Park Morton Apartments Re...

Park Morton Apartments Receives ULI Washington's 2026 Excellence in Affordable Housing Award

Park Morton Apartments Receives ULI Washington's 2026 Excellence in Affordable Housing Award

ULI Washington awards recognize innovative projects in the National Capital Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. [May 15, 2026] - On April 28, Park Morton Apartments received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from ULI Washington, the local arm of the national nonprofit Urban Land Institute.

The award recognizes Phase 1 of the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Park Morton public housing community, a project led by a private-public partnership of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), nonprofit The Community Builders (TCB), and Dantes Partners.

"ULI Washington's recognition of Park Morton Apartments highlights the impact of thoughtful public investment and strong partnerships. This project delivers affordable housing, supports resident opportunity, and advances the District's vision for inclusive neighborhood growth," said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert.

Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, the 142-unit Park Morton Apartments is a fully affordable multifamily building that includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.

"Park Morton Apartments has created high-quality affordable housing and shared community spaces in a thriving, opportunity-rich neighborhood that offers access to transportation and other amenities that support resident empowerment," said Nicole Wickliffe, Interim Executive Director of DCHA. "Thank you to our Park Morton residents for your commitment and passion for your community, and to all of our partners for working together to bring our collective vision to life. The ULI Washington award recognizes what can be accomplished when residents' voices are prioritized."

The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a four-bedroom apartment, and includes units with accessible features for persons with disabilities. The modern rental property is available to tenants earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Unit features include simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a "Kids Hub" lounge, a "Tech Hub" coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.

"Park Morton Apartments demonstrates what's possible when the District, nonprofit developers, and private partners work together with residents at the center," said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. "This award from ULI Washington recognizes a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, deeply affordable housing while honoring the Park View community and creating a foundation for long-term opportunity. We're proud of this milestone and grateful to our partners for their leadership and collaboration."

"Park Morton Apartments represents the best of what the District of Columbia can be in providing affordable and workforce housing," said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. "We look forward to on-going collaboration between the District, private development partners and residents to ensure the creation and on-going viability of much-needed affordable housing communities such as this one."

The five-story multifamily rental property is the first on-site building delivered under the New Communities Initiative (NCI), a District government program that creates vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. It also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan.

Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 250 off-site rental apartments, including 90 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.

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About DC Housing Authority
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to providing a safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents of the District of Columbia. The agency emphasizes fostering a collaborative work environment to meet the highest expectations of the affordable housing industry. With a focus on innovation and community development, DCHA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more about DCHA and the work that the agency is doing to impact the residents of Washington, D.C. at dchousing.org.

About Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) assists the Mayor in the coordination, planning, supervision, and execution of economic development efforts in the District of Columbia with the goal of creating and preserving affordable housing, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue. DMPED pursues policies and programs that create strong neighborhoods, expand and diversify the local economy, and provide residents with pathways to the middle class. Learn more at dmped.dc.gov.

About The Community Builders
Working with dedicated partners, The Community Builders (TCB) develops high-quality homes for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Since 1964, the mission-driven organization has advanced fair housing through award-winning, affordable, and mixed-income communities. Today, TCB owns and manages over 14,000 apartment homes, connecting residents with resources to unlock their full potential. Learn more at tcbinc.org.

About Dantes Partners
Established in 2006, Dantes Partners is a Black owned business with a mission to develop Luxury Affordable Housing® and community-focused real estate initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic and Southern region. To date, Dantes Partners has successfully financed, developed, and acquired over 7,200 units, with a combined financing and investment value exceeding $2.6 billion dollars. Simultaneously, Dantes Partners leverages its extensive expertise in the field of real estate development and financing of company-owned portfolios and provides exclusive consulting services in public-private deal structuring and negotiations. Furthermore, Dantes Partners also offers consulting in pre-development planning and oversight, market research and analysis, debt or equity underwriting, project and asset management, community outreach, as well as portfolio due diligence. For more information on Dantes Partners please visit: www.dantespartners.com.

Last Updated on May 15, 2026