MetroTowns at Parkside

Torti Gallas was commissioned by The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), Enterprise Homes, Inc., and the Abe Pollin Grantor Trust to create an attractive yet affordable residential neighborhood. Located within the Parkside-Kenilworth neighborhood, the MetroTowns community sits between Anacostia Avenue and Hayes Street in northeast Washington, DC. Its close proximity to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station, as well as the César Chávez Public Charter School and National Park Service (NPS) land, makes it an ideal location for a neighborhood with a purpose.

The MetroTowns neighborhood provides workforce housing for Ward 7 families, as well as one-for-one replacement of the “Parkside Additions” affordable rental units that were razed in 2010–2011. The new homes feature high-efficiency appliances and windows, open floor plans, and some elevator townhouse units. Several homes also include integral garages. Additionally, the community offers accessible and adaptable units to meet diverse housing needs.

The master plan for the community incorporates paths to public areas, ensuring residents can enjoy the newly created neighborhood park, corner park, and a walking/biking trail that borders the NPS land. Grading strategies were implemented to reduce the number of accessible ramps while increasing the number of visitable units on site. The development also includes accessible off-street parking, on-street parking, and integral parking options.

Sustainability was a key focus in the design, with features such as indigenous vegetation, a mature tree-save strategy, innovative stormwater management techniques, and the use of rain barrels throughout the neighborhood.

Though Abe Pollin was unable to witness the groundbreaking ceremony, it was his hope to continue providing attractive and affordable housing for all. The Abe Pollin Grantor Trust contributed additional funding to support this important philanthropic effort. The project is planned in two phases and is designed to meet Green Communities requirements.