Barry Farm Development Plan
Washington, D.C.
client
Preservation of Affordable Housing
size
410,000 sf
certification
Seeking Passive House (Phius)
type
New Construction + Historic Renovation
stats
335 units, Retail Bays + Grocery Store
The Historic Barry Farm Community in Washington, D.C. was established in 1867 following the purchase of 375 acres south of the Anacostia River by the Federal Government. Originally founded as a settlement for African Americans after the Civil War, the neighborhood quickly became a home base for the emergent black political class in D.C., including Frederick Douglass. Today, the site features 432 post-WWII affordable housing units for D.C. families.
The current Barry Farm community was built in 1943. Unfortunately, this historic neighborhood is currently isolated from the surrounding city due to poor walkability and inaccessibility to local goods and services. This $400 million project includes installation of new infrastructure, 1,400 new mixed-income homes, and over 50,000 square feet of retail space. The redevelopment will connect the site to the nearby Anacostia Metro station and other city amenities.
The new master planned development for Barry Farm will be divided into separate redevelopment phases and includes multi-family apartment buildings, senior residences, rental townhouses, and a new clubhouse with a central “village green." The development will offer a variety of unit types with important amenities such as fitness and yoga rooms, community spaces, and walk out terraces with stunning views of downtown DC.
Once completed, these two multifamily buildings will be the largest Passive House (Phius) certified multifamily buildings in the country.
Closing Thoughts
The new Barry Farm Masterplan will breathe new life into this historic Washington, D.C. neighborhood.
