13th Street Community Park and Garden Construction Updates

Project Set to Break Ground this Fall and Community Meeting Announced
September 11, 2010, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Corner of 13th and C St., SE

A community meeting for Kentucky Courts residents and neighbors has been scheduled for September 11, 2010 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in order to provide a detailed update to the entire community. Join the Office of Councilmember Tommy Wells and the D.C. Housing Authority to learn the latest construction details of the park and garden project and to meet the contracting teams who will make this vision a reality!

In May 2010, the DC Housing Authority announced its Request for Proposals seeking professional contractor services, including demolition, site lighting, landscaping, and site furnishing, in order to begin work on the Community Park and Garden. Crews have already been spotted on the site conducting the last stage of environmental soil testing. DCHA has now finalized its selection of the construction firms, and demolition of the concrete lot should be underway and construction should begin fall 2010.

To view a copy of the project’s RFP, click here.

Stimulus Funding Awarded to Project

On September 30, 2009, the DC Housing Authority announced that it has been awarded more than $34 million in competitive grants by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for seven development projects, including over $650,000 for the 13th Street Community Park and Garden. With this additional funding secured, construction of the park and garden should begin before the end of the year.

“We are taking timely, targeted and effective steps to preserve and improve affordable housing, create jobs, and improve energy efficiency by using “green” standards,” said DCHA Executive Director Michael Kelly.”

Richard Lukas, President of the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization, applauded the tireless efforts of the staffs of DCHA and the Office of Councilmember Tommy Wells. “We are grateful for the stewardship and commitment of Councilmember Wells and Executive Director Kelly,” he said. “I’d also like to specifically recognize Jamila Tolbert of DCHA and Daniel Conner of the Councilmember’s Office for continuing to guide this project through to its completion. This stimulus investment was granted in part as a recognition of the three years of planning and hard work by the DC government and engaged community members.”

Breakdown of the Stimulus Investment:
HUD Funding: $651,481
Amount to be leveraged: $125,000, plus $37,665 worth of contributed goods and services
Total Project: $814,146

  • Funds the completion of a park and garden on an unused corner of the Kentucky Courts Senior property.
  • Includes outdoor meeting space, handicap-accessible gardening facilities, and a water feature.


For more details on the Stimulus Award click here.

“Moreover, the stimulus funding serves as a capstone to the dedication of Executive Director Kelly who continued to see this project as a priority for DCHA,” added Lukas. Mr. Kelly has decided to resign from his position, after a decade of service, to become general manager of the New York City Housing Authority. “We will sorely miss his energy and devotion to this project and to the Kentucky Courts residents and the entire Capitol Hill community.”

Mr. Kelly joined DCHA in 2000 after it emerged from court-ordered receivership. “I have been privileged to work with the most dedicated professionals I know in this industry,” Kelly said. “Together we expanded affordable housing options throughout the city. We grew the voucher program from serving 5,000 families to serving over 11,000. We brought our systems into the 21st century, and used all of the tools available to us to create and preserve low-income units in an aggressive real estate market. I am proud of my work here and of the entire DCHA team.”

The 13th Street Community Park and Garden welcomes Adrianne Todman, deputy executive director for administration and external affairs, who has been named DCHA’s interim Executive Director.

We continue to appreciate all of the support, interest, and patience expressed by the community. Construction updates will continue to be posted in the coming weeks.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed!

In February 2009, Richard Lukas, President of the 13th Street Community Park & Garden, and Michael Kelly, Executive Director of the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to finalize the development plans and operations of the park and garden. In doing so, the Nonprofit and DCHA have agreed that DCHA will cover all costs associated with the construction of the site and upon completion will transfer management and operational oversight of the park and garden to the Nonprofit.

In April, construction began on an adjoining ramp near the site to accomodate the relocation of the current lot's dumpster. Once the ADA-compliant ramp has been completed, construction of the park and garden can fully begin! 

Members of the 13th Street Community Park & Garden, DCHA, and the engineering firm VIKA have been hard at work on the multi-layered design of the park and garden. Below, you can click on PDF of survey drawings, grading and lighting plans, landscape elements, and the like. If you would like to know more or see the full-size drawings, feel free to email us at information@13thstreetgarden.org. As you can see, we have come a long way from our initial concept.

13th Street Community Park & Garden Plan [6.8 MB PDF]

Please continue to check back on our site for more information and updates.

Thank you for your support and patience as we try and bring this park to fruition!