Celebrating the first move-ins at Reservoir District with DC Mayor Bowser

We were honored to welcome DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, community leaders, area families and neighbors to a special celebration at Reservoir District. The event celebrated the completion of the first homes and move-ins at Reservoir District—a major milestone in the transformation of this historic site into a vibrant new neighborhood. Held during National Homeownership Month, the event also highlighted the delivery of new affordable housing in the neighborhood.

EYA's Chief Acquisitions Officer, Aakash Thakkar, made the initial remarks, stating: "This project is a true public, private and community project in every sense of those words...Projects like this...are built with one overarching objective, to enhance the quality of life for District residents."

He further added that this is done by providing new housing for all income levels and amenities for District residents. Last summer, the District completed the 6-acre park and recreation center, Reservoir Park Recreation Center. Now, we celebrate the completion of EYA's first townhomes and move-ins in the community. When complete, there will be 146 townhomes, including 22 ADU (affordable dwelling unit) homes. 

Reservoir District homebuyer, Chanel Toms

EYA homebuyer, Chanel Toms, spoke at the event, describing her homeownership journey as a purchaser of an ADU home at Reservoir District. She said, "Today is special not just because we are celebrating new building, but because we are celebrating new beginnings for families like mine...This celebration represents what is possible when we prioritize keeping affordable housing in the District."

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser speaking in front of EYA's townhomes at Reservoir District

Mayor Bowser spoke about the District's commitment to transform underutilized parcels throughout the city into new housing and economic development opportunities: "Here we are on an underutilized parcel that we worked with the federal government to get...Here we [the District] were a part of the future with this commitment to this park and recreation center...And in every single case, like this one, we turn what was blighted into something beautiful. In this case, we see what is historic and what is contemporary blending together. In this case, we will see housing and commercial development alongside much needed park space."

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Mayor Bowser and EYA's Aakash Thakkar

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie remarked that he grew up across the street from the fenced-off, unused site and would dream about the potential of what the site could be. He stated, "Because of the hard work, the public-private partnership, today we don't have to dream anymore. Today, you can go inside this community center and have a swim in the pool. Today, you can bring your kids over to play on the playground. And today, we have people like Chanel who are going to make these homes behind us the place where they live, work and raise a family." 

After a ribbon cutting, guests were invited to enjoy live music, lawn games, food trucks, yoga demonstration and tours of EYA's new model homes. To view the full speaking program, watch the video below. 

When complete, the 25-acre Reservoir District site will include new townhomes (by EYA), apartments and retail (by Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners), and healthcare and retail (by Trammell Crow Company), as well as the now open District of Columbia Reservoir Park Recreation Center and 6-acres of park space. The site also features beautifully preserved historic structures such as sand filtration silos and regulator buildings along the restored Service Court.

Get to know Reservoir District this summer at one of the community events coming to the neighborhood, including Soulful Sundays outdoor concert series, Reservoir Recharge wellness weekends, Family Day, Ice Cream Social, History Tours and more. Click here to view the event schedule.