PRESS RELEASE: Transforming Reeves Farmhouse into a Home Again

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kat Shaub, Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

Phone: 202.257.1153 (c) Email: kat.shaub@habitatdcnova.org

Transforming Reeves Farmhouse into a Home Again

Partnership between Habitat DC-NOVA, HomeAid NCR, and L’Arche GWDC to Provide a Home for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

ARLINGTON, VA (July 23, 2024) — In partnership with Arlington County, Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) and HomeAid National Capital Region (HomeAid NCR) will revitalize the historic Reevesland Farmhouse located in North Arlington’s Boulevard Manor neighborhood. The revitalized property will serve as a home for adults with intellectual disabilities for L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. (L’Arche GWDC).

The Reevesland Farmhouse, originally built in the 1860s, was Arlington’s last operating dairy farm. The farmhouse and surrounding land were held by the same family for three generations until 1955 when dairy operations ceased and the majority of 160-acre farm was subdivided and sold. The farmhouse remained in the Reeves family until the passing of third-generation owner Nelson Reeves in 2000 and was then purchased by Arlington County. Cheryl Scannell, daughter of Louise and Nelson Reeves, is thrilled that her family’s property will soon be filled with life once more: “If we can keep a little bit of history here, that’s great. And we look forward to welcoming the L’Arche community here. I know they’re going to make it a beautiful place.”

In 2004 the property was designated a local historic district. Today, the farmhouse sits on two acres overlooking the beloved Bluemont Park and hosts the Reevesland Learning Center and garden. “The Reeves Farmhouse is a cherished historic property that has patiently waited two decades for new residents to call it home,” said Arlington County Acting Historic Preservation Program Supervisor Lorin Farris. “I hope the efforts to conduct archaeological investigations, sensitive salvage activities, and ultimately restore and rehabilitate this building will help raise awareness about its history. I am proud that Arlington County was a leader in making this project a reality. It would not have been possible without the vision and invaluable work of our partners.”

L’Arche GWDC, HomeAid NCR, and Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA came together to propose a plan to restore the property and repurpose it into a home for adults with intellectual disabilities operated by L’Arche GWDC. L’Arche GWDC is a nonprofit creating a more human world where people with and without disabilities share life and find belonging together. Currently, L’Arche GWDC operates four homes in the Washington Metro region for its “core members” (adults with intellectual disabilities). This fifth property will welcome home to four more core members and increase community interaction for all.

The project received final approval at the July 22 County board meeting and the property is under conveyance to Habitat DC-NOVA who in partnership with HomeAid NCR will begin renovations this fall.

The existing farmhouse will be restored and renovated to become community space meeting the needs of the core members, and the second floor will serve as administrative space for L’Arche GWDC. A new historically compatible addition will be added to accommodate living quarters for four core members and their assistants. The interior of the home will be fully renovated to accommodate current living standards and functionality while increasing its energy efficiency whenever possible.

Construction and renovations will be jointly provided by Habitat DC-NOVA, a nonprofit affordable homebuilder, and HomeAid NCR, a nonprofit connecting regional builders with other nonprofits to provide housing and programmatic facilities for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Both organizations aim to build safe and dignified spaces for families and nonprofits serving vulnerable populations and bring a combined 50 years of nonprofit construction experience to the project.

The Arlington County Board has voted to approve the allocation of up to $2,500,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support the renovation and restoration of the farmhouse. L’Arche GWDC is concurrently conducting a capital campaign to raise additional funds for start-up, development, and operational expenses.

“Our region’s housing needs are diverse and call for the kind of collaboration this project embodies,” said Susanne Slater, President & CEO of Habitat DC-NOVA. “At Habitat we know that a safe, decent, affordable place to call home is the foundation we all need in order to thrive. We’re proud to partner on this project and leverage our real estate development expertise to provide critically needed community-based housing for residents with intellectual disabilities.”

“Our mission is deeply rooted in collaboration and partnerships that ensure nonprofits have the facilities conducive to the needs of the people they serve. HomeAid prides itself on listening and understanding the unique requirements of our nonprofits’ clients. The new addition will be a one-story home, allowing L’Arche’s core members to be more self-sufficient,” said Kristyn Burr, CEO of HomeAid NCR. “What may seem like minor details to some, such as widening hallways and doorways, adding an elevator, building ADA-compliant bathrooms, and ensuring the flooring is smooth so a wheelchair can glide over easily, are critical to this specific project. This goes beyond a construction project for us; we want to ensure this historic property becomes a vibrant home again and that we focus on the small things that will make a huge difference in the day-to-day lives of the people who reside there.”

Habitat DC-NOVA and HomeAid NCR aim to break ground on the project this fall and will convey the completed property to L’Arche upon completion.

Luke Smith, L’Arche GWDC Community Leader and Executive Director, shared: “L’Arche GWDC is proud that Arlington County, Habitat DC-NOVA, and HomeAid NCR are committed to working together to ensure that Arlingtonians with intellectual disabilities will continue to be able to live in their county for generations to come. The project is rooted in collaboration and partnership, and we are eager to build a more human world, together.”

About L’Arche Greater Washington, DC

L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. is creating a more human society where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. We celebrate the unique value of every person, recognizing and accepting our need of one another and building relationships that transform all of us. People come from all over the country and the world to visit L’Arche and learn from core members and the model of mutual care and relationships. L’Arche GWDC is part of the L’Arche International Federation. There are over 150 L’Arche communities around the world Learn more at larche-gwdc.org.

About HomeAid National Capital Region

HomeAid National Capital Region builds and maintains housing and programmatic facilities for nonprofit organizations serving those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness by leveraging their relationships within the building industry to garner in-kind donations of labor and materials.

HomeAid has completed more than 170 construction projects that together have served as a safe and stable space for more than 197,000 vulnerable individuals in our community.

Learn more at homeaidncr.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

Habitat for Humanity Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) believes everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Our mission is to reduce poverty housing and homelessness by building decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes for those in need. In addition to building and selling affordable homes, Habitat DC-NOVA provides home repairs, offers financial education, and advocates for policies that create more housing for struggling families in the national capital region. Learn more at habitatdcnova.org.