History Of The Project
About Us
History Of The Project
Photo Credit: DC Policy Center
Project Story
Barry Farm – Hillsdale was established in 1867 for formerly enslaved African-Americans to own land and create a self-sustaining community after the Civil War. The community thrived and established a firm foundation of community organizations and leaders. This legacy continued through the Barry Farm Dwellings, the public housing community constructed in the 1940s whose residents continued to be trailblazers and advocates for racial and economic justice nationally, in DC and their own community. Barry Farm – Hillsdale will again be a home for personal and communal autonomy, harkening back to its roots of African-American land ownership, strong community ties and socio economic self-sufficiency.
The new community will be built upon historic land defined by this neighborhood’s legacy.
Project Milestones
2006
Barry Farm | Park Chester | Wade Road - Redevelopment Plan
In 2006 the Barry Farm, Park Chester, Wade Road Development Plan (Small Area Plan) was developed “to improve quality of life by focusing on both the physical and human architecture of the community.” The plan was developed through a planning process sponsored by the DC Government in conjunction with the Barry Farm Advisory Committee with the goal “to create a vibrant mixed-income neighborhood where residents have quality housing options, real economic opportunities and access to appropriate human services for children and adults.”
2013
Planned Urban Development (PUD) Created For Barry Farm
Beginning in 2013, POAH, DCHA and DMPED under the New Communities Initiative, worked with residents to create the Planned Urban Development (PUD) plan for Barry Farm that built upon the Small Area Plan developed by residents. The plan was developed through a planning process sponsored by the DC Government in conjunction with the Barry Farm Advisory Committee with the goal “to create a vibrant mixed-income neighborhood where residents have quality housing options, real economic opportunities and access to appropriate human services for children and adults.”
2014
PUD Plan Approved
The PUD plan was initially approved by the Zoning Commission in December 2014. 7 years later, in December 2021 the project received final zoning approval to begin construction.
2016
Resolution 16-06
To ensure the proper relocation of residents, a subcommittee of DCHA board members and Barry Farm residents authored Resolution 16-06, which was approved in March 2016. This resolution authorized and established a relocation strategy to ensure residents' right to return.
Relocate 197 Barry Farm families
Beginning in 2016, POAH, DCHA and Housing Opportunities Unlimited partnered to relocate 197 Barry Farm families to their housing option of choice during the demolition of the original Barry Farm Dwellings. POAH also partnered with the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (FSFSC) to provide social services for over 250 residents.
The partnerships with FSFSC and HOU were critical in providing social services for residents and facilitating resident participation in decision-making process. Since launching the Community Impact Strategy for Barry Farm in 2016, POAH and its partners have hosted over 100+ in-person and virtual community events ranging from leadership development programs and trainings to “Legacy Talks” that revisit and honor the history and significance of Barry Farm.
2020
First Phase Of Construction
In November 2020, POAH began infrastructure work on Sumner Road, the first step to creating a grid pattern of streets and alleys that (1) better link the Barry Farm, Park Chester and Wade Road neighborhoods and (2) improve connection from Barry Farm to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Sumner Road, which was a key component of the Small Area Plan.
2022
The Asberry Groundbreaking
On September 26th, 2022 POAH broke ground on the first building of the redevelopment project. The Asberry, named after the late Asberry Sanker Jr., a staple in the Barry Farm community, will be located at 1200 Sumner Road SE. The building will have 108 affordable homes for seniors, 77 of which are replacement units for former residents. It will also feature 5,096 square feet of retail space, a landscaped courtyard, a wellness room, a fitness center, a community room, and a rooftop amenity space.