Gallagher is serving as the legal advisor to True Ground Housing Partners, Inc., a nonprofit affordable housing developer, on the multiphase Crystal House development in Northern Virginia.
The initial stage of this development is an affordable housing project known as The Sweeney, which recently broke ground and will deliver 432 critically needed apartments. It will be the largest affordable housing development constructed in Arlington in decades. The Sweeney is a “hybrid” project, consisting of both 4% and 9% credits under the federal low-income housing tax credit program.
The Sweeney is the first part of the larger Crystal House community that will create a vibrant mixed-income district that combines families and seniors of all income levels. Future phases will include affordable senior housing, market-rate rental units, two new parks, and homeownership opportunities. The Sweeney will feature amenity spaces designed specifically for families, including informal gathering areas and multipurpose rooms for social, wellness, and resident service programming.
“The Sweeney represents a unique opportunity to add much needed affordable housing in one of Northern Virginia’s most dynamic markets,” said Carmen Romero, President and CEO of True Ground Housing Partners. “This once in a generation public private partnership, in this location three blocks from Amazon’s HQ2, will bring economic diversity and affordability in this amenity rich neighborhood, providing all the essentials that every family needs to thrive. The scale and impact of this project demonstrate what’s possible when we combine innovative financing, donated land, and a shared commitment to housing opportunity for all.”
The Gallagher team advising True Ground on the development, construction, and financing of this project is being led by Ben Rubin, Jessica Weston, and Matt Oakey, with support from Rick Gerriets and Terry Wesselman.
About True Ground Housing Partners
True Ground Housing Partners is a nonprofit affordable housing developer enabling diverse families to imagine hopeful futures in one of the nation’s highest cost markets. True Ground was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers of 2023 by Affordable Housing Finance, one of only a dozen nonprofits to make the list. Learn more by visiting www.truegroundhousing.org
About Gallagher
For nearly 65 years, Gallagher has been a trusted partner for businesses and non-profits across the mid-Atlantic region. Representing top universities, hospitals, financial institutions, real estate developers, and more, our firm is experienced in a wide range of practice areas, including real estate development, affordable housing development and financing, civil litigation, health care, employment law, corporate transactions, renewable energy, and confidential investigations. We pride ourselves on offering innovative, practical solutions with a personal touch, acting as your partner and trusted advisor. With a deep commitment to seeing challenges from every angle, Gallagher is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape with confidence.