This month marks the 20th anniversary of APAH’s acquisition of Leckey Gardens, a mixed-income property with 40 homes in the Waverly Hills neighborhood of north Arlington. Originally known as the Lorcom Arms Apartments, in 2004 the property was renamed Leckey Gardens Apartments in memory of APAH founder and first president Tom Leckey. The property is a mix of one-, two-, and four-bedroom apartments.

Located on North Woodrow Street, Leckey is located along the Lee Highway corridor, which is currently undergoing a long range re-envisioning process to shape growth patterns for the future. The County-led initiative, called Plan Lee Highway, and the local organization, Lee Highway Alliance, are helping outline paths toward a more economically vibrant, walkable, attractive corridor, including neighbors like Leckey.

Now over 70 years old, Leckey’s two garden-style buildings were originally built in 1949 and renovated in 1980 using Arlington County CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding. This funding came with affordability covenants that expired 15 years later, in 1995. Upon acquisition in 2000, APAH renewed these covenants for another 30 years.

Then in 2002, APAH renovated the property by installing new roofs, water heaters, electrical upgrades, wall and ceiling repairs, and waterproofing. In addition, APAH created a new four-bedroom apartment and community space in what was previously unused basement space.

Who lives at Leckey Gardens? Revisit Daria’s story! She moved into an apartment at Leckey Gardens in 2002, and eighteen years later, she still calls it home.