Casestudy

The Deanwood Community

A Strategy for “ADDification®" without Gentrification

For almost two decades, Torti Gallas has been committed to the transformation of the Deanwood neighborhood, working with community groups, local stakeholders and city agencies in several public/private mixed-use, mixed-income projects that are providing low and affordable housing units and new retail, educational and community uses.

This proactive community development effort, supported by the city’s New Communities Initiative in partnership with both for-profit and non-profit developers, has created 170 replacement low-income housing units in advance of anticipated resident relocations that will arise from the neighborhood revitalizations of the Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings public housing communities.

A Strategy for “ADDification®" without Gentrification

Deanwood, a leafy, single-family neighborhood at the edge of the District, is a historically African American community with a rich history and culture.

Suburban Gardens

Notable historic elements of the neighborhood include the Nannie Helen Burroughs School, The Strand Theatre, and Suburban Gardens, one of the first black-owned amusement parks, as well as famous residents such as Marvin Gaye.

The Strand Theater

Starting in the early 2000’s, the city made significant investments in Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue’s Great Streets Initiative improvements, realizing its transformation from a suburban arterial into a vibrant, mixed-use Main Street.

The Nannie Helen Burroughs School Site

Other major public investments include the new Deanwood Community Center and Library, Marvin Gaye Park and the new H.D. Woodson High School.

Marvin Gaye Park Mosaic

TG+P impact

We are award-winning architects and master planners, urban designers, sustainability experts, construction administrators and community facilitators.

Experience
70
yr
TG+P boasts decades of architectural innovation and community planning.
National Awards
400
+
With numerous prestigious awards, TG+P exemplifies excellence in planning and design.
National Awards
400
+
With numerous prestigious awards, TG+P exemplifies excellence in planning and design.

Torti Gallas + Partners catalyzes community change through authentic placemaking.

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Torti Gallas + Partners catalysts of sustainable progress.

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News Releases
Mar 4, 2025

Torti Gallas + Partners is pleased to announce the following promotions:

In the Media
Feb 19, 2025

The Parks at Walter Reed is a great example of effectively managing stormwater runoff which can be difficult and challenging for urban planners and developers alike.

In the Media
Jan 21, 2025

Jeremy Sharp, TG+P associate principal, is in Multi Housing News on the challenges of office to residential conversions:

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The Deanwood Community

A Strategy for “ADDification®" without Gentrification

Torti Gallas has actively participated in an initiative we call “ADDification®” in the Deanwood Community - creating 500 new low and affordable housing units for families without displacement.
The Challenge
Find replacement housing opportunities within the existing Deanwood Neighborhood for current public housing residents BEFORE the redevelopment of the Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings public housing site in a way that strengthens the larger Deanwood community.
The Solution
This collection of infill projects enhances the neighborhood with new mixed-income, family-oriented communities that keep existing low-income residents in their neighborhood, while providing opportunities for new residents to obtain quality affordable housing and adding a mix of uses.
Torti Gallas’ commitment to the neighborhood goes well beyond our urban design and architectural contribution, and includes the myriad of long-term community relationships we have built, and the knowledge of the community’s hopes and dreams for the future, which we are committed to seeing realized.
Quick Facts
503 Total Mixed Income Units
170 Low Income (Replacement Public Housing) Units
16,000 sf of Neighborhood Serving Retail
Majority Family Oriented Units – 2, 3, 4, and 5 Bedroom Units
Enterprise Green Communities Certified
The background

Deanwood, a leafy, single-family neighborhood at the edge of the District, is a historically African American community with a rich history and culture.

Suburban Gardens

Notable historic elements of the neighborhood include the Nannie Helen Burroughs School, The Strand Theatre, and Suburban Gardens, one of the first black-owned amusement parks, as well as famous residents such as Marvin Gaye.

The Strand Theater

Starting in the early 2000’s, the city made significant investments in Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue’s Great Streets Initiative improvements, realizing its transformation from a suburban arterial into a vibrant, mixed-use Main Street.

The Nannie Helen Burroughs School Site

Other major public investments include the new Deanwood Community Center and Library, Marvin Gaye Park and the new H.D. Woodson High School.

Marvin Gaye Park Mosaic
The Approach

For almost two decades, Torti Gallas has been committed to the transformation of the Deanwood neighborhood, working with community groups, local stakeholders and city agencies in several public/private mixed-use, mixed-income projects that are providing low and affordable housing units and new retail, educational and community uses.

This proactive community development effort, supported by the city’s New Communities Initiative in partnership with both for-profit and non-profit developers, has created 170 replacement low-income housing units in advance of anticipated resident relocations that will arise from the neighborhood revitalizations of the Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings public housing communities.

The Impact

This ensemble of projects was strategically developed to serve as a catalyst for economic mobility and growth in the Deanwood neighborhood.  

The Nannie Helen at 4800

Together, these projects have breathed new life into Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, Deanwood’s mixed-use Main Street, and created a wide range of new housing, commercial, and community opportunities.

The Residences at Hayes

This proactive community development effort, supported by the city’s New Communities Initiative in partnership with both for-profit and non-profit developers, is creating replacement low-income housing units in advance of anticipated resident relocations that will arise from the neighborhood revitalizations of the Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings public housing communities.

Providence Place

Torti Gallas’ commitment to the neighborhood goes well beyond our urban design and architectural contribution and includes the myriad of long-term stakeholder relationships we have built, and the knowledge of the community’s hopes and dreams for the future, which we are committed to seeing realized.

Deanwood Town Center
Highlight

The Nannie Helen at 4800:

Winner of a 2015 Built by Women Award

Highlight

Residences at Hayes:

Gold Award Winner 2019 Professional Builder; Finalist, 2019 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Award in the Best Affordable Development Category

HIGHLIGHT

COMING SOON!

Providence Place:

Located on the Historic Site of Nannie Helen Burroughs School for Colored Women

Deanwood Town Center:

Bringing much needed retail and more

Services Provided
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