Wardman Court Apartments

1312, 1350 Clifton Street, NW
Washington, DC

Originally built in 1918 as luxury apartments, the historically designated Clifton Terrace complex became a symbol of urban blight over the past 20 years. Today, Clifton Terrace, renamed Wardman Court, has completed a historic rehabilitation, including the redesign of 228 homes. The property is now a mixed-income community of 152 rental apartments and 76 condominiums. Wardman Court offers various amenities such as a computer learning center, library, and facilities for senior citizens.

CPDC and Michaels Development Company (MDC), its development partner, purchased the complex after winning a national request for proposals competition. The property had been in foreclosure by HUD since September 1999. The first phase of construction was completed in July 2002, and the second phase in December 2003.

The two apartment buildings were financed as tax credit rental apartments. The DC Housing Finance Agency provided tax-exempt bond financing for the construction loan and the first mortgage. With the bonds, the project qualified for 4% LIHTCs which were syndicated by the Richman Group and purchased by Fannie Mae. Bank of America purchased the bonds and HUD also provided an Upfront Grant to CPDC which was used as a soft second mortgage. Since the buildings qualified for historic status, the rental project also sold historic tax credits with the LIHTCs. Thus, plans for the proposed renovation were carefully designed for adherence to historic standards.

The Wardman Court Tenants Association, made up of many long-standing, dedicated residents, played an integral role throughout the development process. Although HUD worked to relocate most of the residents before selling the property, approximately twenty residents remained in the dilapidated buildings. CPDC and Michaels designed the renovation process to allow these tenants to remain in their homes throughout the renovation.

Residents of Wardman court enjoy larger units that are wired for broadband access, restored lobbies, and substantial community space. Currently, residents can use the senior library, a wellness room, and a social room. They also have access to a community meeting room, an experiential learning room, a conference room, two training centers, including state-of-the-art computers, and staff offices.

Residents also have the opportunity to participate in educational and economic empowerment programs operated on-site by CPDC.