On November 17, Arlington Presbyterian Church (APC) celebrated their homecoming, returning to their former site opening a new worship, office and multi-use space on the ground-floor of Gilliam Place, a 173-unit affordable housing community developed by the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) along Columbia Pike.  The project includes eleven barrier-free units for persons with disabilities and approximately 8,500 sq. ft. of ground floor space that will include a new home for Arlington Presbyterian Church as well as expanded facilities for La Cocina VA, a bilingual culinary training program for low-income individuals. La Cocina, which will begin its construction later this year, will also provide kitchen space and training for entrepreneurs and a community café.

The press release reads: “APC’s move back to their former property where they worshipped for over a century, completes an 8-year journey for their congregation in discerning new ways they might be called to be church in the community. After their bold decision to sell their existing church building and property to APAH for the development of affordable housing in 2014, the congregation returned to lease a portion of the ground-floor retail space from APAH in the completed building.  ‘APC’s new worship space is a communal, Spirit-filled gathering area that invites participation, creativity, and equality for the sake of South Arlington,’ said Pastor Ashley Goff.  The brand-new multi-use building is named in honor of Ronda A. Gilliam, APC’s first African-American elder, a community leader and clothing ministry founder.”

Financing was provided by Enterprise Community Partners Faith Based Development Initiative, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), Arlington County and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. Additional partners on Gilliam Place include: Capital One, KGD Architects and Donohoe Construction Company.

Congratulations to APC, APAH and all partners!

To read more details, check out media coverage here.