Mayfair Mansions Ground Breaking - November 15, 2007
Residents, community members, officials, partners, and developers of Mayfair Mansions will gather November 15th to celebrate the preservation and restoration of this landmark on the historic register that began as the first unrestricted housing complex for African American professionals and working families in the District of Columbia.
In 1945, prominent African American architect Albert I. Cassell, the designer behind much of Howard University, conceived of a place where those African Americans working in the District might live. Backed by the Roosevelt Administration, he created a 17-building complex with careful detailing and a sense of family and home. A visionary ahead of his time, Cassell also incorporated commercial services and community facilities-ones much needed, but not yet built.
Years later, that vision may be finally realized as the community once ridden by crime and drugs and marked by disrepair has been given new life. Three years ago, the residents of Mayfair Mansions learned their homes were being sold to an out-of-state buyer. They organized and teamed with developers Community Preservation and Development Corporation and Marshall Heights Community Development Organization to purchase their homes. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development's approval for transitioning this previously rental community into a mixed tenure rental and homeownership one is another historic first for Mayfair Mansions. This groundbreaking will celebrate the residents' journey to redevelop the property and bring the resources needed to restore this valuable community.
