The Office of Housing is excited to announce the start of a substantial rehabilitation of the Pendleton Rooming House at 1022 Pendleton Street. Extensive exterior and interior modifications, will include upgrades to major building systems, including plumbing and electrical systems, the installation of insulation, geothermal, and safety and accessibility improvements, and the restoration of the former commercial space facing Henry Street. Funding for the project includes federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with the support of U.S. Representative Don Beyer and U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Timothy Kaine. 

The interdepartmental City team working on this project appreciates the collaboration with the property’s operator, Ms. Janice Howard, whose family has owned this mixed-use building for more than 100 years. While serving as the family’s home initially, the property also housed a blacksmith shop and the Alexandria Home Bakery operated by Ms. Howard’s grandfather. During segregation, the residential portion of the building was a green-book style sanctuary for African American travelers in need of accommodations in the City. The list of luminaries who were guests included Elijah Muhammed, the founder of the Nation of Islam, and musician, Cab Calloway. It also served as a meeting place for local African American organizations and later became a community social hub when it functioned as a beauty salon and barber shop. 

Since the early 1970’s the property has operated as a rooming housing for Alexandria’s working poor. The Pendleton Street Rooming House Rehabilitation Project will ensure that the building continues to enhance housing affordability in the community as well as stand as a culturally and architecturally significant landmark within the historic Parker-Gray neighborhood. Existing residents of the rooming house were relocated within the city prior to the start of construction and will have the opportunity to return upon completion. Rents will be restricted and help ensure residents at risk of homelessness remain stably housed. 

For updates on the rehabilitation work, please visit the Pendleton Rooming House Project page.