WASHINGTON, DC | Development News [Archive] - Page 12

chris08876

Mar 10, 2015, 3:20 PM

Georgetown Gondola Study Could Be Underway in 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2013/12/gtown_gondola_02.jpg

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2014/01/gondolaside.jpg

One of the more ambitious transportation projects announced in DC over the last 18 months is the plan to connect Georgetown and Rosslyn via an aerial gondola. However, before that plan gets moving, the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) needs to figure out how a formal feasibility study of the gondola will be financed.

“The requests for modest funding and participation from both Arlington County and the DC government are pending,” BID CEO Joe Sternlieb wrote to UrbanTurf this week. “The government transitions have put new folks in place on both sides of the river and we anticipate that they may take some time with the gondola issue as there are many important issues on their plates that require immediate attention before this does.”

As of last November, the feasibility study had raised 65 percent of the necessary funding from private donors. Sternlieb stated that he is “very optimistic” that the study will be underway this year.
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http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/study_on_georgetown_gondola_hopes_to_be_funded_by_end_of_year/9612

202_Cyclist

Mar 12, 2015, 10:01 PM

My girlfriend took these two photos today of the Lofts at Capitol Quarter development at 7th and L Street, SE. This development takes up nearly the entire block and hopefully more residents living in the immeidate area will improve the public safety of lower 8th Street, which seems to have a lot of loitering and drug dealing.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/16611119029_c39caf4290_z.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16796149162_371236428e_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

Mar 13, 2015, 5:03 PM

100-Foot, 25-Unit Project Proposed for U Street

March 13, 2015
By Lark Turner
Urban Turf

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/03/ustreet550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

“The Goldstar Group, working with Bonstra|Haresign Architects, is proposing a 100-foot, 25-unit building near the intersection of 14th and U Street.

The narrow structure at 1355-1357 U Street NW (map) would be set back 34 feet from the historic rowhomes below it. The site is about a block west of the U Street Metro.

“This is where you want density,” a representative of the project told the U Street Neighborhood Association while presenting the project on Thursday night. “You’re right on top of the Metro…”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/100-foot_building_proposed_for_u_street/9641

paytonc

Mar 16, 2015, 2:45 PM

Construction at the Wharf, Sunday 15 March:

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/16641974169_019901cb9e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rmAt88)Cranes at the Wharf (https://flic.kr/p/rmAt88) by Payton Chung (https://www.flickr.com/people/41813589@N00/), on Flickr

The cranes at the right are building the District Pier. A new, higher bulkhead (seawall) is well underway at center.

At left, it appears that sheeting and excavation for the underground parking is almost complete on the inland (Maine Avenue) side. Is that bright blue structure the beginnings of a tower crane?! (Edit: no, it's a pile driver.)

202_Cyclist

Mar 16, 2015, 3:07 PM

paytonc

Mar 18, 2015, 1:11 AM

I haven't seen anything different about the King Ribs shack. Have you tried calling them? (202) 577-3670. Cantina's back, though.

paytonc

Mar 21, 2015, 6:18 AM

:(

A 15-story building proposed for a site next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (just past where the 14th Street Bridge passes the Jefferson Memorial) will have to get shorter, says the federal government's taste police.

"the Commission members found that the proposed height—approximately forty feet above any nearby buildings—would be incongruous with the buildings that define the public spaces along the city's monumental core... For this prominent gateway site, they recommended lowering the height significantly—from two to four stories—to reduce the mass of the proposed building in order to be compatible with the context and avoid an inappropriate intrusion on the skyline... the design issue is not about the articulation of the top of the building, but rather that the central bulk of the building mass should be reduced in height."

http://www.cfa.gov/records-research/project-search/sl-15-074

202_Cyclist

Mar 21, 2015, 12:16 PM

202_Cyclist

Mar 21, 2015, 12:58 PM

26 Units Proposed for the Georgetown Domino’s

Urban Turf
By Lark Turner
Mar. 20, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/03/renderingofdominos550.jpg

“A proposed development not far from the bustling Georgetown intersection of Wisconsin and M Streets NW is ruffling feathers in the neighborhood.

The site spanning 3255-3259 Prospect Street NW currently consists of a rowhouse, a Domino’s and an empty lot. A proposal for the space, which was floated before ANC 2E and the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) by Morrison Architects and is backed by The Elliott LLC, includes 26 condominium units. The Georgetown Madelon, the contemporary building directly to the east of the site at 3251 Prospect Street NW, appears to be affiliated with the project. An owner email on documents filed with the OGB directs to “Elliott@GeorgetownMadelon.com.”

The proposal incorporates a historic townhouse into the design. A plan for the site that proposed six units didn’t make it through the ANC and Old Georgetown Board vetting process in 2006…”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/26_units_proposed_for_the_georgetown_dominos/9651

202_Cyclist

Mar 21, 2015, 1:05 PM

Roadside deal to rebuild Frager's Hardware collapses

By Michael Neibauer
Washington Business Journal
March 19, 2015

"A touted partnership between Roadside Development and Frager's Hardware to rebuild the fire-ravaged Capitol Hill retailer, while adding a residential component to the project, has fallen apart.

In a statement, Roadside said it "regrets that after months of due diligence and negotiations, they were unable to finalize an agreement for the purchase of the Frager's Hardware Store site."

"Roadside proposed to purchase the site and have Frager's return under a long-term lease, which would enable Frager's to bring back the store's hardware, paint, garden center, and equipment rental operations to its original location as part of a mixed-use project," per the statement. "The two parties were unable to come to an agreement on issues related to the existing conditions of the site prior to the expiration of the contract…"

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2015/03/roadside-deal-to-rebuild-fragers-hardware.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 7, 2015, 7:41 PM

Grand Central Terminal architect selected for Union Station expansion

By Jonathan O'Connell
April 7, 2015
Washington Post

“The architectural firm behind the remake of New York’s Grand Central Terminal will lead the effort to plan a $10 billion proposed expansion of Union Station, a project that could triple passenger capacity at the station.

Beyer Blinder Belle, with offices in New York and Washington, oversaw design, master planning and the revitalization of Grand Central, turning the 1913 Beaux Arts-style train station into a more modern, accessible and efficient rail hub. The firm has done similar work rehabilitating historic buildings in Washington including for Smithsonian museums.

Real estate magnate Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump also hired Beyer Blinder Belle for their transformation of the Old Post Office Pavilion into a luxury hotel…”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp/2015/04/07/grand-central-terminal-architect-selected-for-union-station-expansion/?wprss=rss_capital_business

202_Cyclist

Apr 7, 2015, 7:57 PM

205-Unit Development Proposed for Self-Storage Warehouse in DC

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/buildingwest550.jpg
"A view of the proposed restoration of the west facade of the warehouse."
(Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
Apr. 7, 2015

“Foulger-Pratt Development and Torti Gallas Urban are planning to convert a NoMa warehouse into a mixed-use residential and retail building with an 11-story addition, according to documents recently filed with the Historic Preservation Office.

The property at 301 N Street NE, bordering NoMa and Union Market, is currently in use by Capital Self-Storage. Though the warehouse on the site is not a historic landmark, the submission indicates that an application to have the building designated as a landmark will soon be filed…”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/205-unit_mixed-use_development_proposed_for_capital_self-storage_in_noma/9734

202_Cyclist

Apr 8, 2015, 9:34 PM

59-Unit, Mixed-Use Condo Building Proposed for Site of Shaw Church

April 8, 2015
By Lark Turner
Urban Turf

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/view2550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"More condos are headed to Shaw.

The Warrenton Group and Four Points are planning to build a 59-unit residential project with 6,000 square feet of retail at 810 O Street NW. The units will be mostly flats, with some two-story townhouse-style layouts mixed in. The two-story units would have dramatic double-height windows. The developers presented the details of the project to ANC 6E on Tuesday night. The Commission approved the design and concept for the proposal, which will head before the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in May. Esocoff and Associates designed the building..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/59-unit_mixed-use_condo_building_proposed_for_site_of_shaw_church/9738

chris08876

Apr 13, 2015, 10:45 PM

Blagden Alley micro-units by SB-Urban win final approval

http://d3exkutavo4sli.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/blagden-alley.png

SB-Urban has gained final design approval for its Blagden Alley micro-unit project.

In partnership with Rooney Properties, SB-Urban is planning a no-parking, two-building project at 90 and 91 Blagden Alley, with 121 furnished, compact units for young professionals. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) gave the proposal the green light on Thursday, UrbanTurf reported.

The design by architect Hickok Cole went before the HPRB last summer and was well-received, except for one feature — a pedestrian walkway crossing the alley, linking the development’s “main” apartment building to the amenities building. Hickok Cole altered the bridge concept to include a glass roof, and the HPRB approved the new version, with some minor changes.
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http://news.buzzbuzzhome.com/2015/03/blagden-alley-approval.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 15, 2015, 3:30 PM

Union Station in Washington Has a Grand Development Plan

By Eugene L. Meyer
NY Times
Apr. 14, 2015

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/04/14/business/15union-web1/15union-web1-articleLarge.jpg
Image courtesy of the NY Times.

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/04/14/business/15union-web3/15union-web3-articleLarge.jpg
Image courtesy of the NY Times.

“WASHINGTON — This city’s venerable Union Station, which opened with much fanfare in 1908, was never about the federal union but about the union of two railroads whose separate terminals had formerly occupied valuable space blocks apart, even encroaching on the National Mall.

But, over time, the monumental Beaux-Arts building and its rail yards that united railroads divided the city it served, its 20 north-south tracks bisecting neighborhoods rather than linking them. Now, under an ambitious plan, the air rights over the tracks are to be developed with three million square feet encompassing 1.5 million square feet of office space, 1,300 residential units, 100,000 square feet of retail space, more than 500 hotel rooms, and parks and plazas.

The 14-acre project is to be called Burnham Place, after the Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, who designed the station. The new platform atop the tracks will extend a renovated and reconfigured station that will adjoin the mixed-use project…”

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/15/realestate/commercial/union-station-in-washington-has-a-grand-development-plan.html?ref=politics&_r=1

202_Cyclist

Apr 15, 2015, 3:37 PM

150 Affordable Housing Units Planned for Deanwood

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
Apr. 14, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/deanwood550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

“150 new units are coming to Deanwood, the neighborhood northeast of Benning Road between Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue and the Maryland line.

The affordable housing plan for Deanwood Hills at 5201 Hayes Street NE, a property owned by the DC government, would include a 150-unit building with studios and 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units. Torti Gallas Urban is the architect on the project…”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/150_affordable_housing_units_planned_for_deanwood/9766

Eightball

Apr 15, 2015, 7:29 PM

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/deanwood550.jpg
[

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/150_affordable_housing_units_planned_for_deanwood/9766

I like it. Goes well with that neighborhood I think and still nice sized density and design.

photoLith

Apr 15, 2015, 8:05 PM

chris08876

Apr 16, 2015, 7:16 PM

Developer Plans to Replace Museum Square With 825 Apartments and Condos

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2014/07/Housing_401k-1.jpeg

The Museum Square Apartments have been the subject of two lawsuits and three D.C. Council bills.

Two lawsuits, several legislative interventions, and a whole lot of drama later, the low-income residents of the Museum Square Apartments in Mount Vernon Triangle still don't know if they'll be able to stay in their homes. But if they don't, now we have a better sense of what would replace those homes.

The Section 8 property's owner, the Williamsburg, Va.-based Bush Companies, informed the building's tenants last summer that the property would be demolished unless they ponied up $250 million to buy it under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. That led to a prolonged (and still unresolved) legal dispute over whether the $250 million price tag constituted a "bona fide offer of sale," as required by law, with residents and some members of the D.C. Council calling it exorbitant and arbitrary.

Bush justified the price by describing what would take Museum Square's place if it were demolished. In a series of emails I obtained last fall through the Freedom of Information Act, prolific landlord attorney Richard Luchs argued to the Department of Housing and Community Development that the building would fetch a price of $250 million "if it is developed as [Bush] intends, into a combination of 800 condominium and apartment units." Luchs stated that with 800 units, the price per unit wouldn't be $828,000, but a much more reasonable $312,500.

Now, UrbanTurf reports that Bush has honed its plans. The developer aims to build 825 units in two buildings on the site: a 14-story building on K Street NW with 450 apartments and a 13-story building on L Street NW with 375 condos. The plans also call for 17,000 square feet of retail space and a four-story parking garage. Construction, the company tells UrbanTurf, would begin next year and conclude in 2018.

Of course, those are ambitious targets for a project ensnared in more legal and legislative controversy than possibly any other housing proposal in recent years. Residents of Museum Square and their backers on the Council won't allow the new buildings to replace the existing one without a fight.
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http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2015/04/14/developer-plans-to-replace-museum-square-with-825-apartments-and-condos/

RCDC

Apr 16, 2015, 8:34 PM

Holy hell, is that really happening? That will be quite the ambitious project. Thats pretty bad ass too that the trains will be arriving above the mall. I dont think theres anything like that in America.

Another image here.
(http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2012/07/120726-Amtrak-Plans-65B-Redevelopment-of-DCs-Union-Station.asp?WT.mc_id=rss_archrecord)
The tracks split a little ways north of the station; the NW branch doesn't have electric lines, and tracks south don't have electric lines either, so it seems only Amtrak electric locomotives to/from the NE would be using this part. I doubt diesel locomotives would be coming in here, so those trains will probably stay underground.

202_Cyclist

Apr 16, 2015, 9:42 PM

Capitol Riverfront Welcomes New NAB Headquarters

http://files.ctctcdn.com/b887c0c9001/a893426e-ddda-48ff-8ad2-46276fb4f55f.jpg
Image courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District.

“Monument Realty and its investment partner, New York-based Angelo, Gordon & Company, has announced that it has signed an agreement with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to develop its new headquarters facility at One M Street in the Capitol Riverfront.

One M Street, located on the corner of M and South Capitol Streets, SE, will be a 10 story, 130,000 SF office building with a conferencing center occupying the top two floors. It will have unobstructed views of the U.S. Capitol as well as spectacular views to Washington's monumental core. HOK is the building architect…”

http://www.capitolriverfront.org/_files/docs/fpn-4.9.15.html#NAB

NAB Announces New Headquarter Building Plans
Relocation to Capitol Riverfront; Expected Move-In by Fall of 2018

"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters announced today it has entered into an agreement with Washington-DC based developer Monument Realty and its investment partners, New York-based Angelo, Gordon & Company, to purchase upon completion a new headquarters in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood of the nation's capital, with a scheduled move-in by fall of 2018.

The planned relocation of the broadcast industry lobbying arm's headquarters is the culmination of a rigorous search for a location with easier access to Capitol Hill that will allow NAB to improve its advocacy efforts. The new headquarters building will be located at the corner of South Capitol and M Streets, SE, a "gateway" to the vibrant Capitol Riverfront section of Washington, DC. The building will be based exactly one mile from the U.S. Capitol and two blocks from the Washington Nationals baseball stadium..."

https://www.nab.org/documents/newsroom/pressRelease.asp?id=3643

PremierAtlanta

Apr 17, 2015, 12:29 AM

202_Cyclist

Apr 22, 2015, 4:36 PM

30-Unit Residential Project With Retail Planned For U Street

Urban Turf
Apr. 21, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/NDC_U_Street_550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) will develop the building on the corner of 11th and U Street NW into a ten-story residential project with 25 to 30 units. Details of the new development were outlined to the ANC 1B Zoning, Preservation and Development Committee on Monday night.

NDC will raze the two-story building at 2002 11th Street NW formerly owned by Industrial Bank to construct the new development. The site is one block east of Ben’s Chili Bowl and two blocks east of a proposed 25-unit project from the Goldstar Group..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/30-unit_project_planned_for_u_street_corridor/9789

202_Cyclist

Apr 22, 2015, 4:49 PM

First Look at Plans for Development of Capitol Hill’s Buchanan School/IGU Site

By Larry Janezich
Apr. 22, 2015
Capitol Hill Corner

https://capitolhillcorner.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/2015-04-21-23-14-58.jpg?w=500
Image courtesy of Captiol Hill Corner.

"Tuesday night, Insight Property Group Partner Sarah Davidson met with some 40 Capitol Hill residents to discuss Insight’s plan for redevelopment of the 2.13 acre site currently occupied by the former Buchanan School and the International Graduate University. The plan calls for 81 residences – 40 townhomes priced around $1 million, and 41 condos priced between $300 thousand and $1 million..."

http://capitolhillcorner.org/2015/04/22/first-look-at-plans-for-development-of-capitol-hills-buchanan-schooligu-site/

81 Townhomes and Condos Planned for Schoolhouse in Capitol Hill

By Lark Turner
Apr. 22, 2015
Urban Turf

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/04/buchanan550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"Insight wants to preserve the two oldest school buildings onsite and turn them into 40 condos, with unit sizes ranging from studios and one-bedrooms to larger two- and three-bedroom units. The rest of the development will be built with families in mind, too; all 41 of the rowhouses will have at least three bedrooms and top out at what’s likely to be the new maximum height in R-4 zoning districts: 35 feet.

The rowhouses will have alternating designs mimicking the historic homes in the neighborhood, from Federal-style facades to protruding bays to porchfront homes..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/insight_plans_41_townhomes_and_40_condos_for_schoolhouse_in_capitol_hill/9796

202_Cyclist

Apr 24, 2015, 3:47 PM

As per usual, I can't post images from the Washington Business Journal site but there is a slideshow, with renderings of the proposed museum. This would be great, as L'Enfant is largely vacant and dull outside of the Monday - Friday business hours. Locating the Spy Museum to this location will also help provide additional nearby activity in this area, with the nearby Wharf devleopment. Additionally, although it isn't my thing, the nearby Bible museum will also attract additional visitors to Federal Center SW, right next to L'Enfant Plaza.

International Spy Museum design for L'Enfant Plaza unveiled

By Rebecca Cooper
Washington Business Journal
Apr 23, 2015

“We're getting our first look at what the International Spy Museum envisions for its proposed L'Enfant Plaza building: a trapezoid-shaped glass and concrete structure featuring a glass-enclosed rooftop structure and terrace.

The 100,000-square-foot building, which was designed by the London firm of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Rogers, would be built at 900 L'Enfant Plaza on the open plaza directly in front of the shuttered L'Enfant Plaza hotel. The JBG Cos. currently owns the site.

Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners designed a six-story angular building featuring seven red accents running from its roof line to the ground…”

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2015/04/international-spy-museum-design-for-lenfant-plaza.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 26, 2015, 1:53 PM

The other evening my girlfriend and I attended an open-house rooftop party that JBG hosted to market and sell units in their 2030 building (http://2030ap.com). Here are some photos I took of the other JBG developments nearby in Shaw along 8th Street.

http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8822/17001147529_d7f3a58b3c_z.jpg

http://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7607/17161389316_f078c1a930_z.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8747/16564885374_d4399649c1_z.jpg

Here is a photo of the Atlantic Plumbing building (http://www.jbg.com/#atlantic-plumbing-dc-property-gallery!undefined), right next to the 9:30 Club. This is one of most impressive new residential buildings under construction in DC right now.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7668/17187300765_8de526884f_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

Apr 26, 2015, 2:09 PM

Here are some photos from the rooftop open-house for JBG's 2030 building (http://2030ap.com). Admittedly, the lighting is better for some of these photos than others and all of the photos below were taken with my I-phone.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8743/17161463906_3f3046e717_z.jpg

http://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7641/16999640878_478d275dd6_z.jpg

http://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7718/17185739542_3851d207e2_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/16999865280_8bf7934384_z.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/16564961234_f9eaff8776_z.jpg

Eightball

Apr 26, 2015, 3:04 PM

Cool photos 202. That is an awesome building!

EastSideHBG

Apr 26, 2015, 4:23 PM

Cool pics and great beer choice! :cheers:

TexasBoi

May 5, 2015, 6:51 PM

They put up renderings on each corner for the Conrad going up at 900 NY Ave. Don't know if anyone has seen it.

202_Cyclist

May 6, 2015, 3:10 PM

It's about time construction begins on this. The NIMBYs have delayed this for years. This development is directly across the street from the Eastern Market metro station and is located in a very walkable neighborhood.

Demolition at Hine School Development to Start in May, Delivery Still Scheduled for June 2017

Urban Turf
May 5, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/05/Hine_East.jpg
A rendering of the view east from 7th and C Street SE. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

“Demolition at the long-delayed Hine Junior High School redevelopment will start later this month once hazardous materials have been removed from the Eastern Market site. The demolition will take approximately six weeks, Eastbanc’s Matt Harris tells UrbanTurf, at which point excavation can commence, followed by vertical construction later this year. This will put the project on schedule to deliver in June 2017, Harris confirms.

Earlier this year, the redevelopment of the former junior high school near Eastern Market got the go-ahead when the DC Court of Appeals denied a rehearing of a lawsuit against developer Stanton-Eastbanc…”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/demolition_at_hine_school_development_to_start_in_may_delivery_still_schedu/9847

202_Cyclist

May 10, 2015, 2:01 PM

Here are a couple of photos I took of developments of the Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard recently.

Homewood Suites (http://www.jdland.com/dc/50m.cfm).
http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8849/17301188528_07d216a117.jpg

http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8773/17489003335_1380f28db2_z.jpg

Florida Rock site (http://www.jdland.com/dc/floridarock.cfm)(taken from Nats Park when the Nationals beat the Braves 9-2. Go Nats!)
http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8868/17488715611_f33d49286a_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

May 10, 2015, 2:10 PM

Here are a couple of photos I took of the new American University law school (http://tenley.wcl.american.edu) I took on Thursday evening. The law school will relocate from a semi-suburban location on Massachusetts Ave to a location next to Tenley Circle, in close proximity to the Tenley metro station and several bus routes.

http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8834/16866409264_c6405f9016_z.jpg

http://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/16866409324_7854277000_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

May 10, 2015, 3:40 PM

Here are a couple of photos I took last weekend along/near the 14th and U Street corridor.

15th & V St, NW (http://dc.urbanturf.com/pipeline/355/15th_and_V_Street_NW/) (96 condos by Bozzuto).
http://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5328/16866391124_7fd41ea2f1_z.jpg

1315 14th Street (http://douglasdevelopment.com/properties/131-14th-street-nw/) (Douglas Development).
http://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5328/17488919115_ace26fefce.jpg

202_Cyclist

May 16, 2015, 12:40 PM

Tenleytown School’s Expansion Includes Mixed-Use Buildings with 340 Units

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
May 15, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/05/gdsplan550.jpg
A map showing the location of the proposed residential and retail buildings. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

"The Georgetown Day School is planning to build 340 residential units as part of its massive campus expansion in Tenleytown.

Last year, the school announced its purchase of a Safeway and Martens Volvo/Volkswagen dealership, a deal that totaled $40 million, in Tenleytown. The properties are adjacent to Georgetown Day’s high school campus at 4200 Davenport Street NW. The school hopes to consolidate its lower, middle and upper schools on the new campus.

As part of the plan, the school will demolish the Safeway and build two mixed-use buildings on the site of the Martens dealership, which will front Wisconsin Avenue NW between Ellicott and Chesapeake Streets…"

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/tenleytown_schools_expansion_includes_mixed-use_buildings_with_340_units/9892

202_Cyclist

May 16, 2015, 12:51 PM

Both Prince of Petworth (http://www.popville.com/2015/05/new-retail-coming-to-the-awesome-national-bank-of-washington-building-at-14th-and-f-st-nw/) and the Washington Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2015/05/exclusive-armenian-genocidemuseum-site-marketed.html) are reporting that new retail is planned for the long-vacant Hahn Shoe building located on a prominent corner downtown at 14th and G Street NW. The Armenian Genocide Museum was planned for this site, certainly a worthwhile use of the building, but this stalled and the building has been vacant for an extended period of time.

http://popville.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/armenian.jpg
Photo courtesy of Prince of Petworth (http://www.popville.com/2015/05/new-retail-coming-to-the-awesome-national-bank-of-washington-building-at-14th-and-f-st-nw/).

202_Cyclist

May 16, 2015, 1:07 PM

295-Unit Apartment Project Planned for the Southwest Waterfront

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
May 12, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/05/7_with_existing.jpg
A bird’s eye view of the new development. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

"More apartments are coming to the Southwest Waterfront.

Perseus Realty and Urban Investment Partners (UIP), which bought Capitol Park Tower in 2013, are planning to build two new buildings on the site of the original building, which successfully received a tenant-pursued historic designation last year. UrbanTurf first learned of this project from Southwest Waterfront resident Chase Coard.

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/05/courtyard_cap_hill_tower.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

The existing Capitol Park Tower at 301 G Street SW (map) is nine stories high with 289 units. Perseus and UIP propose adding buildings to the north and east, one with seven stories and the other with four stories. Together the two buildings will have 295 rentals, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, served by 310 underground parking spaces. About 24 of the building’s units will be designated affordable…"

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/perseus_plans_295_units_for_capitol_park_tower_project/9873

ardecila

May 16, 2015, 5:02 PM

Both Prince of Petworth (http://www.popville.com/2015/05/new-retail-coming-to-the-awesome-national-bank-of-washington-building-at-14th-and-f-st-nw/) and the Washington Business Journal (http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2015/05/exclusive-armenian-genocidemuseum-site-marketed.html) are reporting that new retail is planned for the long-vacant Hahn Shoe building located on a prominent corner downtown at 14th and G Street NW. The Armenian Genocide Museum was planned for this site, certainly a worthwhile use of the building, but this stalled and the building has been vacant for an extended period of time.

I will never cease to be amazed by the weird museum/identity politics in DC.

Armenian Genocide Museum? Seriously? What possible connection does a long-ago, faraway tragedy have to the US capital?

dc_denizen

May 17, 2015, 1:26 AM

I can't believe some Kardashian from Minneapolis was allowed to keep that beautiful building in such a state of empty disrepair for so long. Awesome news that it will finally be fixed up.

202_Cyclist

May 17, 2015, 1:49 AM

I will never cease to be amazed by the weird museum/identity politics in DC.

Armenian Genocide Museum? Seriously? What possible connection does a long-ago, faraway tragedy have to the US capital?

It is quite reasonable for there to have been a proposed Armenian genocide memorial. More than one million people died in the Armenian genocide. There is, of course, alarge Armenian diaspora in the United States. The United States, when we are at our best and live up to our ideals, serves as a model of decency and human rights for the rest of the world. Additionally, American missionaries provided much of the aid to the displaced and suffering during the Armenian genocide: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-burning-tigris-peter-balakian/1110994005?ean=9780061860171 .

DC_denizen: is there really a need for your racist comment?

dc_denizen

May 17, 2015, 11:46 AM

well I'm sorry, a bit insensitive of a joke.

Having walked by that building hundreds of times, it's just irritating for an owner to have let such a beautiful building lie fallow for 30 years, like this is 1982.

toxteth o'grady

May 17, 2015, 5:25 PM

Whew...for a minute I thought the Kardashians had actually branched out into real estate...

As far as things sitting empty for long stretches of time...
http://www.emporis.com/images/show/458358-Large.jpg

PremierAtlanta

May 21, 2015, 7:15 PM

202_Cyclist

May 24, 2015, 1:13 PM

Here are a couple of photos I took of the construction for 500 L'Enfant Plaza while walking back from King Ribs during lunch on Friday. This is located next to the Dept. of Housing & Urban Development headquarters and I-395.

http://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5323/17852174510_c3e2a15b09.jpg

http://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7695/18036571002_c9478b793f_b.jpg

Here are a couple of renderings courtesy of the developer, JBG.
http://www.jbg.com/dynamic/image/always/asset/best/980x508/92/e2e2e2/Center/21614001.jpg

Note that this photo shows a proposed streetcar-- which is far from certain that it will be built.
http://www.jbg.com/dynamic/image/always/asset/best/980x508/92/e2e2e2/Center/21614003.jpg

202_Cyclist

May 30, 2015, 6:04 PM

My girlfriend and I went on the Coalition for Smarter Growth's walking tour of Capitol Hill and Hill East this morning. If you haven't been on one of the Coalition for Smarter Growth neighborhood walking tours, I highly recommend them.

Here are two photos I took of Douglas Development's 1442 PA Ave SE development (http://douglasdevelopment.com/properties/1442-pennsylvania-avenue-se/), which has over 13,000 sq. feet of office/retail space at the corner of 15th and PA Ave, SE.

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18273839185_5b8e5dc910_b.jpg

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18086028548_06766aebba_z.jpg

Here is a photo I took of the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (http://dc.urbanturf.com/pipeline/267/1600_Pennsylvania_Ave_SE/) (that would be a fun address!) residential development directly across the street from Douglas's building. There will be 77 residential units with this development.

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7798/18087644589_506c32b906_b.jpg

The pop-up building next door is 'The Laundry.' (http://www.thelaundrydc.com)

In the other direction on PA Ave, work has started on Stanton East Banc's redevelopment of the Hine school mixed-use development across from Eastern Market and the Eastern Market metro station.

202_Cyclist

Jun 1, 2015, 6:53 PM

180-Unit Mixed-Use Development Planned For Hill East

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
June 1, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/06/penn4550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"A mixed-use project with 170 to 190 residential units is on the boards for Hill East, according to documents filed with the Zoning Commission on Monday.

The planned-unit development (PUD) project, from developer CAS Riegler and architect Antunovich Associates, would sit near the Potomac Avenue Metro on the site where New York Pizza is currently located. It includes plans for 170-190 units, a mix of three-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, one-bedrooms, junior one-beds and a few small studios that fall squarely in the micro range at 350 square feet.

The project would rise to 78 feet and include 22,500 square feet of retail, and have 56 parking spaces. Nearby, the Jenkins Row condo development includes a Harris Teeter. The Frager’s Hardware building, also slated for redevelopment, is a couple of blocks away..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/180-unit_mixed-use_development_planned_near_potomac_avenue_metro/9948

dlg569

Jun 6, 2015, 2:59 AM

Actually that is 15th & Pa Ave SE, and the building under construction is called One Five or something like that. In your photo of The Laundry you can see the banner with "One" written on it.

The 1600 PA Ave SE building is another block down at the corner of PA and Kentucky. It is topped out and almost complete. It also has a clock tower on the SE side of it and is quite noticeable from EOTR.

I live a block from both sites. I'll take a photo of 1600 and post it.

My girlfriend and I went on the Coalition for Smarter Growth's walking tour of Capitol Hill and Hill East this morning. If you haven't been on one of the Coalition for Smarter Growth neighborhood walking tours, I highly recommend them.

Here are two photos I took of Douglas Development's 1442 PA Ave SE development (http://douglasdevelopment.com/properties/1442-pennsylvania-avenue-se/), which has over 13,000 sq. feet of office/retail space at the corner of 15th and PA Ave, SE.

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18273839185_5b8e5dc910_b.jpg

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18086028548_06766aebba_z.jpg

Here is a photo I took of the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (http://dc.urbanturf.com/pipeline/267/1600_Pennsylvania_Ave_SE/) (that would be a fun address!) residential development directly across the street from Douglas's building. There will be 77 residential units with this development.

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7798/18087644589_506c32b906_b.jpg

The pop-up building next door is 'The Laundry.' (http://www.thelaundrydc.com)

In the other direction on PA Ave, work has started on Stanton East Banc's redevelopment of the Hine school mixed-use development across from Eastern Market and the Eastern Market metro station.

202_Cyclist

Jun 9, 2015, 7:52 PM

D.C. Water proposes new headquarters near Nationals Park

By Michael Neibauer
Washington Business Journal
June 8, 2015

"D.C. Water is moving upriver.

The utility — which provides drinking and wastewater treatment services to 640,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in D.C, and wastewater services only to 1.6 million more customers in Maryland and Virginia — has submitted plans with the D.C. Zoning Commission to construct a new $55 million headquarters on the banks of the Anacostia River in Capitol Riverfront, adjacent to the historic O Street Pumping Station.

The planned-unit development application calls for a 167,180-square-foot central headquarters facility on 2.75 acres bounded by N Place SE, Canal Street and the Anacostia River. Forest City Washington’s The Yards is located to the north and west, the Florida Rock redevelopment to the southwest, and Ballpark Square to the northwest...."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2015/06/d-c-water-proposes-new-headquarters-near-nationals.html

DC Water Files Plans for New Headquarters Atop O Street Pumping Station
http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/4215/DC-Water-Files-Plans-for-New-Headquarters-Atop-O-Street-Pump/

Here is a rendering via Urban Turf.
http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/06/dcwater550.jpg
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/more_development_to_navy_yard_dc_Water_proposes_new_HQ/9983

202_Cyclist

Jun 14, 2015, 2:16 AM

Here are some photos I took while walking to my vegetable garden this morning.

F1rst:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/399/18164023534_a918d6ae7a_z.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/335/18165961603_a47fd05d56_z.jpg

Arris:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/18786587305_d259727613.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/311/18789130721_2ab5037ab2.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/492/18165914373_da9e2bb868.jpg

Van Ness elementary school rehab:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/269/18165932723_bb3e4e3342.jpg

Lofts at Capitol Quarter (it was sad seeing this tower crane depart):
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/439/18760317936_a03477bee0_z.jpg

Community Center:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/460/18599227340_54c07271e2_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

Jun 19, 2015, 9:11 PM

Boundary Companies, JBG Propose 691-Unit Mixed-Use Project for Eckington

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
6/18/15

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/06/eck_exterior_550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"One of the biggest residential projects in recent memory for DC is on the boards for Eckington, UrbanTurf learned earlier this week.

Boundary Companies and JBG are planning a 691-unit mixed-use development near the intersection of New York and Florida avenues NE. The development team filed documents Thursday morning with the Zoning Commission. A relatively new player in the region’s development world, Boundary Companies is a real estate investment firm founded by John Wilkinson that invests almost exclusively in urban infill, transit-oriented projects in the DC area..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/boundary_companies_jbg_propose_691-unit_project_for_eckington/10018

202_Cyclist

Jun 19, 2015, 9:18 PM

Buchanan Developer Considers Second Major Project Near SE Safeway

By Larry Janezich
Capitol Hill Corner
June 17, 2015

ANC6B’s Subcommittee met last night to discuss what benefits and amenities might be exacted from developers who are seeking Planned Unit Development (PUD) status for residential projects near the SE Safeway. (Under the PUD process, a developer seeks a change in zoning to permit greater density than the zoning for a site would otherwise allow and the community receives benefits in exchange for the impact of the greater density on the community.) During the discussion, the community learned that Insight Development Group, the developer of the Buchanan School behind SE Safeway, is considering a another major residential project in the 1300 block of E Street, SE, on the large site currently occupied by Bowie Trash and Signature Auto, directly across E Street from Safeway. OPal LLC has already announced plans to build a residential complex in that block (See here: http://bit.ly/14qcnLZ) and will seek PUD status, as will CAS Reigler for its nearby development at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. (See http://bit.ly/1F6lYGl ) The Buchanan School development is being built largely as a matter of right, though the developer is seeking some zoning relief in order to maximize the number of units without going through the PUD process.

Though no public meetings on the Insight development have been held, CHC learned in early May that Insight was conducting a feasibility study for the Bowie/Signature site at 1323-1327 E Street, SE. Given the certainty with which the project was described at the public ANC Subcommittee meeting last night, the project appears to have advanced beyond the study stage. The project was described as comprised of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a building comparable to CAS Riegler’s 180 unit building at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Insight Property Group is not only the developer behind the Buchanan School project, it is also behind the Apollo H Street project at 600 H Street, NE, a mixed use project with 432 rental apartments and retail that will feature the H Street Whole Foods..."

http://capitolhillcorner.org/2015/06/17/buchanan-developer-considers-second-major-project-near-se-safeway/

202_Cyclist

Jun 21, 2015, 1:36 AM

Here are a couple of photos I took over the past day.

First tower crane of the massive Wharf development:
http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/310/18976976386_99d245155a_z.jpg

82 I Street, SE:
http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/560/19006213171_aefd2934a3.jpg

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/307/19006213061_693fbac461.jpg

Hine School demolition:
http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/408/18815532398_97128a18db.jpg

http://c1.staticflickr.com/1/315/18997744922_c3dc540e78.jpg

dlg569

Jun 25, 2015, 1:19 AM

This is 1600 PA Ave SE - at the corner of Kentucky Ave SE and Pennsylvania Ave SE. It is directly on Barney Circle and the first building you see upon crossing the Anacostia River. In fact, you can see it from Anacostia. Previously, it was a used car lot / drug corner.

This is the Kentucky Ave side:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10400019_10153521360899203_2746439628352284021_n.jpg?oh=3c9dd096d3679a136cd6e488950c87dd&oe=55EE5C0F

This is the corner of PA and Kentucky looking up PA Ave toward the Capitol:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/16480_10153521360934203_5211288399321297370_n.jpg?oh=36a77852a7243731f230142c38753bd2&oe=56353D98

This is the PA Ave side - looking toward the Anacostia river. The development includes the main building and the red brick rowhouses:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10999101_10153521360954203_3618373598793277370_n.jpg?oh=8feb50ad14eb3fbac2480d5111c5f7f2&oe=55E75661

This is also on the PA Ave side and part of the building. These will be 2 bedroom rentals:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10996962_10153521360989203_4890160712371622838_n.jpg?oh=7b07917a1ffcef368f372db9a978ff89&oe=561E41A6

Busy Bee

Jun 25, 2015, 2:00 AM

^excellent!

hammersklavier

Jun 25, 2015, 5:16 AM

Those rowhomes are done in the traditional DC architectural vernacular. Very nice.

202_Cyclist

Jun 25, 2015, 7:05 PM

29-Unit Mixed-Use Condo Building Proposed for Shaw

June 25, 2015
By Tianna Mañón
Urban Turf

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/06/storefrontgoo550.jpg
The proposed location of a nine-story, mixed-use building, via Google Maps.More condos are on the boards for Shaw. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf).

"Oak Tree Building Group is planning to build a 3,000-square-foot office building topped by 29 condos at 1126 9th Street NW, (map), according to a presentation made Wednesday night at ANC 2F’s Community Development Committee meeting. The group is behind a number of smaller condo projects in the DC area, including U Street’s Moderno building.

Peter Stuart of Oak Tree presented plans for the building to ANC 2F’s Community Development Committee on Wednesday night. Oak Tree was seeking support for its project before the Historic Preservation Review Board. The committee ultimately recommended the ANC approve the project’s design, despite concerns about zoning variances the developers plan to seek later down the line in the development process..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/29_mixed_use_condo_building_proposed_for_shaw/10046

202_Cyclist

Jun 29, 2015, 9:36 PM

I took this photo on Saturday of the Bond (http://thebondattenley.com/), being developed by Douglas Development, at the site of the former Babes' Billiards on Wisconsin Ave. in Tenley.

http://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3759/19088869080_16b717758d_z.jpg

Busy Bee

Jun 29, 2015, 10:46 PM

Telephone poles, power lines, power lines and telephone poles... Will they still be standing in 2115?

Eightball

Jun 29, 2015, 11:19 PM

This is 1600 PA Ave SE - at the corner of Kentucky Ave SE and Pennsylvania Ave SE. It is directly on Barney Circle and the first building you see upon crossing the Anacostia River. In fact, you can see it from Anacostia. Previously, it was a used car lot / drug corner.

This is the Kentucky Ave side:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10400019_10153521360899203_2746439628352284021_n.jpg?oh=3c9dd096d3679a136cd6e488950c87dd&oe=55EE5C0F

This is the corner of PA and Kentucky looking up PA Ave toward the Capitol:

[IMG]https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/16480_10153521360934203_5211288399321297370_n.jpg?oh=36a77852a7243731f230142c38753bd2&oe=56353D98
great shots. how prominent is it from HA? or are u saying Anacostia as a substitute for east of the river. i would love some updated Anacostia shots as well if anyone has any

the Bond is coming along nicely as well. that is the one with no parking right? be a positive example for the rest of the city

202_Cyclist

Jul 1, 2015, 6:12 PM

Eightball:
the Bond is coming along nicely as well. that is the one with no parking right? be a positive example for the rest of the city

Correct-- the DC Zoning Commission agreed to allowing Douglas build this without providing any offstreet parking but Douglas has made arrangements with some of the owners of neighboring lots and is implementing a comprehensive transportation demand management program to encourage residents to take transit. I also think residents are ineligible for Zone 3 Residential Parking Permit stickers to park in curbside spaces (there is plenty of curbside parking, however, once you get two blocks off of Wisc Ave).

Busy Bee:
Telephone poles, power lines, power lines and telephone poles... Will they still be standing in 2115?

As part of the agreement to change the zoning to be allowed to not provide any off-street parking, the developer agreed to bury the power lines-- it looks like they're behind on that commitment, however.

patriotizzy

Jul 2, 2015, 7:19 PM

guyFROMtheBURGH

Jul 3, 2015, 6:41 PM

Hey guys. My friend visited DC a couple weeks ago and he mentioned a new building under construction near all the tourist spots (museums and such) that was super ugly and didn't fit its surroundings. He said it was brown and had a weird facade. Anyone have any idea of what it was? I'm really curious to see what it looks like.

I believe he is referring to the National Museum of African American History bordered by Constitution Ave, 14th Street, Madison Street, and 15th Street. It'll be the nearest Smithsonian museum to the Washington Monument and will open in 2016.

I'd agree with your friend that the design does not fit the surroundings whatsoever.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/jj6q8ST2Jcmd_B7U58ukmg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQ1MTtpbD1wbGFuZTtxPTc1O3c9MzAw/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/d83c070e73ded014750f6a7067005adb.jpg

Busy Bee

Jul 3, 2015, 8:16 PM

^Yeah it's almost like the only brown building in a sea of white ones... wait... ;)

aquablue

Jul 3, 2015, 8:28 PM

This building is supposed to look like an African habitation? If so, they totally missed. Poor design.

paytonc

Jul 4, 2015, 1:38 AM

^Yeah it's almost like the only brown building in a sea of white ones... wait... ;)

The National Museum of the American Indian is also "brown," clad in a tan limestone. The NMAI is also a great example of how well the Smithsonian integrates its buildings into the landscape.

New buildings on the National Mall and other ceremonial spaces are subject to dozens of approvals, explicitly including subjective architectural evaluations. Plus, having visited Adjaye's libraries here in DC, I'd say that I liked the buildings' materiality much more in person than in photos.

This building is supposed to look like an African habitation? If so, they totally missed.

What *is* "an African habitation," and how would *you* know what one looked like, anyhow?

202_Cyclist

Jul 6, 2015, 5:00 PM

110-Unit Development Planned Adjacent to Howard Theatre and Wonder Bread Building

July 6, 2015
By Tianna Mañón
Urban Turf

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/wiltberger_UrbanTurf.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"A proposal for a mixed-use building could breathe new life into a warehouse adjacent to the Howard Theatre and the former Wonder Bread factory in Shaw.

Developer Monument Realty is planning to build a six-story project with approximately 110 residential units, 8,000 square feet of retail and 50 parking spaces near the corner of Wiltberger and T Streets NW, UrbanTurf has learned. Monument is trying to build the project by-right, so would not necessarily need to go before the Zoning Commission or Historic Preservation Review Board for approvals. PGN Architects is the architect for the proposal..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/110-unit_building_planned_near_howard_theatre/10080

RCDC

Jul 6, 2015, 8:02 PM

II'd agree with your friend that the design does not fit the surroundings whatsoever.

Given the general banality of the surrounding architecture, perhaps this is a good thing.

^Yeah it's almost like the only brown building in a sea of white ones... wait... ;)

Well besides the aforementioned NMAI, the Smithsonian Castle is brick red, as is the Arts and Industries building…

This building is supposed to look like an African habitation? If so, they totally missed. Poor design.

It's not the museum of African history, so why should it look like something in Africa? The metalwork pattern is supposed to evoke the iron craft created by enslaved artisans, particularly seen in Charleston and New Orleans.

aquablue

Jul 7, 2015, 6:58 AM

Given the general banality of the surrounding architecture, perhaps this is a good thing.

Well besides the aforementioned NMAI, the Smithsonian Castle is brick red, as is the Arts and Industries building…

It's not the museum of African history, so why should it look like something in Africa? The metalwork pattern is supposed to evoke the iron craft created by enslaved artisans, particularly seen in Charleston and New Orleans.

Yes, very well. It does look like a piece of craft now that you mention it. A basket perhaps. It's a bit dull looking though. Not my favorite design.

PillowTalk4

Jul 7, 2015, 3:39 PM

Yes, very well. It does look like a piece of craft now that you mention it. A basket perhaps. It's a bit dull looking though. Not my favorite design.

I like the design. I'm not sold on the color yet. But it does look better in person and I think once all the construction equipment and fencing is removed and replaced with landscaping and hardscape it'll look better. I'm wondering how it will be lit at night.

I'm glad it doesn't mimic the design of all the other museums on the National Mall. Just like the MLK memorial, the Smithsonian Castle and the American Indian Museum, it stands on its own but contributes to the diversity of the buildings there.

202_Cyclist

Jul 7, 2015, 3:49 PM

I am unable to post images from the Washington Business Journal site but the renderings for PN Hoffman's plans for the fish market that is adjacent to the massive Wharf development look great. Hopefully the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts doesn't hinder this too much. The rum distillery and restored oyster shack look greate and I like the industrial look of many of these buildings.

Here’s the plan to restore D.C.’s historic Maine Avenue Fish Market

By Michael Neibauer
Washington Business Journal
July 6, 2015

"The team behind the Southwest waterfront overhaul is pitching a major renovation of the historic Maine Avenue Fish Market, eyeing a retail-and-restaurant-dominated addition it hopes to have open in less than two years.

Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, developer of The Wharf, has submitted to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts a concept plan for the fish market's renewal. The landmark open-air, barge-based market at 1100 Maine Ave. SW will be refreshed, with utility and accessibility upgrades, and several new structures will be added in the shadow of I-395 12th Street offramp.

“By and large, we love the way it is, and we’re embracing it and we plan to add more on the land side,” said Monty Hoffman, CEO of PN Hoffman, which has teamed with Madison Marquette to develop The Wharf..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2015/07/here-s-the-plan-to-restore-d-c-s-historic-maine.html

patriotizzy

Jul 10, 2015, 4:56 PM

I believe he is referring to the National Museum of African American History bordered by Constitution Ave, 14th Street, Madison Street, and 15th Street. It'll be the nearest Smithsonian museum to the Washington Monument and will open in 2016.

I'd agree with your friend that the design does not fit the surroundings whatsoever.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/jj6q8ST2Jcmd_B7U58ukmg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQ1MTtpbD1wbGFuZTtxPTc1O3c9MzAw/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/d83c070e73ded014750f6a7067005adb.jpg

Yeah, that's it! It truly is missing the mark entirely. Its surroundings looks so governmental and landmark-worthy, and this just looks... bleh.
Thanks for the help!

Cirrus

Jul 10, 2015, 6:22 PM

I'm all for having a museum on that subject, and I'm all for having it be on the National Mall, but the architecture of this building represents a fundamental misunderstanding of what the architecture of the National Mall is supposed to achieve. The National Mall is not supposed to be a sculpture garden of standalone architectural masterpieces. It's supposed to be a cohesive urban room.

I'm all for sculpture gardens, and would love this building in a different location. It would be great downtown. But it, and the other standalone pedestal buildings like the Hirshorn, aren't right for the Mall.

paytonc

Jul 11, 2015, 2:20 AM

Another tower crane sprouted at the Wharf -- the blue one, for the condo building. (The hotel's crane, at the middle, got a new jib for some reason.) Site excavation looks substantially complete, although there's still some to do at the west (right) end. Looks like some of the piers have been finished; now it's time to build back out of the hole.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/376/18964950094_495503a9d6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uTSjWb)
Cranes at the Wharf, 10 July (https://flic.kr/p/uTSjWb) by Payton Chung (https://www.flickr.com/photos/paytonc/), on Flickr

202_Cyclist

Jul 11, 2015, 2:42 AM

paytonc

Jul 13, 2015, 3:22 PM

"Close" for a swimmer, maybe, but it's a 25-minute walk from the Fish Market to the golf course entrance. A ferry is planned, but probably more to get golfers to the Wharf's restaurants than anything else.

PremierAtlanta

Jul 13, 2015, 3:56 PM

So many tower cranes coming to the neighborhood! Great photo-- it was stunning afternoon.

I've been curious about what all of the development at the SW Waterfront will mean for Hains Point, given the close proximity. Yes, it is National Park Service land but hopefully the Parl Service can leverage all of this development across the channel and maybe attract a restaurant or two and use the revenue from the leases to maintain Hains Pt.

I've been wondering the same 202_Cyclist. I love going to Hains Point to watch the planes take off and land at DCA. When I'm in the area, I am just amazed at the amount of development that is going on. In talking to long time residents, it seems that the area is being transformed right before our eyes.

202_Cyclist

Jul 13, 2015, 5:12 PM

16-Unit Apartment Project Planned For Brightwood

Urban Turf
July 13, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/37_missouri.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"A 16-unit rental development is planned near the intersection of Missouri Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue NW, according to documents filed with the Board of Zoning and Adjustment over the weekend.

The developer, listed as Chichest LLC, is proposing a matter-of-right residential project with a height just north of 30 feet at 37-39 Missouri Avenue NW. Documents show that the project will consist largely of one and two-bedroom units..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/16-unit_apartment_project_planned_for_brightwood/10112

202_Cyclist

Jul 15, 2015, 8:09 PM

Massive 1,550 Unit Mixed-Use Project Proposed Near Rhode Island Avenue Metro

Urban Turf
July 15, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/RI_Overview.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"A massive project that will bring almost 1,600 residential units to DC has been proposed near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station. The planned unit development was filed with the city on Wednesday.

The development proposed by a group led by MRP Realty, will be built on the site of Rhode Island Center, a shopping mall that is now home to stores like Big Lots and Forman Mills. The project will consist of a whopping seven residential buildings totaling 1,555 units, and will be built over six phases. Eight percent of the residential units will be set aside as affordable, and every building will be anchored by ground-floor retail. As proposed, there will be approximately 2,000 parking spaces built for the new residential and retail components..."

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/RI_retailstreetview.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/massive_1550_unit_mixed-use_project_proposed_near_rhode_island_avenue_metro/10124

Eightball

Jul 15, 2015, 9:34 PM

Wow, that's huge for that area. Glad to see that strip mall bite the dust... Metro still needs to get its act together, tho, for the development to reach its full potential.

Busy Bee

Jul 15, 2015, 10:07 PM

This 1500 unit project is awesome BUT in no way sends the message we're serious about TOD when it includes 2000 automobile homes for 1500 apartment addresses and retail. Who wants to bet less than 1/3 of the 2000 spots will be used at any given time?

202_Cyclist

Jul 16, 2015, 8:40 PM

16-Screen Movie Theater Signs Lease at The Yards, Construction Begins in 2016

Urban Turf
July 16, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2013/09/white_corian_option_full_551.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"On Thursday, Forest City announced that it had signed a lease with Showplace Icon Theaters for a 16-screen movie theater at The Yards. Construction is expected to start next year with completion in 2018.

Like most new movie theaters, the Showplace Icon will be on the high-end side with recliner seats and reserved seating.

“The facility will also have exclusive VIP levels with adults-only access and tables for enjoying food and beverages inside the auditoriums,” a press release said. “The theatre’s Lobby Lounge will feature a full bar, along with a tasty menu of appetizers, small plates, snacks and desserts for enjoying before, during or after the show...”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/16-screen_movie_theater_signs_lease_at_the_yards_construction_begins_in_201/10130

Showplace Icon Theaters Lease Signed; Projected 2018 Opening
http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/4234/Showplace-Icon-Theaters-Lease-Signed-Projected-2018-Opening/

dc_denizen

Jul 17, 2015, 12:46 AM

202_Cyclist

Jul 17, 2015, 6:06 PM

Are people really starting to frequent SW DC, as in people from other parts of the area actually visiting for leisure and tourist purposes? It really used to be terra incognita for most of DC.

SW just keeps building the most, despite there being several areas with better connections to the rest of the city with less construction & fallow land. Specifically, the last empty regions of Noma and rhode island ave.

Interesting to see where SW ends up, could we get a U street or H street NE style concentration of activity? or is there a lack of small scale historical retail structures?

The movie theater in the post above is in Southeast, not Southwest.

Yes, people are visiting the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in Southeast. There are several good restaurants, with more opening soon, Bluejacket (an excellent brewery), two great parks (the Yards waterfront park has won national design awards), a very active Business Improvement District that sponsors a summer outdoor concert series and a series of films in the summer and various events throughout the year. The Fairgrounds also attracts a lot of people, with the monthly Truckeroo and other events.

Eventually, with the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront development, the Wharf, the 4th Street corridor in Southwest, and the development of the futbol stadium and surrounding development in Buzzard Point, the entire area south of Independence Ave, from L'Enfant Plaza to the Anacostia will become an extension of downtown.

202_Cyclist

Jul 17, 2015, 6:09 PM

First major employer agrees to move to District’s Southwest Waterfront

By Jonathan O'Connell
July 16, 2015
Washington Post

https://img.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2015/07/Wharf.jpg
Image courtesy of the Washington Post.

"Developers of the District’s Southwest Waterfront successfully convinced operators of a luxury hotel, a slew of restaurants and a 6,000-capacity concert hall to sign on for space in their $1.2 billion project.

What they’ve been missing is an employer willing to relocate its operations there, one with enough workers to generate lunchtime business for the restaurants and create a lively daytime presence on the waterfront boardwalk.

Now the companies behind their project, developer PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, have that too. The companies convinced the American Psychiatric Association to move its headquarters of about 220 employees to Southwest D.C. from Rosslyn..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp/2015/07/16/first-major-employer-agrees-to-move-to-districts-southwest-waterfront/

202_Cyclist

Jul 20, 2015, 5:58 PM

The Georgetown Day School has published site plans and renderings for its campus plan for expanding its current Tenley campus on the site of the Safeway grocery store, as well as adding new retail and residential development on the site of the now-vacant Martens car dealership. This is on one of the higher locations in DC and this particular site is on a slope of on Wisconsin Avenue, so it has the potential of creating a striking entrance to Tenley, as well as parks and open space that the neighborhood can use.

https://gds.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/416/download/download_1591621.pdf

A private school's plan could totally revamp public space in Tenleytown

By Neil Flanagan
July 9, 2015
Greater Greater Washington

"A private school in Tenleytown has big plans for its property. The scheme could kick off revitalization of Wisconsin Avenue north of that area's Metro stop.

http://greatergreater.com/images/201507/072251-1.jpg
Plan of the Georgetown Day School's proposal at Wisconsin Avenue's elevation. Click to enlarge. Image from GDS/Esocoff & Associates. (Image courtesy of Greater Greater Washington)

In 2013, the Georgetown Day School surprised everyone by announcing that it had purchased two major sites adjacent to its 42nd Street NW upper school: a suburban Safeway store and a triangular parcel that currently hosts a car dealership..."

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/27353/a-private-schools-plan-could-totally-revamp-public-space-in-tenleytown/

202_Cyclist

Jul 23, 2015, 6:48 PM

Here are two photos I took this past Sunday of the demolition of the Hine School, in preparation for the construction of the new mixed-use development directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the Eastern Market metro station.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/304/19760749988_445c7a8203_z.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/19948797685_87900fdac9_z.jpg

dc_denizen

Jul 23, 2015, 8:26 PM

the sooner DC's suburban-spec schools plopped down in the middle of historic rowhouse districts, are all redeveloped into a mix-use residential/educational, the better.

paytonc

Jul 24, 2015, 5:35 PM

New tower crane went up for another apartment building (http://dc.curbed.com/archives/2014/11/construction-coming-soon-for-365-units-in-waterfront.php) at Waterfront Station:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/536/19953094565_b06b72a89c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/wpbPRP)

Tower crane count in SW: 4 south of 395, 1 north. What's the count in SE?

SW just keeps building the most, despite there being several areas with better connections to the rest of the city with less construction & fallow land. Specifically, the last empty regions of Noma and rhode island ave.

Interesting to see where SW ends up, could we get a U street or H street NE style concentration of activity? or is there a lack of small scale historical retail structures?

Funny, have a GGWash post coming right up addressing this...

202_Cyclist

Jul 24, 2015, 5:55 PM

Speaking of Southwest, I received a advocacy letter for the Bard development in the mail yesterday. I need to fill it out and return it and email Charles Allen and let him know I support this development.

202_Cyclist

Jul 28, 2015, 3:29 PM

A Look at the New Fannie Mae Headquarters

Urban Turf
July 27, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/fannie_mae_1.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/fannie_mae_3.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"The new headquarters for Fannie Mae on 15th Street NW will have quite a design.

Below are renderings — recently filed with DC’s Board of Zoning Adjustment — of the new office building that will replace The Washington Post headquarters in the 1100 block of 15th Street NW (map). Carr Properties, the building owner, is working with SHoP Architects and WDG Architecture on the project.

Fannie Mae will lease 85 percent of the new building and will occupy starting in late 2017. More from the zoning filing..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a_look_at_the_new_fannie_mae_headquarters/10177

jpdivola

Jul 28, 2015, 4:58 PM

Just what central DC needs another boring 9-5 office project. I know if makes zero sense financially, but I wish there was a residential component to that office box. Downtown living in DC seems to have hit a brick wall in recent years.

God I wish DC would create a La Defense-type office zone to suck up all the office demand and then allow the central core to be converted into a living, mixed use urban zone alla central Boston, Philly, SF, Chicago, etc.

202_Cyclist

Aug 4, 2015, 4:52 PM

What do people think of this? On the one hand, it looks like some of the bland 1970s architecture. On the other hand, I think it will compliment the Four Seasons across the street and some of the other buildings in this part of Georgetown and the West End. This building is also certainly different than most of the glass boxes built recently in DC.

A Look at Eastbanc’s 8-Unit Project on the Edge of Georgetown

Urban Turf
Aug. 3, 2015

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/eastbanc_penn_2.jpg
Rendering of the planned project at 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/eastbanc_penn_5.jpg
A rendering of the restaurant at the planned development. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf).

http://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2015/07/eastbanc_penn_1.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"Longtime Georgetown developer Eastbanc will construct eight, large residential units and a restaurant on the site of a gas station at 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (map). Renderings of the planned project were filled with the Zoning Commission late Friday.

The restaurant will be located on the cellar and ground floor of the new development, and there will be four levels of residential units above the eatery. The residences will average approximately 2,000 square feet. The penthouse level will have a gym and a small terrace..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a_look_at_eastbancs_8-unit_project_on_the_edge_of_georgetown/10205

202_Cyclist

Aug 4, 2015, 6:53 PM

United hires Nationals Park architects to design stadium

By Jonathan O'Connell
August 3, 2015
Washington Post

"D.C. United has hired an architect and surveyed potential corporate ticket buyers about seating preferences as it moves forward with plans to build its new stadium in Southwest D.C.

Populous, the Kansas City-based sports design and architecture firm that designed Camden Yards and Nationals Park, will also design the United stadium after the team signed the firm in late July.

The firm was considered a likely choice because of its work on behalf of the team a year ago, when Populous produced renderings of a possible stadium on Buzzard Point for the team to use in marketing materials..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp/2015/08/03/united-hires-nationals-park-architects-to-design-stadium/

chris08876

Aug 4, 2015, 11:26 PM

Douglas Development Takes $75M Loan from Natixis for Historic D.C. Conversion Project

https://nyocommercialobserver.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/uline-arena-rendering.jpeg?h=510

Douglas Development Corporation received a $75.5 million construction loan from Natixis Real Estate Capital for the redevelopment of Washington, D.C.’s Washington Coliseum, Commercial Observer has learned.

The financing will be used to fund about 67 percent of the Uline Arena redevelopment project in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood. The Natixis loan features a three-year term with two one-year extension options.

The total project cost, “including land, soft and hard costs, leasing and financing,” is $112 million, Drew Turner, development and project manager at Douglas Development, told CO. Additional financing was provided through EB-5 capital and sponsorship equity, he said.

The site is located just next to the NoMa stop on the metro, at the intersection of Delaware Avenue NE, M Street NE and 3rd Street NE. Once completed, the mixed-use project will feature 70,000 square feet of retail, 174,000 square feet of office space and a four-level parking garage.

Douglas Development acquired the 2.5-acre property in 2003 for $6 million, according to D.C. property records. The site houses four structures, the two most historic being the arena and the nearby “ice house.” Originally, the facilities were used as an ice skating rink and accompanying ice manufacturing facility.
================================
http://commercialobserver.com/2015/08/douglas-development-takes-75m-loan-from-natixis-for-historic-d-c-conversion-project/

paytonc

Aug 5, 2015, 5:55 PM

Just what central DC needs another boring 9-5 office project. ... allow the central core to be converted into a living, mixed use urban zone alla central Boston, Philly, SF, Chicago, etc.

All of those cities have 9-to-5 office zones, as well, just smaller in area because they're taller in height. Since office uses are the lion's share of the DC region's economy, we have more offices than comparably sized cities, and since they're height-limited, they're spread out across a larger area.

Retail, office, and hotel (in that order) are the highest-density land uses, and thus the ones that are best congregated in places with the greatest transportation capacity. Here, because of Metro, that's Downtown DC. When floor space is strictly rationed, it's much better to pack six employees into 1,000 sq. ft. than two residents.

Also, we have two La Defense-style edge cities that almost rival the core's transit connections (Rosslyn and Crystal City), and they're hurting for office tenants. Downtown still has enough of an edge to make it uniquely accessible. Eventually, the new Metro tunnels and through-run commuter rail will begin to even out transit accessibility across the entire central area (including Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Capitol Hill), but that's a long ways off.

I'd argue that we have better "living, mixed use urban zone"s at the edges of our downtown than most other cities. Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, West End, Georgetown, Shaw, and Capitol Hill all have a wonderful mix of offices, residential, and retail, and blend almost imperceptibly into downtown. Many other cities have large "zones of transition," with parking lots separating the office core from the "midtown" neighborhoods.

202_Cyclist

Aug 5, 2015, 9:49 PM

Here are a couple of photos I took while my girlfriend was shopping on 14th Street this past Sunday.

Lumen (http://dc.urbanturf.com/pipeline/232/Lumen_Condominiums/)-- 14th & W Street, NW (5 floors, 18 units).
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/331/20138207290_408d0e8b74_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/381/20326118065_1cd7546050.jpg

15th & V Street (http://dc.urbanturf.com/pipeline/355/15th_and_V_Street_NW/) (96 condos by Bozzuto)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/547/19703451604_73c25299f9_z.jpg

http://assets.urbanturf.com/pipeline/images/projects/355/size3/3-1401897930-06042014-550x362.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

jpdivola

Aug 6, 2015, 2:09 PM

All of those cities have 9-to-5 office zones, as well, just smaller in area because they're taller in height. Since office uses are the lion's share of the DC region's economy, we have more offices than comparably sized cities, and since they're height-limited, they're spread out across a larger area.

Retail, office, and hotel (in that order) are the highest-density land uses, and thus the ones that are best congregated in places with the greatest transportation capacity. Here, because of Metro, that's Downtown DC. When floor space is strictly rationed, it's much better to pack six employees into 1,000 sq. ft. than two residents.

Also, we have two La Defense-style edge cities that almost rival the core's transit connections (Rosslyn and Crystal City), and they're hurting for office tenants. Downtown still has enough of an edge to make it uniquely accessible. Eventually, the new Metro tunnels and through-run commuter rail will begin to even out transit accessibility across the entire central area (including Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Capitol Hill), but that's a long ways off.

I'd argue that we have better "living, mixed use urban zone"s at the edges of our downtown than most other cities. Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, West End, Georgetown, Shaw, and Capitol Hill all have a wonderful mix of offices, residential, and retail, and blend almost imperceptibly into downtown. Many other cities have large "zones of transition," with parking lots separating the office core from the "midtown" neighborhoods.

I agree 100% with pretty much everything you say. DC's midtown neighborhoods north of downtown are some of the best in the county. I love the mix of apartments and rowhouses with retail streets interspersed. My only concern is that they are approaching build out. We couldn't (and shouldn't) ever redevelopment the rowhouse side streets.

Georgetown and Dupont are done, Logan Circle, Columbia Heights and Adams-Morgan are almost down. Shaw has some infill opportunities left. Closer to downtown, West End/Foggy Bottom is almost done, Mt. Vernon Triangle has some room left. Further afield, there is a fair amount of room for development left in NoMa, Union Market, H Street, SW Waterfront, and Capital Riverfront. But, those are removed from the central "mid city action." There is some stuff in all these places, but you don't really get the "major world city" feel in those areas. Over time, SW/Capitol Riverfront/Eastern Market and NoMa/Union Market/H Street may grow together. All of this is very good. DC may get two more "midtown zones".

But, call me greedy. I still wish DC had a more vibrant mixed-used downtown to tie the city together. It would be nice of Conn Ave south of the circle was developed like a grand European shopping boulevard. There would be seamless activity from Dupont Circle to Farragut Square. A vibrant M Street would connect the Golden Triangle to Georgetown via an enlivened west end. The vibrancy of 14th street in Logan would continue south through a Thomas Circle lined with cafes and then continue down to 14th to Franklin Square which would be remade as a grand urban square (alla Union or Madison Square in NYC) with retail. Shaw and Mt Vernon Square would come to resemble 14th street with it's vibrancy which would spill down to Mt Vernon Triangle and then seamlessly tie together Mt Vernon Triangle, Galley Place, City Center and F Street, with active street life. Rip down awful 80s buildings like Techworld, even the new American Associated of Medial Colleges Building is a fail at street level activation. City Center, Galley Place, and City Vista did it right at street level.

I wouldn't ever want DC to become an overcrowded concrete jungle like NYC. But, we are the Capital City of the most powerful nation on earth. DC is my favorite city in the US. But, we should hold ourselves to a much higher standard than regional cities like Boston, Philly, or even SF. We should look to other major capitals like London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, etc. IMO, we need an active world class central city to complement our world class "midtown". I don't know how we get there with out a better and more intense mix of uses in the central core.

hat

Aug 11, 2015, 10:46 PM

New to the DC forum. I live in NOMA.

Anyone have a thread or info on current development plans for the undeveloped areas near North Capitol and K street or near 1st and L NW?

Were something with a storefront to go up there--whatever the height--the neighborhood might start to get lively. At the moment it is still lunch-only busy near the Harris Teeter. Thanks.

202_Cyclist

Aug 12, 2015, 1:10 AM

paytonc

Aug 12, 2015, 1:21 PM

There just isn't the demand for ground-floor retail everywhere in downtown. The ratio of retail space to office space is in the 1:30 - 1:50 range -- and dropping, as America's fundamentally over-retailed. That's fine in Midtown Manhattan, where one floor of retail serves 50 floors of office -- but not possible in DC, where you can only stack 10 floors of office over every shop.

As downtown DC becomes more of a regional retail destination, drawing more than just local office workers, the supportable amount of retail is increasing. Already, increased retail rents are enticing more landlords to redo their ground floors to create larger, more useful retail spaces, especially on F Street and on sites facing CityCenterDC. (Yes, even TechWorld -- ever been to City Tap Room?) There's no need to be wasteful and tear down perfectly serviceable existing buildings. That's like throwing away a computer because you don't like the desktop wallpaper!

For a complete look at what's planned in NoMa, the BID's maps are a good start:
http://www.nomabid.org/maps/
For sites west of North Capitol, see:
http://dcnewcommunities.org/northwest-one-development-2/