Inside The Arlington Housing Development Spanberger Toured

ARLINGTON, VA — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) visited a 234-unit affordable apartment development in Arlington on Thursday while highlighting nearly $100 million included in Virginia’s biennial budget for housing programs.

Wholey Legacy Homes, at 1300 N. Pierce St. in Rosslyn, serves residents earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Spanberger toured the development with state Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) and other local officials before discussing housing affordability in Northern Virginia with community partners.

“Every Virginian should be able to find a home that meets their needs, fits their budget, and allows their family to thrive,” Spanberger said. “Housing is the foundation of a strong community and a strong economy, and we will keep working to ensure that Virginians have access to safe, affordable homes and the opportunity to build a better future.”

From 31 Apartments To 234

True Ground Housing Partners began redeveloping 31 apartments at the former Marbella Apartments property in September 2023. The project produced a 12-story building with 234 apartments on a 1-acre portion of the property.

The development opened in October 2025, according to a True Ground Housing property summary. True Ground held a grand-opening ceremony on Dec. 8, 2025.

Wholey Legacy Homes includes 84 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 50 three-bedroom apartments. Twenty units are designated for households earning up to 30% of the area median income, 65 are for households earning up to 50% and 149 are for households earning up to 60%, according to True Ground Housing.

The approximately $136 million project is near the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations, bus service, stores, parks and employment opportunities. It was named for the late Joe and Midge Wholey, two founders of the organization now known as True Ground Housing Partners.

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True Ground President and CEO Carmen Romero said developments combining affordable apartments with resident services can benefit families and surrounding neighborhoods.

“We are grateful to Governor Spanberger for recognizing Wholey Legacy Homes as a powerful example of how combining quality affordable housing with resident services can strengthen communities,” Romero said. “The Governor’s visit highlights the positive impact developments like Wholey Legacy Homes have on families and neighborhoods, and we are proud to showcase the cross-sector partnerships that make projects like this possible.”

Nearly $100 Million For Housing

Virginia’s two-year budget includes nearly $100 million intended to expand housing development and help residents find homes they can afford to rent or buy, according to the governor’s office.

The total includes what the Spanberger administration described as record funding for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, which supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing around the state.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development provided $7.6 million in loans for Wholey Legacy Homes. The funding included $1.8 million from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, $4 million through Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency and $1.8 million from the National Housing Trust Fund, according to True Ground.

Department Director Tamarah Holmes said the development combines affordable apartments with universal design and environmentally focused building standards.

“By pairing deeply affordable homes with universal design and green building standards, we are creating safe, accessible, and energy-efficient spaces where residents of all ages and abilities can thrive in the heart of Arlington,” Holmes said.

The development has solar panels, free Wi-Fi, community rooms, a fitness area, a rooftop terrace and a children’s play area. More than 100 apartments incorporate universal design principles, and 20 permanent supportive housing units receive case-management services through Arlington County, according to True Ground.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said placing affordable housing near Arlington’s transit hubs can help workers find homes while connecting Northern Virginia businesses with employees.

State And Local Partnerships

Favola said the project demonstrates how housing organizations and local governments can work together to support residents.

“True Ground and its many partnerships, including with the Arlington government, has created a model that supports residents in achieving an affordable life,” Favola said. “This model should be replicated across the Commonwealth.”

Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti (D) also emphasized cooperation between state and local governments, saying the partnership is important to delivering affordable housing.

The Arlington visit followed several housing-related actions by Spanberger in June. According to the governor’s office, she signed legislation intended to reduce regulatory obstacles to housing construction, protect renters from undisclosed fees and ease financial burdens on first-time homebuyers.

Spanberger also signed measures included in her Affordable Virginia Agenda, which addresses housing, health care and energy costs across the state.

How To Seek An Apartment

Prospective tenants can review floor plans and contact the leasing staff through the Wholey Legacy Homes leasing website, which is linked from True Ground’s property page.

The development is income-restricted, and the leasing website directs prospective tenants to contact the office for qualification details. Users can search available one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans and continue the leasing process online.

The leasing office can be reached at 571-568-7145. Prospective tenants may also use the development’s online contact form to provide their contact information, household size and anticipated move-in date or visit the office during posted business hours.