Unity at Ballston: Award-Winning Affordable Housing Rooted in Community Impact

In the face of the ongoing affordable housing crisis, the Unity at Ballston project in Arlington, Virginia, stands out as a powerful example of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven development. Transforming the former Central United Methodist Church site, the project exemplifies how underutilized land can be reimagined to serve the region’s most pressing needs. 

The eight-story, 144-unit affordable housing development was brought to life through a partnership between Central United Methodist Church, True Ground Housing Partners (formerly APAH), and numerous community-focused stakeholders. It serves individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI), with 15 units reserved for households at or below 30% AMI — a critical step toward supporting the area’s most vulnerable populations. 

Bohler DC played a key role in bringing Unity at Ballston to fruition by providing comprehensive site civil engineering design and permitting services, helping to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure seamless project delivery. 

“Unity at Ballston is more than just a building—it’s a reflection of what can happen when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Mike O'Hara, Principal at Bohler DC. “At Bohler DC, we’re proud to be part of a project that not only delivers much-needed affordable housing but also sets a precedent for what’s possible through thoughtful collaboration and mission-driven design.” 

The impact of the project has not gone unnoticed. Unity at Ballston was awarded the 2024 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Excellence in the Mixed-Use Project category, recognized with the 2025 ULI Washington Excellence in Affordable Housing Development award, and awarded the 2025 HAND Housing Achievement Awards, Best Large Affordable Housing Project Award. These accolades reflect not only the development’s architectural and planning excellence but also its social and economic contributions to the community. 

Unity at Ballston illustrates the transformative potential of faith-based organizationsmwhen they leverage their land and mission to serve their communities. As more FBOs look to reimagine their properties, this project serves as a blueprint for how thoughtful partnerships and purposeful design can make a lasting impact on housing equity.