On July 22, 2024, the Arlington County Board approved an agreement to transfer the historic Reeves Farmhouse to Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA). This marks the end of a decades-long search for a purpose for the property, which will now be rehabilitated to provide shared living accommodations for individuals with developmental disabilities.
A Community-Driven Initiative
Board Chair Libby Garvey expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the overwhelming community support and the collaborative effort between the County and its residents. This project exemplifies Arlington’s commitment to supporting its developmental disability community while preserving its historical sites.
Rehabilitation and Partnership
The rehabilitation of the Reeves Farmhouse will be managed by Habitat DC-NOVA in partnership with HomeAid National Capital Region (HomeAid NCR). The renovation will include preserving the existing kitchen and living space, reconfiguring the second floor for ADA accessibility, and adding a first-floor extension for new bedrooms and bathrooms. L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. (L’Arche GWDC), a non-profit serving adults with intellectual disabilities, will own and operate the home once renovations are complete.
The project will be funded by up to $2.5 million from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which supports housing and community development needs for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. This funding aligns with Arlington County’s 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, which emphasizes the need for affordable, permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities.
Supporting Developmentally Disabled Residents
Arlington’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has partnered with L’Arche GWDC for nearly 20 years, operating two group homes in Arlington. The addition of the Reeves Farmhouse will provide a home for four more adults with developmental disabilities, many of whom would otherwise need to be placed outside the County due to limited local availability. La Voyce Reid, Developmental Disabilities Bureau Chief, noted the significance of this opportunity in providing a supportive living environment for these residents.
Historic Preservation
Reevesland, the last operating dairy farm in Arlington, was purchased in 1863 and continued dairy operations until 1955. The farmhouse, a local historic district since 2004, represents rural vernacular architecture with Greek Revival and Queen Anne details. Arlington County acquired the remaining 2.45 acres of the property in 2001 to preserve the farmhouse and create public park space.
The parkland, including a sledding hill and the Reevesland Learning Center gardens, will remain open to the public. L’Arche GWDC plans to enhance community engagement by partnering with the Learning Center.
Future Plans
HomeAid NCR will manage the renovation, following guidelines from the Arlington County Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). Preservation activities will include an architectural survey, photo documentation, archaeological data recovery, and a historic marker installation.
Renovation and construction are set to begin in 2024 and continue through 2025, ensuring the Reeves Farmhouse will serve as a testament to Arlington’s dedication to historic preservation and community service.