Alumni Association Board President Jason Cross ’95 recently joined the Lower School community for chapel in the Little Sanctuary. After the service, Mr. Cross met with Forms I & II to discuss real estate development in the District. For the last seven years, he’s worked at Redbrick LMD, a DC-based real estate investment, management and development firm where he serves as managing director, capital markets, and head of investor relations.

Discussions about affordable housing in DC in Mr. Chandler’s Omnibus classes prompted a discussion with Mr. Cross where an invitation was extended for him to discuss the subject with students. Mr. Cross’s background in wealth management, real estate, and government positioned him to contribute to Redbrick’s work in Ward 8 where the firm is focused on large scale mixed-use developments, including affordable housing for District residents.

“Unfortunately, the Anacostia River has been viewed by some as a divider in this city. We want to bridge and connect the communities on both sides of river,” said Mr. Cross. Projects such as Redbrick’s Bridge District in Anacostia and St. Elizabeths East in Congress Heights seek to do that, providing mixed-use developments with both market rate and affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for residents.

Redbrick developments have contributed to the supply of affordable housing in the District, including 3-bedroom apartment homes, essential for growing and multi-generational families, and will also provide much needed neighborhood amenities, including retail, fresh food options, and medical services. Said Cross, “We are proud to develop vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income communities focused on sustainability, health, wellness, and connection to the outdoors. Our work is also creating internships, jobs, and business opportunities for DC students, residents, and contractors, which is a key measure of our impact.”