ARHA Spends $56.8 Million on Old Town Senior Living Complex
With rent protections guaranteed, 110 seniors will transition from Ladrey to Alate, where they can remain part of the Alexandria community during redevelopment.
Alexandria, VA – In a significant move to address aging public housing in the city, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) has purchased a senior living complex in Old Town for $56.8 million, with plans to relocate more than 100 residents from the nearby Ladrey Senior High-Rise.
The acquisition of the Alate Old Town building, located at 1112 N. First Street was finalized on August 6. The five-story building, which features 133 units, was only partially occupied at the time of purchase. According to ARHA, approximately 110 age-eligible seniors from Ladrey will be provided with new homes in the complex by the end of the year, with current rents protected.
“This acquisition ensures that our residents have a safe, modern, and comfortable place to live without being displaced from the community they’ve called home for decades,” ARHA CEO Eric Johnson said in a statement.
Why the Move Was Necessary
The Ladrey Senior High-Rise at 300 Wythe Street, a 1970s-era tower, was initially slated for demolition and redevelopment. However, according to the Alexandria Times, escalating construction and financing costs derailed the plan, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) terminated its operating support for the building. HUD then issued 168 tenant-protection vouchers, forcing ARHA to relocate residents.
“This new path allows us to keep our seniors in Old Town and avoid displacement while we determine the long-term future of the Ladrey site,” Pettigrew added.
Financing the Deal
The purchase was made possible through the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) pooled bond program. On June 25, Alexandria City Council approved a “moral obligation” backstop to help ARHA secure favorable financing terms.
According to city documents, the city could be on the hook for up to $3.5 million annually in debt service if ARHA defaulted, though safeguards were built in. These include a $6 million letter of credit, collateral from ARHA-owned properties, and a third-party property management agreement.
Council members expressed both support for preserving affordable senior housing and concern about the financial exposure. Still, the vote passed unanimously, clearing the way for ARHA’s purchase.
What Residents Can Expect
The Alate building, which ARHA has internally dubbed “Silver Fox”, includes amenities such as a fitness room, theater, underground parking, and communal gathering spaces. Current Alate tenants may remain or receive relocation assistance, according to Virginia Business.
ARHA says it plans to relocate Ladrey residents by late 2025, after which the authority intends to pursue a substantial renovation of the existing Ladrey tower beginning in early 2027, pending HUD approval.
For now, residents are being assured that their rents will not increase and that ARHA will work closely with them throughout the transition.
300 Wythe Street—Ladrey Building—placeholder photo (Lucelle taking new one)
The fate of the Ladrey building at 300 Wythe Street is unknown at this time placeholder photo (Lucelle taking new one)
1112 1st Street—ALATE Senior Living Building—
Over 110 Ladrey residents will be moved to this modern building at 1112 1st Street, all with rent protections.
Hi, my mother is a resident of Arha ,can you please reach out to me. [email protected]