The Silver Spring Penguin

With one quick snip to a red ribbon, MoCo exec Ike Leggett (D) on Tuesday officially reopened The Barrington apartments, an affordable-housing complex off East-West Highway in Rosemary Hills.

The cluster of short brick buildings recently underwent a $20.5 million overhaul to upgrade electrical systems, install central air conditioning, and improve kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

“I love the air conditioning!” Beverly Cook, a longtime resident, told a small gathering outside the complex’s new community center. “I’ve been here for 35 years, and I hope to be here for 35 more years.”

The Barrington began more than 50 years ago as an affordable-housing rental complex, which then converted into the Rosemary Hills cooperative. When maintenance costs on the 415 units grew beyond the co-op’s means, it was sold in 2003 to Fairfield Residential and reverted to rentals.

The new owners then dropped $20.5 million — including $3 million from the county — to replace windows, plumbing and electrical systems. The apartments also got central air conditioning and wall-to-wall carpeting.

“This project is a perfect model of how we can rehabilitate the existing housing stock,” said Clarence Snuggs, deputy secretary for the state’s department of housing and community development.

According to one employee with The Barrington’s leasing office, tenants earning less than 60 percent of the area’s median income can rent an 800 square-foot, one-bedroom apartment for $960. Tenants who earn more pay $1200 for the same apartment.

“It’s imperative that we make more affordable housing and retain what we have,” Leggett told residents.

The county drew its contribution to The Barrington’s rehab from its housing initiative fund. On Thursday, the county council considers Leggett’s proposal to increase the housing initiative fund by $10 million.

Photo by Jennifer Deseo for The Silver Spring Penguin.