DC plans renovation work at 19 public housing communities, says project fully funded

WASHINGTON (7News) — The problems in some of D.C.’s aging public housing buildings are well documented.

Residents have complained about rundown common areas, materials that need replacing, and systems that need repair.

“It’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” said Claridge Towers Resident Renee Sterling. “We have plumbing on every floor leaking. The laundry rooms flood.”

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Sterling said she has lived at the public housing tower in Northwest, D.C., for over a decade and said she’s heard talk of improvements for years.

“They never complete it,” she said.

However, a change is coming. The D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) has announced that it’s launching a renovation and modernization program for 19 public housing communities.

They said the updates will improve the conditions in 3,500 units and upgrade building systems.

“If they come here and they’re sincere and do the job, I’m all for it, but we don’t want to hear any more lies,” said Sterling.

According to the DCHA, this is a fully funded project.

They announced that the updates will be backed by $700 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds and $70 million of DCHA’s funds.

According to DCHA, not only will the plan improve the quality of life for thousands of residents, they also said building updates will also lead to fewer maintenance requests and ultimately save money in the long run.

“This strategic investment will provide our public housing families with the modern, high-quality homes that they deserve, while supporting DCHA’s long-term financial health,” said Raymond Skinner, Chair, DCHA STAR Board of Commissioners.

The first phase of the project will address nine of the 19 selected properties, with work expected to start in the first quarter of 2026.

The exact improvements for each property will be finalized after DCHA meets with residents later this month.

“A lot of people in here help each other,” said Sterling. “We do teamwork. I’d love to see the beautification in here.”

The buildings included in the first phase are:

• Claridge Towers and James Apartments in Ward 2
• Fort Lincoln in Ward 5
• Hopkins Apartments, James Creek, Sibley Plaza and Syphax Gardens in Ward 6
• Lincoln Heights in Ward 7
• Knox Hill in Ward 8

Future phases will include:

• Harvard Towers and LeDroit Senior in Ward 1
• Horizon House and Judiciary House in Ward 2
• Regency House in Ward 3
• Carroll Apartments and Kentucky Courts in Ward 6
• Stoddert Terrace in Ward 7
• Highland Addition and Woodland Terrace in Ward 8