34Fifty Apartments

34Fifty Apartments is a completed, first-of-its-kind public-private partnership that delivers 49 all-affordable homes blocks from the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Located in the heart of the River Terrace neighborhood, the project provides high-quality housing to an underserved area, with 20% of the units specifically designed for families. Built to Passive House (Phius) standards and Net-Zero Ready, 34Fifty sets a new benchmark for sustainable, affordable housing in the District.

Its design and construction prioritized energy efficiency from the ground up: green roofs reduce stormwater runoff and improve insulation; rooftop solar panels generate more than half of the building’s energy needs; and geothermal wells, heat pump water heaters, and high-efficiency mechanical systems drastically cut energy consumption. A tight building envelope with triple-pane windows and advanced insulation further reduces utility costs while improving indoor air quality and comfort.

The project was primarily financed through federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and supported by a range of energy-efficiency incentive programs. These included technical assistance, equipment rebates, and ASHRAE Level 2 audits that identified key opportunities to maximize building performance. 34Fifty also contributed to local workforce development by partnering with green construction training programs, helping contractors and community members build skills in energy-efficient building practices.

From the outside, the building is designed to reflect and enhance its surroundings, with a two-tone brick façade, bay windows, decorative cornices, and entrance canopies that create a welcoming and community-oriented streetscape. As a catalyst for change in Ward 7, 34Fifty Apartments demonstrates what’s possible when affordability, sustainability, and community investment are treated as indivisible priorities.