September 4, 2025
Artist Yulia Avgustinovich at the Witter Place Groundbreaking ceremony on May 20, 2025.
Community Housing Partners (CHP), which provides affordable and sustainable housing across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, is bringing a unique artistic vision to its newest community in Alexandria, Virginia. Witter Place Apartments, now under construction near Duke Street and Telegraph Road, will feature a large-scale mural by artist Yulia Avgustinovich designed to reflect the nature, history, and spirit of the surrounding community.
Avgustinovich, an accomplished muralist known for her colorful, nature-inspired designs, describes the mural as a visual storybook—a layered and lively composition designed to reflect the richness of the area. “In my opinion, nothing symbolizes growth, hope, rebirth, and buoyancy as much as blooming flowers,” she explained at the Witter Place groundbreaking ceremony in June 2025. “Their cheerful and bright colors bring onlookers life, joy, and warmth, even in the winter months.”
The future mural will incorporate Alexandria’s architectural landmarks, such as Christ Church and Carlyle House, alongside Virginia state symbols and regional wildlife, from cardinals and ospreys to magnolia blossoms and coneflowers. It will be created in Avgustinovich’s signature style: a combination of vivid color and black-and-white detail that invites viewers to pause, look closely, and find something new each time.
“I liked the idea of using a collage or quilt-style because it shows how many different things can come together to make something whole,” she explained. “It reminds me of how a community is made from different people, stories, and memories all connected.”
That sense of connection is central to how Avgustinovich approaches all of her public art. “I try to learn about the place first—talk to people, ask questions, walk around,” she said. “I want to understand what’s important to the community before I start designing. I also think about how to make the artwork feel open and easy to connect with—using clear symbols, warm colors, and ideas that can speak to everyone, no matter their age or background.”
Her approach is also shaped by her personal story. “As an immigrant, I often think about themes of belonging, resilience, and cultural layering,” she said. “That perspective naturally seeps into my work. I’m always looking for visual ways to reflect the complexity of identity and place and how beauty can emerge from many different fragments coming together into a cohesive whole.”
Playful touches will be scattered throughout the mural, including tiny details, local animals, or symbolic objects viewers might only notice after several visits. “I think these surprises make the mural more fun and interesting, especially for people who see it every day,” she added.
Though the mural will not be installed until later in the construction process, it is already imagined as a key part of the resident experience at Witter Place. “I hope it brings some joy to their day, or maybe makes them stop and notice something new,” Avgustinovich said. “I always try to paint something that feels welcoming—like it belongs to the people who live there.”
When complete, the mural will join a range of features designed to make Witter Place feel like home. The 94-unit development will offer affordable two- and three-bedroom apartments, underground parking, free in-unit WIFI, telehealth access, and indoor bicycle storage, along with a community room and business center. CHP is also pursuing EarthCraft green building certification, and the site will include a metal tracery accent wall, improved pedestrian connections, and landscaping enhancements along Duke Street and Witter Drive. This is CHP’s first development in Alexandria. (Learn more about the Witter Place development.)
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.