Press Releases
Renovated Fairmont Apartments Re-Open in Columbia Heights
DC Mayor Williams and Councilman Graham joined tenants and local developer KSI today to celebrate completion of major renovations, preservation of affordable housing, involvement of tenants association in ownership and revitalization of neighborhood.
June 29, 2005
Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams and Ward One Council Member Jim Graham joined tenants and local developer KSI Services, Inc. (KSI) today at a grand re-opening celebration for the newly renovated Fairmont Apartments in the city’s Columbia Heights neighborhood.
Today’s celebration marked the completion of the first of two buildings to be renovated by KSI, one of greater Washington, DC’s largest diversified real estate companies. Renovations to the second building are expected to begin in July and be completed by April, 2006. Both buildings have been designated as “Section 8” housing since the 1970s and will remain that way for an additional 15 years under KSI’s ownership. The company also involved the Fairmont tenants association as part owner in the apartments’ general partnership.
“The exceptional changes we’re witnessing today are helping to empower residents and to preserve and redefine affordable housing in the Columbia Heights neighborhood,” said Mayor Williams. “I am looking forward to watching KSI’s transformation of the second Fairmont building and its positive impact on this community.”
KSI purchased the two apartment buildings in the 1400 block of Fairmont Street NW in 2002. The company began renovations to the first building in January 2004, which included new appliances, upgraded electricity, controlled access entry and sprinkler systems among the many changes. Additionally, KSI created seven three-bedroom apartments to help accommodate tenants with larger families.
“KSI is committed to bringing the finest housing products to market for a wide range of renters and home buyers,” said Richard I. Knapp, senior vice president of KSI. “We are very proud to have worked so closely with the tenants to make the ‘new’ Fairmont a reality.”
Also on hand at today’s event were dozens of residents who have moved back into their homes after having been temporarily relocated with assistance from KSI. Other Columbia Heights community leaders and business owners also joined in the celebration.
Jackie Britt, who has lived at 1401 Fairmont for 15 years said at the event, “I was here for the bad and I get to stay for the good”.
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About KSI Services, Inc.
Based in Northern Virginia, KSI is a leading developer of award-winning, mixed-use residential and commercial properties across the Washington Metropolitan area. The firm owns and manages a significant portfolio of affordable housing in the DC metro area. Current projects include urban and transit-oriented developments, multifamily housing, commercial and mixed-use developments. Robert C. Kettler, a third-generation builder and developer founded KSI in 1977. Kettler serves as Chairman and Richard W. Hausler serves as president. For more information visit www.ksi.com.