The Ribbon is Cut - The Hodge on 7th is Officially Open

The lobby of Hodge on 7th was filled to overflowing this morning, with the anticipated 'ribbon-cutting' and the official opening drawing in local residents and dignitaries on what promised to be a joyous occasion. It did not disappoint.
With, Roadside Development's Founding Partner, Armond Spikell  overseeing the ceremony, the mood was deservedly celebratory. The speakers Armond Spikell, Mayor Vincent Gray, Buwa Binitie (Principal at Dantes Partners) and Hodge on 7th's first resident Lucy Marino all embracing the positive aspects of Hodge on 7th and Affordable Housing.

Below are some of the highlights from the Grand Opening Event;

Standing Room Only - inside and out on the street

Armond Spikell of Roadside Development gets the event underway

Mayor Vincent Gray spoke of the investment the city is making toward affordable housing

It fell to Buwa Binitie to hand out the thanks to the many contributors to the planning and construction of  Hodge on 7th, and that led to some lighter moments

A very special moment as The Hodge's First Resident came to the podium

                                                     And with just a snip....its official

Following the ceremonies I had the chance to view one of the apartments, the last time I was in the building it was close to being a shell, so this was new. 

You can see why so many people are trying to get into Hodge on 7th. As you can see in the photographs below, good space, wonderful natural light and the apartments are designed for folks that need a little extra space to get around freely. I understand that there are 10 residents that will move in this week, that probably accounts for so many smiles today.

Well designed kitchens with easy to reach cabinets and appliances

Huge windows surround you in natural light

So if you want a six-seater, you can, and still have plenty of space in the living area

....and a peaceful space for sleeping

Finally the building lobby has a plaque that memorializes one of the normally unsung in the DC Bureaucracy.

The plaque memorializes Michael Hodge who was a prime driver in making sure the Hodge on 7th got built, but unfortunately passed before it was completed......It is fitting that the building bares his name


My Thanks to Roadside Development and especially Susan Linsky for assisting in putting together this article