True Ground Housing Partners Receives Approval from Arlington County Board to Redevelop Leckey Gardens
Rendering of the future property, courtesy of DCS Design
The project, which will deliver 249 critically needed affordable apartments in Arlington, was unanimously approved by the Board
ARLINGTON, VA (February 25 , 2026) True Ground Housing Partners’ redevelopment proposal was approved by the Arlington County Board yesterday with a 5-0 vote. The project, located at 2031-2037 N Woodrow Street, previously received support from Arlington County’s Planning Commission, Housing Commission, and Transportation Commission. “We thank the Arlington community and the Arlington County Board for prioritizing smart growth through the future redevelopment of Leckey Gardens. This approval reflects a shared commitment to expanding housing opportunities and ensuring more households can move forward with stability,” said Carmen Romero, President and CEO of True Ground Housing Partners. “We are proud to develop the first housing community under the Langston Boulevard Area Plan, a long-term vision that will guide this neighborhood’s future for the next 50 years.”
Arlington continues to face a significant need for committed affordable rental housing. Nearly 40 percent of renter households in the County are cost burdened, and only about 12 percent of rental units are affordable to households earning 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) or less. This redevelopment addresses that need by replacing aging, 1940s garden style apartments with a new, 249-unit affordable rental community, preserving long-term affordability while expanding quality housing options for Arlingtonians to remain rooted in their community . True Ground offers Resident Services support to help residents remain stably housed while building pathways to opportunity and long‑term well‑being, a central element of the nonprofit developer’s mission.
Photo of current Leckey Gardens Apartments, courtesy of Jack Devine
The project’s height, density, and zoning modifications align with the Langston Boulevard Area Plan, which calls for increased housing—particularly affordable housing—along this corridor. The 1.36-acre site is well‑positioned for thoughtful, transit‑supportive density, with convenient access to shops, services, transit routes, and nearby parks. Located within a high‑opportunity area, this project exemplifies equitable, community‑centric development as outlined in Arlington County’s Langston Boulevard Area Plan . Once complete, the redevelopment will achieve 10% of the Langston Boulevard Area Plan’s affordable housing goals, which aims to add 2,500 affordable units by 2040.
The proposed Leckey Gardens redevelopment project turns 40 aging units into 249 modern, high-quality apartment homes. This increased density provides inclusive housing options for households who continue to be priced out of the area. Current residents will receive relocation assistance and the option to return to the redeveloped building. Additional improvements to walkways, stormwater infrastructure, and energy efficiency support long-term performance, resident health, and will benefit the surrounding neighborhood.
The proposed project demonstrates Arlington County’s commitment to achieving its long-term housing affordability goals. True Ground’s redevelopment and reinvestment into its current site aims to strengthen neighborhood stability, sustainability, accessibility, and provide quality apartments that residents can call home.
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About True Ground Housing Partners
True Ground is a nonprofit affordable housing developer, enabling diverse families to imagine hopeful futures, even in one of the nation’s highest cost markets. At True Ground, we believe that hope, like a home, needs nurturing and care. With housing access becoming harder than ever, we’re dedicated to building hope and opportunities for those feeling left out. We are committed community builders, breaking down barriers and providing the support needed to turn aspirations into secure, comfortable apartment homes. We are not just building homes; we are changing the landscape for affordable housing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe and welcoming community. True Ground was named one of the nation’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers of 2023 by Affordable Housing Finance, one of only a dozen nonprofits to make the list. Visit www.truegroundhousing.org to learn more.
