“Perhaps with the Temple Courts site redevelopment moving forward, there will be an increased focus on moving the Sursum Corda redevelopment along?”

“Dear PoPville,

I noticed walking by the Sursum Corda housing coop on 1st St NW that a large amount of the units, including all of the units facing west, have just recently been boarded up. Check out the pics attached.

Could this finally mean the end of Sursum Corda? The last I heard back in May, the redevelopment project was still looking for a new source of financing after Winn Development Co. backed out of the deal. But I haven’t heard any updates since.

Perhaps with the Temple Courts site redevelopment moving forward, there will be an increased focus on moving the Sursum Corda redevelopment along?”

Ed. Note: Regarding Temple Courts, from Councilmember Charles Allen’s office yesterday:

“In 2008, the District tore down Temple Courts amid poor housing conditions for residents that needed housing. The New Communities Initiative was launched and after a long wait, progress is now being made on a promise to rebuild. This important proposal includes 517 affordable units reserved for DC families split between those earning up to 30% of AMI and up to 60% of AMI.

This award not only replaces the units that previously existed at Temple Courts, but adds new affordable housing for DC residents. Just as important, new affordable units include 3- and 4-bedroom units to serve larger families — a major priority for Councilmember Allen’s in building and preserving affordable housing in the District. Approximately 255 units will round out the mixed-income development at market rates. In addition to the construction of nearly 800 homes for DC families, this project will deliver over 50,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail space for local businesses and job creation.

“For nearly 10 years, families have been waiting to return home through economic recession and false starts. Today’s announcement is a major step to make good on a promise made,” said Councilmember Allen. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the Mayor’s team to bring this redevelopment back from the brink and it represents one of the city’s most significant efforts to replace and add affordable housing for DC families at a time when most.”

The next steps in the project will be for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to finalize terms with the teams announced in the awards. Following that, the winning teams will work with the community and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions on required zoning changes before the proposals will be sent to the Council for further review and approval. Councilmember Allen will continue to work aggressively to move these important projects forward as quickly as possible, and expects to see construction begin in 2019.”