In a notable stride towards sustainable living, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has inaugurated Cycle House, the District’s pioneer in net-zero energy, all-affordable housing, an 18-unit community nestled in Truxton Circle, Ward 5. Mayor Bowser underscored the dual achievement of aligning housing and sustainability goals with this project, transforming a once vacant lot into a space that offers deeply affordable homes while being environmentally conscious, according to a press release by the Mayor’s Office.
The construction of Cycle House was a collaborative effort, seeing Urban Green LLC, Heleos LLC, and VNV Development at the helm, as the District facilitated with significant financial backing, providing a 99-year ground lease, $1.3 million in 9% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), DC LIHTC, and a $2 million construction loan from the DC Green Bank, emphasized Mayor Bowser’s administration has been marked by a push for blended investment in housing and smart policy alterations, resulting in expanded housing opportunities like the units at Cycle House which cater to households earning between 30% to 60% of the Median Family Income (MFI).
Supporting the city’s cycling enthusiasts, Cycle House integrates bicycle-friendly amenities such as complimentary bike storage and an elevator designed for easy bike transportation from the units to the street, elaborates Mark James, Founder and President of Urban Green, who pointed out Mayor Bowser’s commitment to sustainable housing accessible to all incomes during the interview obtained by the press release. The name “Cycle House” was chosen to reflect this intent…