Other new communityrooms, including an internet lounge,library, arts and crafts and gameroom, provide space for additionalactivities.

Beforeand after

“We’ve transformed the corridors froma high school hallway to a high-endhotel,” explains Andrew Vincent,GBAHC’s Director.

Fall 2005 – AHC makes anInitial offer on property

December 2007 – Volatilemarket results in funding gap

September 2008 – Closing,Construction begins

Spring 2007 – Purchaseagreement signed

Spring 2008 – Restructuredfinancing keeps project alive

September 2009 –New entrance opens

MonteVerde Timeline – Many Steps to Success

The HomeFront Page 3

Overcomingfinancing challengesThe economic crash almost derailedthe whole project. As the low-income housing tax credit marketcollapsed and public subsidies driedup, GBAHC ended up with a $6.7million financing gap.

Thanks to a combination ofsources, GBAHC managed to bridgethe shortage and close in September2008. GBAHC’s balance of creativesolutions and hard work won theattention of the Baltimore BusinessJournal, which awarded MonteVerdethe Runner Up for 2008 FinancingDeal of the Year.

Minimizingrenovation stressOnce the financing was settled, con-struction started immediately. Mostresidents chose to stay in their unitswhile they were being renovated,

but “moved out” for the dayduring carpeting, painting,etc. “Because we were work-ing with an elderly and dis-abled population that gener-ally doesn’t adapt well tochange, we created lots ofways to keep communicationopen and strategies to maketransitions as easy as possiblefor everyone,” explainsRosana Montequin, VicePresident, Relocation andDevelopment Services, AHCManagement. Under close supervi-sion by AHC’s ConstructionManagement Services professionals,the work proceeded quickly.

Enjoying the transformationToday, the buildings have beentotally transformed and residentsare delighted. When the new entry-way opened, several long-time ten-ants woke up early to be the first to

walk through the new doors. OthelChase, a retired gentleman fromBaltimore, is so pleased with therenovation, he has recommendedMonteVerde to at least 10 friends.Three have already moved in.“It’s a lovely place, and we aregoing to enjoy our lives here,”says Mr. Chase.

The new entryway provides a morewelcoming entrance as well as newcommunity areas.

Award Winning ProjectsThe Gates of Ballston, a 464-unitcommunity of low-rise, land-scaped Colonial Revival-stylebuildings, has won a 2009 HistoricPreservation Award from theNational Trust for HistoricPreservation.

Built in the late 1930s, thegarden-style apartment complexhad never been renovated. The

The Shelton received two AmericanInstitute of Architects/DC ChapterDesign Awards.

The Shelton, with 94 apartments,has won two separate AmericanInstitute of Architects/DC ChapterDesign Awards – a PresidentialCitation for Sustainable Designand an Architecture Merit Award.

Designed by Bonstra/Haresign ARCHITECTS, the build-ing is a cornerstone of the Nauckneighborhood’s revitalization plan.The U-shaped building enclosesa landscaped courtyard and play

area created by LandscapeArchitecture Bureau. Jurors notedthat “The Shelton has the streetpresence and appearance of a goodmarket-rate housing project, notinexpensive affordable housing.”

Gates of Ballston won a 2009 HistoricPreservation Award from the NationalTrust for Historic Preservation.

revitalization restored distinctivearchitectural details, as well asreplaced kitchens and bathrooms,windows, appliances, heatingand cooling systems and roofs.

Along with AHC Inc.,co-recipients honored for therestoration are: Arlington County;Collins & Kronstadt, AIA;Traceries, Inc.; and HarkinsBuilders.

Bons

tra/

Har

esig

nA

RC

HIT

ECTS

;Ph

otog

raph

yby

Ani

ceH

oach

land

er

Page 4 The HomeFront

Resident Services

Teen Program is Changing Lives

AHC’s Teen Program is planning 3 collegetrips this year.

AHC’s Teen Program has a verystraightforward goal – keep

teens in school until they graduateand help them maximize theirpotential. Because many studentsface steep economic and socialchallenges as first-generationAmericans, achieving this goalcan be tough. In response, AHChas developed a holistic approach,combining strong academic supportwith one-on-one mentoring andcoaching – critical ingredients forteens who often lack such encour-agement at home.

AHC’s strategy is making a realdifference. Teens that were at risk ofdropping out are staying in school,grades are rising, and lives arechanging. “AHC’s Teen Programgives students the tools to believein themselves and helps make theirdreams become realities,” saysJennifer Endo, AHC’s Director ofResident Services. Last year, sevenout of nine seniors graduated fromhigh school; six went to college. Allwere the first in their families toachieve that goal.

One success story is AneelaMousam. Originally from Kashmir,Aneela graduated from YorktownHigh School in 2009 with a grade

point average of over 4.0. Shereceived a full scholarship toVirginia Tech and credits AHC’sTeen Program for helping her.“I have been involved with AHCprograms since I was in elementaryschool,” explains Aneela. “Thebiggest thing that has helped meis the support I have gotten fromeveryone. There was always some-one that I could ask for help onhomework, college applications oranything else I was dealing with.I still keep in touch with my tutorand know I can always talk to herabout any problems I have.”

Teen Tutor Learnsas Muchas She Teaches

Sarah Hippolitus tutors 8th graderAsad Khan.

AHC’s teen tutoring program isan incredibly productive pro-

gram, which I am proud to be apart of. I started participating asa tutor in September 2006. I startedbecause I wanted to help kids, butI had no idea what a huge positiveexperience I was in for. This is myfourth year, and I’m thrilled tobe back and working with theseterrific students another year.

What I love about this programis it’s an opportunity for caring,interested individuals to come inevery Tuesday and help students,who may not receive much encour-agement either at home, school,or both. It is so tremendouslyworthwhile for these students tohave role models, who are thereevery week specifically to notonly help them learn, but to alsoencourage them, motivate them,and invest in their well-being.

The students and I really bond,and I walk out of there every weekknowing that I made a positiveimpact on them, and vice versa. It ismy opinion that because we are notparents or teachers, who are seenas authority figures, we often havemore influence on the students.We are seen as their “cool, olderfriend,” and that I find gives usmore pull and credibility.

Tuesday Teen Tutoring isalways my favorite night of theweek. I know I’m making a positivedifference in these students’ livesjust by being there and caring aboutthem. I hope this program is aroundfor a very long time, and that itexpands. Clearly, it is near and dearto my heart because I truly believein its contribution to the success ofits students.

– Sarah Hippolitus, Teen Tutor

Tuesday Teen Tutoring at The Frederick.

The HomeFront Page 5

Davis Place, from page 1

just another generic condo buildingthat looked like apartments.”

The three-story, burgundyand beige building, designed byCunningham & Quill, is open andairy with large windows, spaciousliving spaces, wide kitchens, extrastorage space, and outdoor living

areas for each home. Six of the 10condos are three-bedroom units withmore than 1,350 square feet. Thehomes are available to first-timehomebuyers who earn up to 80percent of the Area Median Income,which is $82,200 for a family of four.

Arlington County’s ModerateIncome Purchase AssistanceProgram (MIPAP) is a critical partof the project’s affordability. TheCounty’s program, which enableseligible homebuyers to receive upto 25 percent of the purchase price,covers a large amount of the downpayment and closing costs andreduces the mortgage on the hometo a manageable amount. “DavisPlace brings hope to families andinvestment in the Nauck communi-ty,” noted Arlington County BoardChair Barbara Favola.

The building is named in honorof Jennie Davis, an AHC foundingmember and a long-time affordablehousing advocate. Ms. Davis livedin Nauck and was president of theNauck Civic Association for morethan 20 years. “Jennie was dedicat-ed to making affordable housing areality for more Arlington residents,and this building ensures her legacylives on,” says Carlton Miller,AHC’s Director, Homeownership/Construction Management Division.

Celebrating the grand opening of Davis Place were (Back row, left to right): Walter D.Webdale, AHC; Rick Holliday, AHC; Frances Walter, Nauck Civic Association; Paul Abramson,Abramson Properties; Scott Matties, Cunningham & Quill. (Front row, left to right): MaryHynes, Arlington County Board; Carolyn Davis Cross; Barbara Favola, Arlington CountyBoard; Clarissa Davis; C.C. Jenkins, AHC Board.

“Davis Place brings hopeto families and investmentin the Nauck community.”

– Arlington County Board ChairBarbara Favola

Good health is an essen-tial part of achieving

self-sufficiency for residentswho live in affordable hous-ing. Healthy individuals aremore apt to achieve theireducational or employmentgoals or, as seniors, to liveindependently longer.

To help our residentslearn more about maximiz-ing their health opportuni-ties and improve their day-to-dayquality of life, AHC is workingwith Galileo Health Partners, LLCof Ellicott City, MD to develophealth and fitness activities andevents at each of our communities.

Galileo President Vik Khannais the chief advisor on healthand fitness issues in affordablehousing to the Freddie MacFoundation, which providesgrant support to AHC.

Commitment to Good Health

Seniors enjoy regular exercise classes.

AHC already offers regularexercise opportunities twice aweek for seniors. Recently, BowenMcCauley Dance, an Arlington-based contemporary dance com-pany, provided a dance-exerciseclass for seniors at Hunter’s Park,which provides 74 one-bedroomapartments for active seniors.

Page 6 The HomeFront

AHC News

Published by AHC Inc.Division of Community Relations

Catherine Bucknam, DirectorCelia Slater, EditorHannah R. Moore,Contributing Editor

2230 North Fairfax Drive,Suite 100

Arlington, VA 22201703-486-0626 (phone)703-486-0653 (fax)www.ahcinc.org

Design and Layout by EWM Design

HomeFront

AHC has had a busy summer andfall, with a groundbreaking at

The Macedonian, a new 36-unitaffordable apartment community inNauck; a productive summer camp;a successful back-to-school backpackdrive, and a Grand Opening forDavis Place, (see article on page 1).

Board electionsIn mid-October, we held ourAnnual Meeting where we re-elect-ed Robin Broder and Carlton “C.C.”Jenkins to the AHC Board and elect-ed new members Ginger BriggsBrown and R. Scott Ritter to joinPaul LeValley, Andres Tobar, BrendaCox, Sabra Jones and ThomasKlanderman on the Board. Manythanks to outgoing Board Members,Robert Bushkoff and AndrewKeyes, who have contributed agreat deal to AHC over the years.

New Buildings, Board Members, Reportsand Ways You Can Help

AHC’s 2008/2009Progress Report Now AvailableAHC’s new report highlightsprojects, accomplishments, and 2008donors and financial statements.Available online at www.ahcinc.org

Your donation helps2,000 residentsMany thanks to everyone whodonated to our spring membershipdrive last year. Your dollars support-ed many of our education programs,including our successful summercamp, which helped preventlearning loss for many youngsters.

AHC’s Holiday Appeal is justgetting started. Your help goesdirectly to the education programs,career and financial workshops,and health-oriented programswe offer to 2,000 residents.

Please consider donatingthrough the enclosed envelope oronline at www.ahcinc.org. You canmake a real difference and build abetter future. We appreciate yoursupport!

Many thanks to allwho contributed toAHC’s Summer Camp.The program, throughfun and educationalactivities, helpedprevent learning lossfor 125 youngstersthis summer.

A fond farewellFor 29 years, Hanh Nguyen haskept AHC’s finances in line.When she began working asAHC’s accountant in 1980, therewere only eight people on staffand her primary tool was anadding machine. Since then theorganization has grown tremen-dously – both in number of staff(now close to 60 in Arlingtonand Baltimore) and properties(growing from 13 to 32 proper-ties in just the last decade).Throughout all the changes,Hanh has remained a dedicatedand calm influence. AHC will

miss her smileand her warmth,and wishes herthe best in herretirement.

The “Housing Ladies,” many of whomworked with Hanh over the years,congratulated Hanh on her retirement.From left to right: Cecilia Cassidy,Fran Lunney, Lou Ann Frederick, HanhNguyen, Yolanda Black and KathyDesmond.

The HomeFront Page 7

Marjorie AbramsonDouglas AdamsMary & Matthew AdamsJohn Andelin &Ginger GeoffreyWilliam ArvidsonEllen BartlettNichole BattleEllen L. BeardHarlow & Charlene BickfordRichard & Susan BottomleyGraham & Julie BouchouxBill BozmanNorman & Wendy BradburnSam BradleyImants and Velga BrolisMichelle Brown-SlaughterCatherine BucknamIrene BurdetskyHarold & Louise BurghartRuth BushRobert & Tracy BushkoffJoedy CambridgeWalter CampbellGeorge & Lynda CarlsonPhil & Maureen CaughranLeta ChappellChun I & Emily ChiangRosemary CiottiFrederic & Dorothy ClarkeElna ClevengerElizabeth Cobbs, MD &Philip Green, Esq.James ColeRichard & Sheridan CollinsScott and Marcia CrosseKaren DarnerPatricia DashiellSheri DenkensohnKathleen DesmondJames & Anne DollJennifer & Erik EndoTodd & Paula EndoJean FalveyAlice FeeleyLindalou FriesenJames & Susan GartnerSuzanne GartnerSam GousenAmy GrahamJerry & Win GreenwaldMark Greenwood &Carrie WolfeWade & Ann GregoryLavona GrowRichard HardinMelvin & Gene Herrmann

Richard HindmanMonica HirschbergRick HollidayElsie & Jay HowenstinePatricia Hunter &John MerryW. Thomas IngoldLouise IngramCarleton JenkinsCarolyn JohnsonPatricia JohnstonEllen KeatingAllen & Gerda KeiswetterMichael & Althea KekkerAndrew Keyes &Cathleen TrailKids Stuff SalePamela Gillen &Kelsey KitzkeCal & Barbara KlausnerDana & Ray KochJudith & James KuhagenMelissa LackeyMary LawlerMary LeachPaul LeValleyKarl LiewerRaymond & Joyce LombardiRoye LowryFrances LunneyJohn LynnJana LynottLittleton &Dorothy MacDormanSuzanne MacDougallSheila MackLisa DeFerrari &Michael MartinsonPhilip & Kim MatkovskyJames & Marjie MayerMary McBrideRichard McCueElijah McDavidPatricia McGradyElizabeth B. McHughJohn McLinAlex MeachamPaul MichlJoy MidmanChristopher MilesMarianne MoermanJoseph MolinaroAndrea MyslickiTillman NeunerXuyen Nhu NguyenHelen O’DayElizabeth & Norman Olsen

Larry PadbergJohn PageMary K. & Benny L. ParkerJeffrey & Ellen PasselDavid PeacefullMichael PerkinsProvident PetersonSusan PhilpPam RayStuart & Mary RaynorSusan Retz & Charles LovettOksana RomanykAnn RossGina RossMilton RoweChris & Liz RugaberSteve & Jill SchambergerPaul ScottKathryn & Max ScruggsMichael SeltzAlison SheahanJohn ShooshanRobert ShultzWinifred SilversonRosalind SingerJacqueline & Peter SmithClaybourne SneadJohn Snyder &Heather McPhailHelen StarenFrances StoreyClarence & Dianna StukesRobert & Mary StumpJames SundquistJames SwigertSue SwisherAndy ViolaShelley WadeJean WarneSharon WashburnRobert WatsonWalter D. & Judith WebdaleEd WeissRozanne WeissJoseph WholeyJohn WingardBill Witt

Corporate, Foundation,& Government GrantsSpring/Summer 2009

ACM ServicesAGMArlington CommunityFoundationArlington County

Avery Elevator CorporationB.M. Smith & Associates, Inc.Bank of AmericaBean, Kinney & Korman, P.C.Bocarsly Emden CowanEsmail Parker & Arndt, LLPBonstra/Haresign ArchitectsBowman Consulting GroupBozzuto Construction Co.The Brickman Group, LTDBuswell & BennettClark-Winchcole FoundationCoinmachCollins & KronstadtDominionEagle Pest EliminationService, Inc.Eichner & Norris PLLCEnterpriseExxonMobilFreddie Mac FoundationHarkins Builders, Inc.Hodge Hart & Schleifer, Inc.Hudson Housing CapitalJoseph T. Fama Inc.King & Nordlinger, LLPKolb Electric, Inc.Landeros LandscapingServices Inc.Last Name Left ProductionsMajestic Cleaning &Services, LLCMaple Leaf Rain GutterService Inc.McAndrews RestorationMinkoff Company Inc.NeighborWorks AmericaParadigm DevelopmentCorp.Premiere Services Inc.RBC Capital MarketsReznick Group, P.C.Richter & AssociatesS & H Floors Company Inc.The Sherwin-Williams Co.Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,Pordy & Ecker, P.A.Silverwood CompaniesStudebaker Submetering, Inc.Virginia Department ofEducationVirginia HousingDevelopment AuthorityWalsh, Colucci, Lubeley,Emrich, & Walsh, P.C.

Many thanks to the donors who supported AHC’s Spring Membership Drive

2230 North Fairfax DriveSuite 100

Arlington, Virginia 22201

Address Service Requested

NONPROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. Postage

PAIDArlington, VA

Permit No. 1653

FallNews!

Checkoutwhat’snewwith“Arlington’s‘it’affordablehousingdeveloper”(WashingtonBusinessJournal)

What’s Inside� New affordablehomeownership opportunity

� Transformation of seniorhousing in Baltimore

� Gates of Ballston winshistoric preservation award

� The Shelton receivestwo architectural awards

� Teen program ischanging lives

� Teen tutor learns as muchas she teaches

� Commitment to good health

� AHC’s Progress Reportnow available

Founded in 1975, AHC is a private,nonprofit developer of low- andmoderate-income housing.

AHCgoesbacktoschoolwith450stuffedbackpacks.