The National Capital Housing Authority was under pressure from Congress to build extensive new public housing in the District of Columbia. Having delayed site selection for several years due to public opposition, in April 1960 the agency selected a hilly, site in Marshall Heights bounded by F, G, and 51st Streets SE; Benning Road SE; and Drake Place SE. The project displaced 14 families. The public housing project, known as Eastgate Gardens, was approved in September 1961. The $4.9 million cost ($21,327 per unit) was higher than that allowed by law, and required special approval from Robert C. Weaver, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.