The Department of Housing and Community Development donated a vacant lot from its inventory to DC Students Construction Trades Foundation.  This lot is being used by the Academy of Construction and Design at Cardozo High School for its first student-built home.  The Academy provides technical education in vocational trades including carpentry, electrical and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. 

Students in the Academy will build a 2,000 square foot home on the donated site.  The home, located at 5734 13th Street NW, will be sold at market rate at an anticipated value of approximately $400,000.  Proceeds from the sale of the program will be reinvested into the Foundation and into the next student construction site.

By providing this lot, DHCD was able to put a property back into property back to use, eliminate slum and blight, and provide opportunities for students to gain valuable skills that can lead to careers. It is an example of how the Department is using innovative methods to address vacant properties in the District and put them back to productive use and back on the City’s tax rolls.

The home has been designed to meet high green building standards and will be an exhibit in creating a vibrant, sustainable structure for learning. 

Fox5 Morning News

The site was recently featured on Fox5 Morning News.