Channel Square Apartments
Channel Square Apartments is a 223 unit apartment community located in Southwest Washington, D.C.—just 4 blocks from public transportation and the Waterfront Metro Station and half of a mile from the U.S. Capitol. Channel Square Apartments was originally constructed in 1968. In 2013 the property was acquired by the National Housing Trust/Enterprise Preservation Corporation, in partnership with Somerset Development Company and the Jonathan Rose Companies. Moderate rehabilitation has been performed over the last 4 decades, but significant repairs are now needed to modernize the buildings. Through the Channel Renovation Project, NHT/Enterprise’s goal is to maximize the affordability of its apartments for the long-term, while maintaining the highest standard of living for residents.
MoreThe organization worked with the tenant association to impose an affordability covenant on the property. The covenant states that two-thirds of the apartments must remain income restricted to low-income households, including Section 8 voucher holders and residents with annual incomes below 80% of area median income. The remaining one-third of the apartments are allowed to be market rate, but will continue to operate under D.C. rent control regulations.
NHT/Enterprise is proceeding with the Channel Renovation Project in two phases:
- Phase I upgrades are focused on system improvements to maximize energy and water savings.
- Phase II incorporates comprehensive building system modernization with some cosmetic upgrades and deep energy and water retrofits, including the addition of a solar system.
NHT/Enterprise recognized the value of partnering with District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) to help offset some of the initial upgrade costs. DCSEU committed nearly $95,000 in rebates for items contained in the Phase I Upgrade Scope. The water and energy focused scope includes of upgrading the boilers, installing low-flow showerheads and aerators, and upgrading lighting. It is expected that these initial upgrades will result in a 20% reduction in utilities costs, or approximately $108,500 annually.
MorePhase I Upgrades
- Low-flow showerheads
- Low-flow aerators in faucets
- Central plant boiler and hotwater heater upgrade
- Variable frequency drives (VFD's) and controls
- Exterior lighting upgrades
- Securing 100% Wind Power for all electricity used by the building
Phase II Upgrades
- Window and sliding door replace
- Low flow toilets
- Solar hot water and photovoltaic systems
- Convector unit replacement
- Add economizer to rooftop air handler
- Replace dampers
- Insulate exterior walls and ceilings
- Air sealing measures
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