Today, the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) proudly dedicated its newest affordable senior community, The Leggett, to affordable housing advocate Former County Executive Isiah Leggett.
“Naming this building after Ike Leggett isn’t just about honoring a man who has dedicated his life to service–it’s about rededicating ourselves to the values that make him great: dedication, empathy, and kindness,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This project will be a permanent monument to his legacy, ensure our seniors have somewhere safe and affordable to call home, and set the standard for future initiatives to lift our communities and everyone in them.”
Located at 1315 Apple Avenue in Silver Spring, The Leggett is a 267-unit, 16-story, mixed-income, multi-use community that sets a standard for senior apartment living. This newly constructed building offers one- and two-bedroom units for county residents aged 62 years and better, with 238 units set aside as designated affordable.
“I couldn’t be more honored with this dedication knowing it will become home for hundreds of our fellow Montgomery Countians who deserve reasonably priced, modern housing right in the heart of downtown Silver Spring,” said Mr. Isiah Leggett.
Under Mr. Leggett’s leadership as County Executive from 2006 to 2018, Montgomery County increased its reserves from $79 million to $500 million; expanded affordable housing funding; maintained or constructed 77,000 affordable housing units; and invested in countywide measures to improve the quality of life for senior adults.
County Executive Marc Elrich said, “This development shows the County’s commitment to affordable housing and reinforces our commitment to no-net-loss when replacing existing housing with new affordable housing. With the Holy Cross affiliated wellness center and upcoming recreation and aquatics center, it’s a complete services model in a great location and a model for building affordable housing through partnerships. This was a complicated project to put together, and it was set in motion under the leadership of former County Executive Ike Leggett. Thus, naming the building for him is the perfect way to highlight his commitment to affordable housing, supporting our older county residents and ensuring a good quality of life.”
“Access to housing is a basic right. With over 130,000 households struggling to make rent every month, we need more affordable housing in Montgomery County,” said Council President Evan Glass. “Former County Executive Ike Leggett opened Montgomery County’s doors to people from around the world, and now this building will continue his legacy.”
The Leggett combines affordable housing for seniors with direct access to public health amenities that work to create a sustainable and vibrant community. The Leggett will feature an integrated Holy Cross Hospital-affiliated wellness center with “Senior Source” programming and an urgent care facility (scheduled to open in summer 2023). Adjacent to The Leggett will be the new 133,000 sq. ft. South County Regional Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Center is part of a public-private partnership between HOC and Lee Development Group in the Central Business District of Silver Spring and will offer a state-of-the-art recreational facility with basketball courts, a public Olympic-size pool, a therapy pool, spa, a gym, exercise and weight rooms, movement and dance studios, a culinary arts kitchen, etc. An added bonus community amenity is the extension of the Capital Crescent Trail.
“This innovative housing project offers a unique opportunity to provide affordable housing options for seniors in a way that prioritizes their wellbeing and recognizes the importance of community engagement with its proximity to county amenities,” commented Chelsea Andrews, HOC Executive Director. “We are strategically focusing on the long-term impacts a project like this will have on its residents and the surrounding Montgomery County community.”
For rental inquiries, contact Habitat America at 301-563-3030.
About the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC)
The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County provides affordable housing and supportive services that enhance the lives of low- and moderate-income families and individuals. HOC is a property owner and operator, and a vertically-integrated developer, focusing on three things: getting people housed, keeping people housed, and helping customers reach their fullest potential. HOC serves more than 15,000 Montgomery County residents, owns more than 9,400 rental units, and provides rental assistance to more than 8,000 low-income households through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) and over 1,600 households through other types of subsidized housing programs.
For more information, visit https://www.hocmc.org/.
