Fairstead, ARHA Begin $120M Redevelopment of Samuel Madden Homes in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Fairstead and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) have officially broken ground on the $120 million redevelopment of the historic Samuel Madden Homes in Old Town Alexandria, according to a company announcement. The project will replace 66 existing townhomes with a six-story, 295,000-square-foot mixed-use community featuring 207 affordable housing units and a community food hub.
Fairstead Expands Development Portfolio
The redevelopment, created in partnership with ARHA and The Communities Group, is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. The new Samuel Madden Homes will include one- to four-bedroom residences reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The design aims to accommodate families of varying sizes while integrating new public spaces within one of Alexandria’s oldest neighborhoods.
Community and Leadership Support
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Fairstead Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Goldberg said the redevelopment represents a milestone for both the company and the city. “This is a defining moment for Fairstead and for the Alexandria community. Samuel Madden Homes affirms our commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges through strong partnerships and long-term investment,” Goldberg said in the release.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins also highlighted the project’s local impact. “This partnership with Fairstead marks a defining moment for both our city and our residents,” Gaskins said. “By redeveloping this site together, we’re creating homes for existing and new families and reinforcing the fabric of our community.”
Historic Site Redeveloped for Modern Needs
Originally constructed in 1945 by ARHA in partnership with the federal government to provide housing for African American defense workers during World War II, the Samuel Madden Homes property has long been part of Alexandria’s housing history. The redevelopment will transform the site into a modern, sustainable community that blends residential and public amenities.
Commitment to Affordable Housing
Fairstead stated that the Samuel Madden Homes redevelopment reflects its ongoing commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing through long-term investment and partnerships. The project represents one of the larger affordable housing initiatives in Alexandria in recent years, with completion expected in 2027.