Mission First Housing Group was honored to welcome U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and local elected officials from across the region to our newest property – The Lewis Apartments in Suitland, MD – on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

As a follow-up to President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union Address for 2022, Secretary Fudge and the group met to discuss the Administration’s plan to help address affordable housing and housing supply challenges in an effort to lower living costs for families. The discussion also acknowledged the several affordable housing programs in Prince George’s County that benefitted from the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act.

“It was wonderful to be able to welcome Secretary Fudge, along with local elected officials including Angela Alsobrooks to The Lewis Apartments for a discussion on equity in housing,” said Sarah Constant, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development for Mission First. “It is both reassuring and inspiring to hear the Secretary and local leaders affirm their commitment to the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the region. We are proud to be part of this effort.”

The Lewis Apartments, named for John Lewis, the late civil rights activist and long-time politician, is a brand-new senior (age 62+) community nestled in the center of the rapidly developing Town Square at Suitland Federal Center. This six-story building is part of a vibrant pedestrian-oriented neighborhood created through the Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center redevelopment, an initiative of the Prince Georges County Redevelopment Authority that includes townhouses, retail and residential development.

Mission First and its development partners The Henson Development Company and the L.A. Bolden Company were awarded $1.5 million in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development for the project.

The Lewis Apartments is one of the many projects integral to Mission First expanding its footprint in Maryland, which is expected to boast more than 1,300 apartments by 2025. In Maryland, Mission First has four operating properties totaling 363 apartments, and seven properties under construction or in development totaling 940 apartments.

Mission First appreciates Secretary Fudge for choosing The Lewis Apartments for this meeting and is looking forward to more dialogue with federal, state and local officials on affordable housing needs.