Inquiries are open for retail space in Riggs Park (Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE) near the Fort Totten metro station. The team is seeking local and unique DC tenants for an exclusive under-market lease. Please contact True Ground Housing Partners to submit interest at Info@truegroundhousing.org.
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences was completed in early 2025 at 307 Riggs Road NE. The mixed-use building features 93 apartments (fully leased) above ground floor retail. Happy Violet DC Natural Nail Salon occupies the retail space at 305 Riggs Road NE with plans to open soon.
Total available retail space = 5,407 sq ft.
Space A = 2,035 sq ft.
Space B = 3,372 sq ft.
One tenant can lease the entire 5,407 sq ft space or the spaces can be leased separately.
As of July 25, 2025, several units remain available for leasing at the recently constructed Riggs Crossing Senior Residences located at 307 Riggs Road NE.
Studio unit: 1 available
1-bedroom: 20 available (6 of the units are ANSI accessible units and 1 is a UFAS accessible unit)
2-bedrooms unit (requires two leaseholders): 1 available
The building is dedicated to individuals aged 55 and older, and all units are income-restricted at 50% of median family income (MFI) or below.
To avoid long wait times, the leasing team recommends scheduling an appointment through the Riggs Crossing Senior Residences website. Floor plans are available online.
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences ribbon cutting, April 30, 2025.
Time to welcome more senior residents into the neighborhood!
On April 30, 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Riggs Crossing Senior Residences, a new 100% affordable, income-restricted community for seniors 55 years and older, developed by True Ground Housing Partners (formerly known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing). Besides Mayor Bowser, speakers included Mary Worsley, one of the building’s first residents; Steven Smith, Senior Vice President at Truist; Carmen Romero, CEO of True Ground Housing Partners; Rich Jordan, chair of the board of True Ground Housing Partners; and Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Planning (DMPED).
One-bedroom and two-bedroom units are still available. Interested individuals may visit the Riggs Crossing website to learn more.
Located on the southeast corner of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE, Riggs Crossing features 93 apartments, consisting of studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units, with approximately 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail. Jaydot will provide case management services to residents in the permanent supportive housing units. The building is access controlled. Each floor is color coded to help with memory care. At move-in, residents can request that grab bars be installed in the unit. Residents may also request either a small or large personal foldable shopping cart
Each unit is spacious featuring either an extra large window or a balcony. Free wi-fi is available throughout the building and in each individual unit. DC SEU provided discounts on new appliances. Each unit comes with a full size washer/dryer.
Building amenities include a community room, fitness room, wellness room with yoga mats, and a library. Common areas feature artwork by local artists, and an outdoor mural brightens one side of the building. No pets are allowed, but service animals are permitted. There is a parking garage with 49 spaces.
Retail
Forthcoming retail tenants include Happy Violet DC, owned by local resident Renee Blair, and Rose’s Beauty Supply. There is still vacant retail space. Interested retailers should contact Joanna Shin at jshin@truegroundhousing.org.
DC’s Affordable Housing Efforts
The ribbon cutting served as the culmination of Mayor Bowser’s work on neighborhood development in Riggs Park, starting as a founding member of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Development Task Force when she lived in the neighborhood, ANC commissioner, Ward 4 councilmember, and finally mayor. She shared a thank you letter with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association.
Almost every speaker noted how developing affordable housing projects like this one takes a lot of commitment, resources, and effort from the public and private sectors. The city provided financing to help develop the senior building, and officials from the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning & Economic Development were heavily involved.
The first phase of this project, Riggs Park Place, delivered in 2022, consisting of 90 townhomes (five below market-rate) developed by EYA. JBG Smith, former owner of Fort Totten Square, selected EYA to build Riggs Park Place after deciding to forego building more apartments as the second phase to Fort Totten Square. EYA then selected True Ground Housing as a partner to develop the senior building.
The mayor used the ribbon cutting as an opportunity to highlight her commitment to contributing $100 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund every year. She also advocated for the DC Council to pass the RENTAL Act, which she said aims to amend the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), reform the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and make the housing board permanent. (Discussion and questions about the mayor’s recently announced proposed deal with the Washington Commanders also came up).
Ribbon cutting pictures below
View entrance on Riggs RoadView looking west to South Dakota Avenue NEView from South Dakota Avenue looking northMayor Muriel Bowser. Photo courtesy Gwen Cofield.Carmen Romero, CEO, True Ground Housing Partners. Photo courtesy Gwen Cofield.Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development. Photo courtesy Gwen Cofield. Photo courtesy Gwen Cofield.Outdoor muralArt by local artists throughout buildingActivity boardLibraryWellness roomFitness roomLiving room in one-bedroom unitFull size bathroom in one-bedroom unitFull size washer/dryerBalcony
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is a new income-restricted, affordable senior housing community currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. The developer is True Ground Housing Partners (previously known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing or APAH). The development will consist of roughly 93 apartments above ground-floor retail. True Ground recently lowered the age of eligibility to 55 years old.
As of January 2025, apartments are still available, particularly the 2-bedroom units that require two leaseholders.
Individuals 55 years old and older may fill out an interest form through the Contact page on the website to determine if they meet the income restrictions and eligibility guidelines. Individuals may also call 771-223-9886. This is a voicemail inbox only. Leave a message. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Please do not go to the location on Riggs Road as it is still an active construction zone. There is not a leasing office on site.
The residential portion of the project is expected to be completed in first quarter 2025.
True Ground is also still soliciting interest from potential retail tenants for below market rate lease opportunities. Contact Joanna Shin at jshin@truegroundhousing.org for retail inquiries.
Installed Doors + Trim, Tile, Cabinets, Countertops, HVAC Start-ups, Water Heater Installation, MEP Trim, Flooring, Shelving, Bath Accessories, Final Paint
Corridor MEP Trim Out
Level 4 Units
Installed Doors + Trim, Tile, Cabinets, Countertops, HVAC Start-ups, Water Heater Installation, MEP Trim, Flooring, Shelving, Bath Accessories, Final Paint
Elevator Installation Substantially Complete
Garage + Base Building
Heat Trace Start-up
Garage Fan and Lighting Start-ups
HVAC Equipment Start-ups
Stairwell Security Gate Installation
PERMANENT POWER ESTABLISHED
Ongoing and Upcoming Work
Work is taking place in many facets of the building at once and is broken down as follows:
Overall Progress
We’re preparing for our final inspections. Over the next few months, we will be conducting trade and building final inspections for each and every unit, room, garage space in the building. Once all of these are completed, we’ll work closely with DC to process our Certificate of Occupancy Paperwork. We’ll also go through ADA inspections/certifications to ensure that everything we built to the proper accessible standards. We’re right near the finish line and trying to push our way across!
Exterior Work
As you can see, we have started our site concrete including replacement of nearly the entire Riggs Road sidewalk frontage. This also includes the amenity entrance ramp, paver base, and concrete seat walls. On the east side (towards the townhomes), we have excavated for our bioretention facilities and will pour the walls and backfill the walls shortly. From there, we’ll install our underdrain systems and bioretention specialty media. We’ll also install patio pavers and a perimeter fence / guardrail around the patio.
On the north side of the building (facing Riggs Park Place NE), we have commenced with structural demolition and repairs of a concrete beam. Once complete, we will finish the weather barrier on the building as well as the brick facade, overhead doors, metal panels, and signage. On the west, we will be installing railings at the ramp and entry stairs. Once signage is fabricated, it will be installed above the main entry canopy and then the canopy glass will be completed. On the South (near South Dakote Ave NE), we’ll be replacing the last section of DDOT sidewalk and completed our site entry walkway. Once our Comcast telecom conduits are installed, this concrete will be poured in the next few weeks.
Our site concrete should be largely completed except for the north side by the end of the year and the plantings will commence in early 2025, signaling the completion of the sitework! Our perimeter fence will be removed from the full site in early January 2025 and has already begun to be taken down incrementally in conjunction with our work.
In the coming weeks, please expect periodic soil trucks with large hoses and cranes to blow in the bioretention soil in the narrow area between our building and the adjacent townhomes. This will likely consist of 8-12” diameter hoses to install stone and speciatly media. We’ll also have a few more upcoming crane picks with a crane staged on our half of Riggs Park Place NE to install the Green Roof Sedum Mats.
Interior Work (Rough-Ins and Finishes)
Garage level MEP rough-ins are nearly complete. DAVIS is performing quality control checks and punchlist items to prepare for final inspections.
Elevator final inspections are tentatively scheduled for the end of 2024.
Permanent access control and security systems will be online
Amenity Spaces
We’re installing our final flooring, base, MEP trim, and preparing for final inspections imminently.
Level 1 Residential Corridor
Our specialty wall panels are being installed and then we’ll final paint to complete this corridor.
After paint, we’ll proceed with final inspections.
Units are in the midst of final inspections
Level 2
Units are complete and undergoing final inspections.
DAVIS is completing our punchlist ahead of owner acceptance walks and final inspections.
Corridor amenity room ceiling coordination and layout is being finalized
Back of house fire alarm and life safety system testing and trim out.
Level 3
Installing unit and corridor carpet
Laying out and roughing in specialty amenity ceilings
Finalizing back of house MEP trim out and Fire Alarm trim out
Level 4
Final painting units
Installing shelving and bath accessories
Finalizing amenity HVAC unit start-ups.
Installing MEP trim and prepping for fire alarm finals
Community + Safety
The perimeter fence will be removed shortly after New Year’s Day
The east side bioretention concrete will finish within the next 2-3 weeks depending on weather. Installation of specialty soil and media via large hoses alongside our building will be visible.
A crane or two will arrive near the end of the year to complete our green roofing systems. This will be from Riggs Park Place NE so we do not damage any newly poured sidewalk.
Please DO NOT utilize the sidewalks that are roped off. This is still an active construction site and overhead hazards, while minimized, still exist.
Thank YOU VERY MUCH for permitted access through the neighborhood to better facilitate bioretention excavation and installation. This was one of the most difficult portions of work to complete and your cooperation has greatly helped us expedite this process and minimize the disturbance. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE.
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is a new income-restricted, affordable senior housing community currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. The developer is True Ground Housing Partners (previously known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing or APAH). The development will consist of roughly 93 apartments above ground-floor retail. True Ground recently lowered the age of eligibility to 55 years old.
Individuals 55 years old and older may fill out an interest form at https://riggscrossing.com to determine if they meet the income restrictions and eligibility guidelines.Please do not go to the location on Riggs Road as it is still an active construction zone. There is not a leasing office on site.
The residential portion of the project is expected to be completed in first quarter 2025.
True Ground is also still soliciting interest from potential retail tenants for below market rate lease opportunities. Contact Joanna Shin at jshin@truegroundhousing.org for retail inquiries.
Work is taking place in many facets of the building at once and is broken down as follows:
Exterior Work and Power
Wet Utility installation has started at the SW corner of Riggs Road NE and South Dakota Ave NE. Our deep sanitary and storm piping is complete and being backfilled. The fire service line has been installed, inspected, flushed, and backfilled. We’ll have a crane in about 1 week to set the water meter vault and the wet utilities should be completed in the next 2-3 weeks or so.
Our dry utilities for our incoming PEPCO power lines are being completed now. We’re going for PEPCO inspections on our ductbanks to kickoff PEPCO setting our transformers and pulling wire to get us permanent electrical power. This is the largest milestone needed to complete the project on time. At the same time, we should be receiving our main electrical equipment to power the building in the next few weeks. Once this is installed and inspected and the exterior work is complete, PEPCO can finalize our power on site.
The grey brick will be installed on the rest of the east (near the terrace / townhomes), west (Riggs Road Side), and North sides of the site in the coming month. Brick should largely be completed by the end of July. Storefront installation at our level 1 retail areas will commence in mid-July following the brick installation.
Siding should commence in August after brick and after we load the building with drywall and gypcrete to allow the wood to properly compress prior to siding installation. Once east side siding is competed, we’ll mobilize our site concrete and landscape contractors to excavate for the bioretention basin on the east side of the building before completing our pavers and sidewalks around the property.
We will have a crane likely on a Saturday in July (either the 13th or the 20th) to deliver and set all of our rooftop mechanical equipment. Once the is complete, worker will being tying in power for units and preparing refrigerant lines for HVAC start-ups once permanent power is established by PEPCO.
Interior Work (Rough-Ins and Finishes)
Garage level MEP rough-ins are nearly complete. WE have some minor HVAC fans and equipment to install and we need to complete our Sanitary connection to the main sanitary line outside of the building. Once this is complete, we will begin installing our garage drywall ceilings and start painting our back of house rooms.
Elevators will mobilize to site in the next few weeks and commence installation. We should have operable elevators by September roughly.
Level 1 OH plumbing and HVAC is nearly complete. We’re framing our amenity space ceilings now to terminate light fixtures, sprinkler heads, and HVAC ducts to. Level 1 units are ready to hang drywall pending sprinkler hydro inspections which should be completed any day now.
Level 2
MEP rough-ins and blocking inspections are complete. We’ve insulated our unit ceilings and have begun hanging one side of our drywall partitions. This will allow us to insulate and air seal our walls properly. Air sealing is done to minimize air transfer between units / outside of the unit which promotes HVAC and energy efficiency. It’s a unique process to one-side walls in wood framing, but a critical piece to pass our final Energy Star certifications.
Bulk drywall hanging and finishing shall commence in the next 2 weeks or so.
Level 3
Final MEP adjustments are being made in preparation for blocking completion and ceiling insulation installation. We’ll start one-siding drywall and begin our finishes sequence accordingly.
Level 4
Final MEP rough-ins are taking place, particularly for mechanical rough-ins and plumbing loose-ends. We’re going through our MEP inspections now in preparation for our framing and firestopping inspections.
Community + Safety
As we are in the midst of hot summer months, DAVIS has implemented worker safety measures to manage heat stress. This includes a designated break area on the lower floor with misting fans. We’re also occasionally providing electrolyte popsicles to our workers. We also have fans on site to promote airflow on each floor while we await permanent power and permanent conditioning start-ups.
We completed our ABC CORE program at the end of May. We graduated 10 / 18 candidates and had 13 /18 attend consistenly. Our trades/partners ahve hired or are in the process of hiring (8) of the (13) candidates. We’re working with our trade partners to help find them employment opportunities and grow meaningful careers.
The Fire Marshal’s office of DC held a meeting on site with DAVIS and the adjacent community. They expressed concern about vehicles from the neighborhood parking within Riggs Park Place NE, a fire lane. The main entry needs to be kept clear of parked vehicles save for temporary deliveries and with drivers in place to move vehicles immediately in the event of an emergency. DAVIS is working diligently within the confines of our permitted traffic control plan to keep traffic and neighbors from being impacted. We’ve even moved/relocated our perimeter fencing along Riggs Road to keep the eastbound bus stop open based on neighborhood requests, even though our permit allows us to utilize this space. Once our utility work is completed, we intend to further narrow our perimeter fence line to open up as much space as possible for bus stop access. We want to respect our neighbors and communities with as few disruptions as possible.
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing is constructing Riggs Crossing Senior Residences, an income-restricted, affordable senior housing building on the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. Individuals interested in leasing who are 62+ and who have an income at or below 50% of median family income should fill out the interest form.
Retail space is delivering 1st Quarter of 2025 in Riggs Park near the Fort Totten metro station. Seeking local and unique tenants for exclusive under-market lease. Tenant improvements available. Flexible retail split option may be considered (similar concept to Black & Forth).
Offers received by May 23, 2024, will be given priorty.
Elevator roof deck, hoist beams, and divider beams
All interior metal stud framing and pre-rock for ceilings below podium.
Mock-Up Unit Rough-Ins and level 1 unit ceiling framing
Garage ramp waterproofing and topping slab
Drain, Waste, and Vent Riser Completion and Inspections through level 4
Gypcrete Pre-Pours Levels 3 and 4
Ongoing and Upcoming Work
Work is taking place in many facets of the building at once and is broken down as follows:
Exterior Work and Power
DAVIS continues our ongoing perimeter layback, pile burnoff, and backfill. We have to cut down all of the steel piles that supported our excavation so it doesn’t interfere with future sitework and since the top 4’ of these piles interfere with waterproofing, we need to expose this area to complete our waterproofing accordingly. We’re 85% complete through the building, awaiting the backfill on the NW corner and the north side of the site.
Brick will be starting at the SE corner and the east side of the building near the townhomes. Expect to see mortar mixers, forklifts, scaffolding, and a lot of workers on the side of the building facing the townhomes! Before brick starts, we need to finish all of our air barrier and waterproofing systems to ensure they’re complete and that the building remains watertight.
Bulk roofing is commencing on Thursday 05/09/2024. We will have a mobile crane to boom material up to the roof that will be staged within the project extents on the Riggs Road side of the building (West Side). We will start craning roof materials as well as mechanical equipment up to the roof shortly.
Framing + Facade
Below Podium (Level 1 and Garage)
We’re installing our stick-pinned insulation and drywall pre-rock. We have to install drywall slab-to-slab for fire ratings, but we need to frame ceilings before hanging bulk drywall. In order to do so, we install drywall from the structure above down to the ceiling elevation.
Blocking QC —> DC inspects all of our blocking to ensure it meets accessibility standards/requirements such that every unit, not just ADA units, can meet accessibility requirements in the future (e.g. every unit is convertible).
Masonry infill work and preparation for elevators.
Final air barrier and waterproofing tie-ins
Above Podium (Level 2 and Up in Wood Framing)
Installation on balcony knife plates. The balconies have cables that attached to the building for structural support. The “knife plates” are the blades on the east side of the building that stick out and are black. These will be visible in our finished facade.
Structural and blocking punchlists. MEP installation damages our structure and the framers have to follow after the trades to ensure our structure remains in tact.
Now that the building should be substantially weathertight, our focus is on completing balcony doors and knife plates.
Interior Work (Rough-Ins and Finishes)
Garage level MEP rough-ins have started and are ongoing. This will be a process as parts are dependent upon the building becoming dried in and there are many building systems that need to be installed in a specific sequence for coordination.
Level 1 OH plumbing and HVAC is complete until ceilings are fully framed. Next up is pulling refrigerant lines and completing water lines.
Main plumbing drain, waste, and vent rough-ins, including final roof drain tie-ins, are forthcoming in conjunction with roofing.
Plumbing waterline rough-ins on level 2, moving up to level 3.
HVAC ductwork installation on levels 2 and 3; Finishing up 100% and then moving to level 4
Electrical box out and pulling wire level 2 and 3.
MEP Post Dry-In activities have started (insulation and pulling wire)
Interior pre-rock and setting tubs
Community + Safety
As we approach the summer months and hotter days, DAVIS is ensuring that we have our heat stress plan in place for worker safety. This includes having a large misting fan on site, electrolyte powder. electrolyte popsicles, and cooldown stations for our workers. We have also set up picnic tables in our retail space for a lunch break area to keep workers out of the sun and for them to have a comfortable space to take breaks when needed.
As for our ABC CORE Training Program, we held a job fair with (6) of our trade partners on 05/02/2024 and we’ve heard feedback that at least 5-6 of our candidates have been hired after the fair. Telligent, Platform, CA Klein, Justin Company, Benchmark Building Enclosure, and Muller all attended. Atlas Foundations and Miller & Long DC have also contacted candidates as has A. Wash & Associates and Miscellaneous Metals, Inc. We’re pushing to get our trainees hired as we near our class completion on 05/16/2024.
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), developer of Riggs Crossing Senior Residences, is seeking interested local and unique retail tenants for under-market lease opportunity. The project is currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in Riggs Park. Project delivery expected first quarter 2025.
There will be a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10:00 am.
The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), developer of Riggs Crossing Senior Residences, is seeking interested local and unique retail tenants for under-market lease opportunity. The project is currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in Riggs Park. Project delivery expected first quarter 2025.
Updated to correct last date of enrollment to March 7.
The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and Davis Construction (the team behind Riggs Crossing Senior Residences) are offering paid apprenticeship training for up to 20 DC residents through a partnership with the local Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter. They plan to enroll interested potential workers in the ABC CORE program for a 10-week training program. The final opportunity to take advantage of this opportunity is Thursday, March 7, 2024.
APAH and Davis will help graduates find job offers with trade partners within the industry. Costs for candidates to enroll will be covered by DAVIS and APAH.
If interested in the apprenticeship opportunity, complete the contact form on the “Career” page on the project website or simply stop by the construction trailer (located in the green space in front of Food & Friends) to provide your contact information and let the team know of your interest in enrolling.
We achieved one of our major milestones in January – We topped out our concrete structure! This kicks off the next phase of work which involve installing our CMU masonry towers for stairs and elevators prior to wood framing commencing. Since our last update, we had 5 elevated deck pours which is a very high rate of production in roughly 3.5 weeks. Once we completed the groundwork, concrete proceeded switfly! You will also notice that Stair S2 CMU tower nearest South Dakota Avenue topped out in late January.
Ongoing and Upcoming Work
CMU towers at the north side of the site started and should top out by mid-February at the latest. We’re setting our steel beams and embeds in place within the stair and elevator shafts to facilitate future stair and elevator installation. We also mobilized the self-erecting crane for the wood framing operations and have begun layout for wood framing on the concrete deck.
Wood framing is the next critical activity that is starting in 1 week. Layout has commenced and wood deliveries are arriving early February. This will be ongoing for the next 2 months or so. Within the next few weeks, we’ll move the east side silt fence and backfill against the building (after waterproofing) to facilitate access for sheathing and Tyvek from the building perimeter.
We’ll also start installing our below podium steel angles and metal stud framing which will allow us to being rough-ins for below podium work on level 1 and the garage. Plumbing will go first, then HVAC. Once the building is dried in approximately in March, we will begin electrical wiring and insulation activities in a big push to commence drywall.
We plan to install the remaining utilities along Riggs Road this spring once wood framing is complete and before masonry starts on the west facade.
In the Event of Inclement Weather:
We had (2) snow storms the week of 01/15/2024. DAVIS diligently cleared the public sidewalks in front of our trailer and jobsite first to ensure pedestrian and worker safety. Afterwards, the DAVIS team cleared off select portions of the concrete deck to allow masonry to commence work and to provide safe walking paths on the concrete deck for workers. We utilized blankets to cover portions where work was upcoming so clearing was easy and work could continue with minimal delays. If inclement weather occurs, DAVIS will continue to implement similar measures to ensure pedestrian access/safety is secured first and then perform clearing as needed to minimize downtown for productive work on site. We want to do everything in our power to maintain schedule.
With 2023 coming to a close, our project site has transformed! Since our last update, we have completed our concrete foundations, underground MEP, and our slab-on-grade. We’ve poured most of our level 1 deck where the main amenity space and future retail will be. We’ve formed the last portion of this level 1 deck and will begin forming the garage ramp before the end of the year. We will also be close to 2/3 topped out with our concrete portion of the building where only the north slab should remain. We plan to top out our concrete structure within the first two weeks of January. Thank you to all of our trade partners, design partners, and our client for helping us reach this critical juncture on the project.
Upcoming Work
Starting early 2024, we will begin building our CMU (cinderblock) towers for our stairwells, elevators, and trash chute. This kicks off a new phase of construction as we transition from concrete structures to wood framing. When wood framers arrive, you can expect to see a new mobile tower crane on-site, staged in a similar location to our current mobile crane along Riggs Road NE. This is to facilitate the lifting of wood trusses and lumber to the elevated decks. Further, our large dewatering system will be demobilizing shortly as we’re no longer in the deeper portions of our foundation that encountered groundwater. While the wood framing is occurring, you’ll see several other activities including:
Steel angle installation around the 2nd floor. This angle will support the brick over large spans and above the concrete portion of the building.
Excavations, steel pile removal, and waterproofing the tops of our foundation walls. These are smaller, roughly 4’ deep excavations that will be backfilled.
The start of metal stud framing and exterior sheathing
Our goal is to top out framing, install windows, and have the building substantially dried in come spring time. This will kick off our brick, siding, and balcony work on the exterior while we complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins on the interior before moving into interior finishes.
Please note that we will be shifting our site perimeter fence on the east elevation near the townhomes. The fence will move further east (towards the townhomes) into the permissible construction easement. This additional space will be required in order to allow the proper equipment to access this elevation safely and efficiently in order to best maintain our schedule. Plan to see small excavation equipment, forklifts, aerial lifts, and scaffolding within this area.
In the Event of Inclement Weather:
In the event of snow or other wintery weather, DAVIS has snow/ice melt on hand to ensure the sidewalks around our site and the walkway on our site have minimal tripping hazards.
Snow will be cleared from wood decks over the edge of the building with controlled access zones below.
If a large snow storm occurs, DAVIS will hire the necessary personnel to remove snow from site or consolidate on/near site to provide access pathways for our project.
Community Involvement
We’ve tried to mesh into the Fort Totten and Riggs communities. Thus far, DAVIS, KCM, and APAH have:
Taken the safety of the Riggs Park Place NE entrance to heart. We have removed portions of our fence mesh and adjusted the barricades and fencing angles to improve visibility between the private entrance and Riggs Road NE.
We have also ordered and installed a custom, photo-reflective sign in the median notifying passing drivers of the entrance upcoming.
We have worked with the local ANC and LRCA (Lamond-Riggs Citizen Association) to obtain TCP approval for the necessary site staging along Riggs Road. We have devised and implemented a plan to minimize rush hour congestion and noise as mush as possible.
Mowed the tall grass around the trailer and on DDOT’s land.
Periodically cleaned up the area around our site. This includes trying to maintain a clean area from both construction debris and any windblown debris from the neighborhood or pedestrians.
Conducted preconstruction surveys of adjacent townhomes to document any changes that may be caused by the project.
Connected with Food & Friends for volunteering opportunities. DAVIS personnel helped deliver Thanksgiving meals!
Registered 22+ District residents into a paid job training program that will commence in the new year. We will make every effort to provide these individual with job opportunities.
Attended Art All Night and supported local businesses.
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), part of the team developing Riggs Crossing Senior Residences on the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE, sent word that the construction team will be scheduling more Saturday construction hours for the near future. They said that the recent rains have caused delays because site water needs to be pumped out after rain events. Their permit already includes Saturday hours from 7:00 am-7:00 pm as part of regular work hours, but they said they are sending out notice as courtesy for the neighborhood as there may be other neighborhood events that may occur simultaneously.
In addition, the team is reminding residents about career and training opportunities for this project. They are hiring for several subcontractors. They are also providing paid training for up to 20 DC residents in a 10-week training program. Complete the contact form at https://www.davisbuildsriggsxing.com/careers. Please let your neighbors know.
Mayor Muriel Bowser joined residents to break ground on construction of Riggs Crossing, a senior resident building that will be located on the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE. The lead developer is the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) in partnership with EYA.
This building accompanies the recently constructed townhome community by EYA called Riggs Park Place. Mayor Bowser celebrated the ribbon cutting of Riggs Park Place last summer. Together, these projects complete the development that started with the construction of Fort Totten Square back in 2015.
Aakash Thakkar, chief acquisitions officer at EYA, opened the event and as always recognized the community’s role in this project. Vandalia Joyner-Taylor, a resident of Riggs Park since 1959, introduced Mayor Bowser. Mayor Bowser laid the foundation for these projects, starting as an ANC commissioner before becoming Ward 4 councilmember and then mayor. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George followed the mayor, recognizing the importance of this affordable housing project in Ward 4. Christopher Donald, executive director & CEO of the DC Housing Finance Agency, and Drew Hubbard, deputy director of the DC Department of Housing & Community Development, both mentioned how this project will help meet the District’s goal of producing 12,000 affordable housing units by 2025. Carmen Romero, CEO of APAH, closed the program.
Overview
Riggs Crossing will consist of 93 income-restricted units for seniors 62 years old and older.
52 units at or below 30% median family income (MFI)
41 units between 30-50% MFI
10 permanent supportive housing units
APAH has a lot of experience building affordable housing primarily in Virginia with a couple of projects in Maryland. Riggs Crossing is APAH’s first project in DC. Jaydot will provide case management services for the 10 permanent supportive housing units.
Approximately 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail will be available for below market rate lease for a local/unique retailer.
Construction
Davis Construction is the construction team on this project. Monthly construction updates are available on the project website. On the website, you can also subscribe to receive updates about the project. The site work seen over the past few weeks was pre-construction site work. The team received permits yesterday to begin excavation. Expect about 5 weeks of pounding during excavation. The team has set up a vibration monitor and met with nearby property owners. For construction concerns, email Joanna Shin at jshin@apah.org.
Jobs & Apprenticeship Opportunity
On the website is a list of available construction jobs. In addition, as part of the team’s First Source commitment, they are offering paid apprenticeship opportunities for up to 20 DC residents. From the project website:
As part of our First Source Approved Alternative Plan as well as our Section 3 best faith efforts, DAVIS and APAH have committed to providing training for up to 20 District Residents. We plan to partner with the local Associated Builder’s and Contractor’s (ABC) chapter and enroll interested potential workers in the ABC CORE program for a 10 week training program. We will help graduates find job offers with our trade partners within the industry. Costs for candidates to enroll will be covered by DAVIS and APAH.
If interested in the apprenticeship opportunity, complete the contact form on the “Career” page on the project website or simply stop by the construction trailer (located in the green space in front of Food & Friends) to provide your contact information and let the team know of your interest in enrolling. Please let your neighbors know about this opportunity to take advantage sooner rather than later.
Retail
There will be about 9,500 square feet of ground floor retail space, of which 5,000 square feet will be offered below market rate lease for a local/unique retailer. Right now, the team states that there is not infrastructure capacity for a full-service restaurant, but they might be willing to revisit that decision. Interested parties may contact Joanna Shin at jshin@apah.org.
Pictures of groundbreaking below.
Vandalia Joyner Taylor, Riggs Park resident since 1959, introducing Mayor Muriel Bowser at groundbreaking. Photo credit Gwen Cofield.Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George delivering remarks.Photo credit Gwen CofieldMayor Muriel Bowser delivering remarks. Photo credit Gwen CofieldMayor Bowser breaking ground with Riggs Park residents (left to right) Rev. Johnnie Mays, Edgar Sheppard, Barbara Rogers, Gwen Cofield, Shirleta Settles, Mary Wade, Mayor Bowser, Charon Hines, myself, and ANC 4B Chair Alison Brooks.Photo by http://www.jonflemingphotography.comWard 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George with residents. Barbara Rogers, Johnnie Mays, Edwin Washington (The Parks Main Street), CM Lewis George, Gwen Cofield, myself. Photo credit Office of CM Janeese Lewis George
Next Stop...Riggs Park 