WASHINGTON, DC | Development News [Archive] - Page 4

202_Cyclist

Jan 13, 2012, 7:03 PM

ANC 3E (Tenley, Friendship Heights) had their monthly meeting last night and the proposals for Babe's and a mixed-use Safeway (located on 42nd Street and Davenport) were discussed. From what I've heard, the Babe's proposal received a pretty positive response from several ANC commissioners and neighbors.

DC Urban Turf has a summary of last night's discussion. Of particular interest is this:

"Millstein also detailed the retail the firm is aiming to attract; they are toying with the idea of a Matchbox or Ted’s Bulletin-type of restaurant to anchor the site, and three or four smaller shops selling bagels, cupcakes or frozen yogurt up Wisconsin Avenue..."

Douglas Development Eases Parking Concerns at New Tenleytown Project
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/douglas_developments_new_babe_in_tenleytown/4923

202_Cyclist

Jan 13, 2012, 7:13 PM

The JD Land blog has a post about a new development planned for the Southeast waterfront/Navy Yard area. 2012 is already shaping up as a big year for this neighborhood.

WC Smith Announces 880 New Jersey as Park Chelsea Apartments

http://www.jdland.com/dc/images/880nj-rendering-120113-1.jpg
Image courtesy of JD Land.

"Developer William C. Smith is announcing today that the apartment project we've been referring to as 880 New Jersey will be called the Park Chelsea, and is expected to get underway sometime during the second quarter of this year. And there's even a rendering now, and an official web site.

As I reported a few months ago, it will be 13 stories, with 433 units, which I understand will be broken down as 58 studios (about 466 avg sq ft), 281 one-bedrooms (606-738 sq ft), 92 two-bedrooms (1094 sq ft), and 2 three-bedrooms (1788 sq ft). There will be a courtyard garden, club room, gym, pilates/yoga studio, Jacuzzi, and 75-foot indoor lap pool on the ground floor. Then, up on the roof there will be a second pool along with the now-ubiquitous lounging/grilling area, as well as a "community garden" and dog exercise area. There will also be 1,500 square feet of "convenience" retail space on the ground floor, and three levels of underground parking. (They previously mentioned to me a bicycle entrance to a sizeable storage room separate from the car parking areas--I'm assuming that's still part of the plans, but I haven't confirmed.)..."

http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3612/WC-Smith-Announces-880-New-Jersey-as-Park-Chelsea-Apartments/

Here is the developer's website, with more renderings: http://www.parkchelseadc.com/

202_Cyclist

Jan 13, 2012, 7:25 PM

The Capital Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) published a report this week stating that in the past decade, the areas around the Green line (from Columbia Hts to the Navy Yard/Southeast Riverfront) had faster growth than the Rosslyn - Ballston corridor.

As DC Mud notes, "In fact, according to the study, the average income for new households along 10-stations in the Green Line "Corridor" is now nearly $83,000. Moreover, nearly 3,500 18-34 year-olds moved into the Green Line "Corridor" between 2000 and 2010, more than the 3,400 added in Rosslyn-Ballston and the 2,300 or so added along the Red Line in Northwest."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/green-line-corridor-growth-setting-pace.html

This trend should only continue as there is still significant development underway and planned for the 14th Street corridor, the Southwest waterfront, and the area around the Navy Yard/Nationals stadium.

Here is the link for the report:
http://www.capitolriverfront.org/_files/docs/fullreportgreenprintgrowth.pdf

turigamot

Jan 14, 2012, 1:54 AM

202_Cyclist

Jan 14, 2012, 5:45 PM

turigamot:
Mayhaps Tenleytown will be the next boom area in DC?

First, the Babe's and Safeway project still have to get approval from the ANC and the DC Zoning Commission, no small feat with all the rabid NIMBYs in the neighborhood. That said, within the next two years there will be significant infill along Wisconsin Avenue, helping make this area a lot more vibrant than it is today. First, the last legal challenge to the Cathedral Commons development (mixed-use Giant) was rejected in December and construction should begin in the spring. American University will spend approximately $400M as part of its campus plan and will relocate the Washington College of Law from the semi-suburban (or largely suburban) Spring Valley location to the Tenley Circle campus, which is right on Wisconsin Avenue about 100-200 yards from the Tenley metro station. As posted above, Douglas Development plans on building 60 condos and ground floor retail and restaurants at the Babe's site. Finally, Safeway wants to build a new store with 170 condos and maybe a dozen town-homes at their 42nd and Davenport store.

Here is the presentation Safeway gave to ANC 3E (Tenley-Friendship Heights) on Thursday. There will be another presentation by Clark Construction and Safeway this coming Wednesday at the Armenian church right off of Wisconsin Avenue. If you live in the District, this will be very important to attend, as the Tenley NIMBYs are sure to have a major freak-out over these two developments.

The Terraces at Tenleytown
http://www.tenleytownsafeway.com/ANC%20Meeting%20Presentation%20-%2001.12.12.pdf

202_Cyclist

Jan 14, 2012, 5:50 PM

turigamot:
Also, those Park Chelsea Apartments are nice and all, but 1,500 sq. feet of retail is absolutely paltry, considering how much they want to make the place vibrant and walkable, and considering the massive footprint of that building.

Here is what Councilmember Tommy Wells had to say about this, courtesy of the Washington City Paper:

"Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells once complained about the quality of the pedestrian experience in the blocks around the Navy Yard Metro station—and said that if they'd been designed today, livable-walkable mores would have translated into better design. "There is no question that there would have been more attention to the architectural design flair at the pedestrian level rather than at the top of the buildings," he told me. "If you look at the top of the buildings, they have different designs to them, but at the base of the buildings, they’re all the same."

Waterfront Welcomes Esocoffian Waves (Up Top, At Least)

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/01/13/waterfront-welcomes-esocoffian-waves-up-top-at-least/

202_Cyclist

Jan 16, 2012, 1:11 PM

Steven Pearlstein: For development, all signs point inward

By Steven Pearlstein
January 14, 2012
Washington Post

"Decades of rapid growth have made Washington real estate some of the most valuable in the country, particularly when it is close to the city center, along major roads and highways or near Metro stops.

But not always.

Drive along Route 50 in Northern Virginia from revitalized Rosslyn to the glitzy office parks in Falls Church and you’ll think you’ve been transported back to the 1950s as you gaze out on mile after mile of aging strip shopping centers, small brick bungalows and dodgy motels.

Take Route 1 from College Park toward the District and you’ll find an impressive variety of marginal retail stores, fast-food joints and used-car dealerships..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/steven-pearlstein-for-development-all-signs-point-inward/2012/01/12/gIQAIM3czP_story.html?sub=AR

202_Cyclist

Jan 16, 2012, 1:34 PM

Building the proposed Pepco substation right next to the Friendship Heights metro station certainly won't do anything to add vitality to this neighborhood. By opposing Akridge's 5220 Wisconsin Avenue mixed-use development, the NIMBYs really set this area back.

Retail vacancies beg a question of identity

By Danielle Douglas
January 15, 2012
Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/01/11/Others/Images/2012-01-10/IMG_9121_1326250080.jpg
Jeffrey MacMillan/Capital Business - The now-empty space in Friendship Heights once occupied by Filene’s Basement.

"Ann Marie Baldine remembers the specialty boutiques that filled Chevy Chase Pavilion, when she opened her rug shop La Musa at the Friendship Heights mall 16 years ago.

There were quirky stores such as Gazelle wearable art and shops such as women’s designer Koffi Agosu. The 11-story pavilion also housed national chains Pottery Barn and Cheesecake Factory, but the mix was balanced and it was still “a neighborhood place,” Baldine said.

The speciality stores thinned out over the years and were replaced by national chains. “When they brought in the Stein Mart and CVS, I never felt as though they really defined the niche that they had at this place..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/retail-vacancies-beg-a-question-of-identity/2012/01/09/gIQATLRU1P_story.html

202_Cyclist

Jan 19, 2012, 4:05 AM

Officials break ground on new UDC student center

By Tim Craig
Washington Post
January 18, 2012

"District and college officials broke ground Wednesday on a new $40 million student center at the University of the District of Columbia, a building expected to become a new gateway to the often overlooked university.

The building, funded primarily with tax dollars, will be built on the school’s under utilized plaza facing Connecticut Avenue in Van Ness.

When completed in the spring of 2013, the building is expected to serve as a catalyst for improving both the university’s image as well ongoing efforts to revitalize the Van Ness corridor..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-wire/post/officials-break-ground-on-new-udc-student-center/2012/01/18/gIQAA0Il8P_blog.html

202_Cyclist

Jan 20, 2012, 5:41 PM

DC Mud and the Washington City Paper both have posts covering the community meeting earlier this week discussing the proposed Tenley Safeway development. This site is located less than a ten minute walk from two metro stations and is only a few yards behind Wisconsin Avenue. Safeway proposes to underground the parking for the store and build 170 condos and approximately one dozen townhomes. The building would be 75 feet along 42nd Street (closest to Wisc Ave) and taper off to lower heights next to the existing townhomes on Ellicot Street.

Safeway Tries Again With Revamped Tenleytown Design
http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/safeway-tries-again-with-revamped.html

Vince Gray’s Campaign Manager Makes Veiled Threats Against Tenleytown Safeway
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/01/20/vince-grays-campaign-manager-makes-veiled-threats-against-tenleytown-safeway/comment-page-1/#comment-93365

Predictably the Tenley NIMBYs are panicking about the height and potential parking issues. Concern about height is is a completely fabricated reason to oppose this development. The heights will be tapered down as this development approaches the existing single-family homes. I asked about the office building (http://www.cpfiuoe.org/home.htm) right next to the Martens Volvo dealership on 42nd Street, not more than 50 yards from the Safeway. This building is approximately 55-65 feet at its tallest point yet few if any neighbors could even recall this building, let alone were aware that this building even existed.

http://www.cpfiuoe.org/images/cpfbldgsmall.jpg
Image courtesy of the Central Pension Trust.

The Central Pension Fund building is directly across the street from several rowhouses but few neighbors seemed bothered by this charmer of a building. On the other hand, next to the maximum height of the Safeway, the project would be bounded by 42nd Street, then the Martens dealership, followed by six lanes of Wisconsin Avenue.

Similarly, Georgetown Day School looks like it is 50-60 feet in some locations. By suggesting the proposed height of the Safeway is inconsistent with existing structures, the opponents are fishing for any excuse they can find.

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kvdafd4DLr1qatc3yo1_r1_500.jpg
Georgetown Day School

turigamot

Jan 20, 2012, 6:21 PM

202_Cyclist

Jan 26, 2012, 4:29 AM

Today, the DC Office of Planning published its "Streetcar Land Use Study," looking at the land-use opportunities and impacts of the proposed 37-mile network of streetcars throughout the District (except there is no streetcar proposed for the dense Wisconsin Avenue corridor). It's a very interesting and detailed study, with several maps and graphics. Among other interesting findings are:

* Currently 22,000 DC households are within 1/4 mile of a metro station. The completed streetcar network will increase this to 95,000 households that live within 1/4 mile of a streetcar or metro-rail station.
*"The increases in real estate values and development that the streetcar could spur over a ten-year period-- looking only at land within a quarter mile of new routes-- would exceed the projected cost of creating the system by 600% to 1,000%."
*"Strengthens real estate values by adding $5 billion to $7 billion to the value of existing property and sparking an additional $5 to $8 billion in new development in the ten years after completion—in the corridors alone. These benefits extend across housing, commercial, and retail markets and apply in varying degrees to every streetcar corridor."
*Increases revenue to the District by strengthening the real estate market, adding new residents, and producing greater sales-tax receipts. Together, these sources would likely generate between $238 million and $29ı million in annual new revenue within ten years of completion of the system.

Here is the link for the study:
http://planning.dc.gov/DC/Planning/Planning%20Publication%20Files/OP/Citywide/citywide_pdfs/FINAL%20for%20Web_Screen%20View.pdf

202_Cyclist

Jan 26, 2012, 4:28 PM

Here is more on the Office of Planning's streetcar land-use study.

Streetcar Plan To Boost District Real Estate Values by $8 Billion, District's Chief Planner Says

Posted by Dan Goldstein
1/25/2012

"The District's ambitious plan to restart its streetcar network will cost $1.5 billion -- but could pay for itself more than fivefold with increased property values, more jobs and development along the 37 miles of planned streetcar lines, says Harriet Tregoning, the District's chief planning officer.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN48w8YYuPk/TyB_bz6efpI/AAAAAAAAAPs/W8mgPBwoDX8/s320/Better%2BMap.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

Tregoning unveiled the Streetcar Land Use Study and her office's number crunching session today at a smart-growth planning session at the National Building Museum. "It's really our transportation infrastructure that shapes our development," said Tregoning, noting that the District has earmarked $100 million in capital funding for the development and building of the eight-line streetcar expansion..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/streetcar-plan-to-boost-district-real.html

202_Cyclist

Jan 26, 2012, 5:33 PM

The JD Land blog has an update about the Boilermaker shops behind the US DOT headquarters and next to the Yards waterfront park. According to the blog, the owners of Birch & Barley (one of the best bars in DC, with 400+ different beers) are planning a brewpub in this property, with a focus on Belgian-style beers. Suffice to say, this can't open soon enough!

Tuesday Tidbits II: Some Info on the Boilermaker Shops Brewery
http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3621/Tuesday-Tidbits-II-Some-Info-on-the-Boilermaker-Shops-Brewe/

202_Cyclist

Jan 27, 2012, 4:47 PM

Panel likely to accept AU development plan

Zoning: Deliberations will continue at Feb. 16 meeting

Northwest Current
January 25, 2012
By Brady Holt

"Although they have yet to finalize their ruling, D.C. zoning commissioners
appear supportive of American University’s extensive and highly controversial plans for large-scale development over the next decade.

The Zoning Commission was scheduled to vote Monday on the school’s campus plan, which outlines its development in the coming decade and asks permission to begin construction immediately on several projects. Among other proposals, the school hopes to construct two high-rise dormitories on its main campus and to redevelop its Nebraska Avenue parking lot and Tenley
Campus.

But commissioners postponed the vote, saying they couldn’t discuss some key aspects of the plan until the university is able to better nail down its timeline for bringing more undergraduates into on-campus housing. In discussing the various proposals Monday, however, commissioners said most of the development seems reasonable and that some of the feared impacts can be addressed at future zoning reviews..."

http://currentnewspapers.com/admin/uploadfiles/NW%2001.25.12%201.pdf

202_Cyclist

Jan 27, 2012, 5:02 PM

IBG’s Plans for the Specialty Hospital Apartments

January 27, 2012
by Shilpi Paul
DC Urban Turf

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/01/specialtyhosp.jpg
[LIST]
[I]IBG’s rendering of 700 Constitution (Image courtesy of DC Urban Turf)

"Last night, IBG Partners, who developed Yale Steam Laundry, met with community members to discuss initial plans for their proposed apartments in the now vacant south wing of Specialty Hospital at 700 Constitution Avenue NE (map).

Most of the meeting focused on the exterior changes that would be made to the building, which will ultimately need to be approved by the Historic Preservation Review Board. IBG plans to rip out many of the additions on the front of the building and in the inner courtyard, as well as the ramps and stairs facing 8th Street. In their place, they will create bay windows and will install an addition along the inner wall facing the courtyard. In doing so, they will increase the usable space without increasing the total square footage — taking 21,000 square feet out and creating 21,000 new square feet..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/ibgs_plans_for_the_specialty_hospital_apartments/5002

202_Cyclist

Jan 27, 2012, 6:15 PM

DC Mud has an update on the Lot 31 development in Bethesda, across the street from Bethesda Row. This would be built on an existing surface parking lot but it would create 1200 subterranean parking spaces (most of them public spaces). Demand for parking, however, should be reduced once the Purple Line connects with downtown Bethesda. A huge public subsidy to build more parking hardly seems like the best use of taxpayer money.

Bethesda Lot 31 Project Delayed (Again) Until February

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLE8ukyqEDs/Tx_y86mmhUI/AAAAAAAAAgY/PWIORMU56VA/s400/lot31nite.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/bethesda-lot-31-project-delayed-again.html

202_Cyclist

Jan 27, 2012, 8:13 PM

801 New Jersey Ave Walmart Set To Break Ground In Spring, Spokesman for JBG Says

Posted by Dan Goldstein
1/27/2012
DC Mud

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKK7yqMSPr4/TyHJ6bUKloI/AAAAAAAAASY/bDLQCXdxxGs/s400/Walmart%2B801%2BNJ%2BAve.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

"The planned Walmart at 801 New Jersey Ave. NW will break ground by spring, according to a spokesman on behalf of developer JBG Companies, one of six stores the world's largest retailer will bring to the District of Columbia.

"The planning and preparation is moving ahead quickly," said Charlie Maier, an outside spokesman on behalf of Chevy Chase-based JBG Companies. JBG Rosenfeld, JBG's sister company which focuses on mixed-use retail and will also partner on the project. Walmart has already signed its lease for the site, which will be known going forward as 77 H, as it will line up along H Street on its southern edge..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/01/801-new-jersey-ave-walmart-set-to-break.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 2, 2012, 9:52 PM

Washington Gateway Finally Breaking Ground?

Posted by Dan Goldstein
2/02/2012
DC Mud

"MRP Realty edged closer to a groundbreaking of the $360 million Washington Gateway in NoMa, as crews this week began disassembling commercial billboards occupying the three-acre site at the intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue, NE.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GONXcpaIQ7Q/Tyq7TtF7bkI/AAAAAAAAAYA/LZzPIqdcixk/s400/Washington%2BGateway%2Blooking%2Bnorth%2Bon%2BFlorida.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

While some real estate insiders said construction would start shortly, Julie Chase, a spokeswoman on behalf of MRP Realty, said in an e-mail not to read too much into the action on the site as MRP is still in the permitting process. "Yes, the billboards are coming down, but that does not mean they are starting any construction," she said..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/02/washington-gateway-finally-breaking.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 3, 2012, 7:42 PM

Time to pop open the champagne! This is the best news for the Wisconsin Avenue corridor in years. This, relocating American University's Washington College of Law to Tenley Circle, and Douglas Development's proposal for the Babe's site will significantly improve Wisconsin Avenue, making it far more walkable and vibrant.

Wisconsin Ave. Giant to Close In March as Cathedral Commons Gears Up

Posted by Dan Goldstein
2/03/2012
DC Mud

"The Giant supermarket at 3336 Wisconsin Avenue, NW will close in March in preparation for the construction of the Cathedral Commons mixed-use project, according to a spokeswoman for the supermarket chain.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eruyi_BinA/Tyr_LjmM4jI/AAAAAAAAAZI/vo49CGJOVaI/s400/Aerial%2BShot%2BWisconsin%2BAve.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

Sharon Robinson, an outside spokeswoman on behalf of Giant said that construction for the $125 million Cathedral Commons will begin this quarter. A raze permit for the building as well as other parts of the 3300 block were approved Jan. 30th by the Historic Preservation Office according to documents released this week by the Office. Meanwhile, the Giant Pharmacy has closed and the Starbucks cafe and in the 3400 block just across the street from the supermarket also closed this week; its building also has a date with the wrecking ball as part of the project..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/02/wisconsin-ave-giant-to-close-in-march.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 4, 2012, 3:36 PM

The Urban Turf blog has a post about JBG's proposed development for 7th Street and Florida Avenue. I don't like the covered walkway in the middle of the block in the top first image below. This area should be opened up to the street and pedestrian. Aside from that, this should help with the continued development of Shaw area. This, Progression Place, the redevelopment of the Wonder Bread property will all significantly enhance this area. Last decade all the focus was on U Street and 14th Street. It will be Shaw's turn the coming decade.

New Renderings for JBG’s Florida Ave. Project; Reatig Redesign

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/florida1.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Urban Turf.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/florida2.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Urban Turf.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/new_renderings_for_jbgs_florida_ave_project_reatig_redesign/5061

Foley Santamaria

Feb 4, 2012, 4:14 PM

Yeah Shaw (and many other parts of the city) is/are blowing up.

Kingofthehill

Feb 4, 2012, 4:20 PM

Great news for Shaw! Shaw has alot of potential, especially for the type of infill we like, as the neighborhood's retail corridors and boulevards are largely underused and lacking in activity/vibrancy (specially 7th and 9th, but also Rhode Island and 11th).

NoMa confuses me a bit, though. I pass through the area fairly frequently, as I am often in Bloomingdale, and everytime I am there - be it day or night - it is a giant deadzone. It seems no matter how many condos, hotels, offices, government buildings, etc, you throw at the nabe, it is forever going to be a deadzone. Obviously, it won't be this way forever, but I hope this changes sometime soon.

202_Cyclist

Feb 4, 2012, 6:57 PM

City economic development chief details project pipeline

Georgetown Current
2/1/2012

"The city’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development told DC Chamber of Commerce members recently that his office is working on $11 billion worth of development projects in the District.

Victor Hoskins also told members last week that his staff is trying to jump-start another $13 billion worth of projects, many of which had been stalled for years. Meanwhile, an estimated $1 billion worth of projects are in development without his office’s help.

Already under construction are 14 projects worth $2.14 billion and will produce about 6,000 permanent jobs, Hoskins said. They include the 500,000-square-foot CityCenterDC project and the 1-million-square foot O Street Market project, expected to be complete in 2014, which will include a 72,000-square foot Giant, additional retail, a hotel and apartments..."

http://currentnewspapers.com/archiveweek.php?n=2&year=2012

202_Cyclist

Feb 7, 2012, 4:43 PM

Urban Turf has a comprehensive list of all the new development planned for Rosslyn. Central Place and 1812 North Moore will certainly change and improve the Rosslyn skyline. Rosslyn might be one of the most underrated neighborhoods in DC. It has quick access to Georgetown, Clarendon, the Orange and Blue lines, I-66, the George Washington Parkway, and Reagan airport.

Too Many To Count: Residential Projects in the Works for the Rosslyn/Ballston Corridor

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/developments_in_the_works_for_the_rosslyn_ballston_corridor/5073

202_Cyclist

Feb 7, 2012, 11:19 PM

DC Mud and the Washington Business Journal both have updates and several renderings of the proposal for the second stage of the redevelopment of the Southwest waterfront. This area, combined with the already developing waterfront by the Nationals stadium, is going to be very impressive once completed. There are also comprehensive plans to redevelop and improve the area around L'Enfant Plaza.

The Wharf on D.C.'s Southwest Waterfront, in detail
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2012/02/the-wharf-on-dcs-southwest.html

Hoffman-Madison Details Second-Stage Plans for Southwest Waterfront
http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/02/hoffman-madison-details-second-stage.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SUbtyBiLkA/TzFucvJRlzI/AAAAAAAAAcI/8s2G2neKt2I/s400/Shot%2Bof%2BPier%2Band%2BOffices.%2B.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRGzBnTnAGI/TzFvG9TwbxI/AAAAAAAAAcg/5iUZdsfjKQM/s400/Stairs.png
Images courtesy of DC Mud.

Foley Santamaria

Feb 9, 2012, 2:29 AM

King of the hill - just saw a post on POP about a cafe/night lounge opening in one of the new buildings. Plus there is tons right there on H. I hear what you are saying though.

202cyclist - you are holding it down in this thread.

OhioGuy

Feb 10, 2012, 8:40 PM

Old Post Office Pavilion to Become a Luxury Trump Hotel (http://www.princeofpetworth.com/2012/02/old-post-office-pavilion-to-become-a-luxury-trump-hotel/#comments-section)

http://www.princeofpetworth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/old_post_office_dc.jpg

The Old Post Office is located at the corner of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the Federal Triangle neighborhood. Recognizing that the building had outlived its usefulness as Federal office space, Congress directed GSA in 2008 to enter into a long term lease for the Old Post Office under Section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act, thereby guaranteeing the restoration and retention of all of its historic features while allowing the private sector to determine how to develop it to its fullest potential.

“The Trump Organization plan will preserve the historic nature of the building and improve the vitality of Pennsylvania Avenue,” continued Peck. “This redevelopment represents good business sense on behalf of the American taxpayer, the Federal Government and the District of Columbia.”

202_Cyclist

Feb 10, 2012, 8:46 PM

Yep, I saw this the other day. I need to visit before combover man take possession of this building.

J_M_Tungsten

Feb 10, 2012, 9:25 PM

Man, Trump has his hand in every city.

202_Cyclist

Feb 10, 2012, 9:59 PM

I consider myself to be fairly liberal but I'm the #1 tea-partiers when it comes to selling off unused and underused government properties. These present a tremendous opportunity for infill development and an opportunity for the federal government to earn revenue. In Georgetown, the Central Heating building is going to sold and redeveloped, most likely into a hotel.

I would also like to see the Tenley post office sold and infill development at this location on Wisconsin Avenue, a major corridor close to the metro station and well-served by many bus routes: http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/4066/georgetown-tenleytown-post-offices-good-opportunities-for-smart-growth/ .

Insight Acquires Silver Spring Post Office, 310-Unit Apartment Building Coming

February 10, 2012
DC Urban Turf

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/01/insight_310_apt.jpg
Rendering via DC Urban Turf.

"Apartment developer Insight Property Group and Nova-Habitat, Inc, have acquired the Silver Spring Post Office at 8616 Second Avenue (map), and will start construction on a 310-unit apartment project on the site in the 4th quarter of 2012. Insight went under contract on the property back in May 2011, and the new project will be its first outside of Virginia..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/insight_acquires_silver_spring_post_office_310-unit_apartment_building_comi/5114

202_Cyclist

Feb 13, 2012, 8:46 PM

Urban Turf has a post today about 9th Street, suggesting this will be the next area to see significant development. I've said it before but Shaw will become one of the hot neighborhoods this next decade, like 14th Street 5-10 years ago.

9th Street: DC’s Next “It” Boulevard?

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/9thstreet550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

February 13, 2012
by Shilpi Paul

"NoMa, H Street and 14th Street are regularly mentioned as the booming development corridors in DC. But another avenue will soon be on everyone’s radar: 9th Street NW.

From the 10-acre CityCenter project at H Street NW to multi-block developments like CityMarket at O and JBG’s planned project on Florida Avenue NW, the development in the works for the area is substantial..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/9th_street_nw_is_blowing_up/5112

DistrictDirt

Feb 13, 2012, 8:47 PM

202_Cyclist

Feb 13, 2012, 8:57 PM

DistrictDirt:
I don't frequent the DC forum much anymore, but popped over to see what you guys thought about the Trump thing. Surprised there's not more of an uproar. One of the most beautiful buildings in the District in the hands of an egomaniac with questionable taste. What were they thinking?

Agreed. I need to visit the building before he takes ownership of it.

turigamot

Feb 13, 2012, 9:19 PM

I don't frequent the DC forum much anymore, but popped over to see what you guys thought about the Trump thing. Surprised there's not more of an uproar. One of the most beautiful buildings in the District in the hands of an egomaniac with questionable taste. What were they thinking?

I'm not worried about it. The fed wants to make sure the Old Post Office will still be open to the public in some ways. The clock tower and the first floor will likely be required to be open to public use, before Trump will be allowed to do anything with it. And you can be damn sure he won't be allowed to touch its historic beauty.

202_Cyclist

Feb 14, 2012, 6:12 PM

What D.C. doesn’t need: a Trump Tower

By Steven Pearlstein
February 11, 2012
Washington Post

"They are two of Washington’s architectural and historical gems: The Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building on the Mall. The good news is that both are slated for renovation and what the bureaucrats like to call “re-purposing.” The bad news is that, in both cases, the process is headed in the wrong direction.

Let’s start today with the Old Post Office and the General Services Administration’s curious selection of Donald Trump and Colony Capital to develop it into a luxury hotel.

I say curious not because of any concerns about the hotel concept, or even out of concern for what might be called the “Trump aesthetic,” the over-the-top sensibility that tends toward the big, the fancy and the gaudy. My guess is that by the time the historic-preservation police are finished with their painstaking reviews and requirements, any traces of an architectural comb-over will have been thoroughly expunged from the plans, along with any profit from the five-year pro forma..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/what-dc-doesnt-need-a-trump-tower/2012/02/06/gIQAROBP7Q_story.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 14, 2012, 6:26 PM

Update on the St. Matthews Redevelopment in Southwest Waterfront

February 14, 2012
by Shilpi Paul
Urban Turf

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/01/st_matthews_550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"At last night’s ANC 6D meeting, representatives behind the redevelopment of a new St. Matthew’s Church and an 11-story apartment complex at 22 M Street SW (map) received approval on their revised PUD application.

Developers Trammell Crow and CSG Urban Partners are working with architect Shalom Baranes on the redevelopment of the church site, which will include a 220-unit apartment project at the corner of M Street and Delaware Avenue SW. The apartments will be open to everyone, including non-church members, and the complex will also have facilities like a sanctuary space, classrooms, and a coffee shop called Sacred Grounds..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/update_on_the_st._matthews_redevelopment_in_southwest_waterfront/5128

202_Cyclist

Feb 17, 2012, 8:31 PM

$1 billion casino at National Harbor proposed by Prince George’s Executive Baker

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_404h/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/09/23/CapitalBusiness/Images/IMG_0862_1302803280.jpg
Jeffrey MacMillan/For The Washington Post - Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker stands at the New Carrollton Metro Station, the site of another major development in Prince George's County, on April 14, 2011.

By John Wagner and Miranda S. Spivack
February 16, 2012
Washington Post

"Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III said Thursday that he wants to see a billion-dollar casino on the banks of the Potomac River, arguing that a “high-end” gaming destination at National Harbor would be a catalyst for economic development and generate much-needed tax revenue.

The announcement, which carries considerable political risk for Baker (D), is certain to shake up a debate in Annapolis over legislation to expand Maryland’s gambling program — and add fuel to one in Prince George’s about what kind of development the county should embrace.

The developer of National Harbor endorsed the plan Thursday, but the prospect of bringing a full-fledged casino to Prince George’s faces considerable hurdles, including mixed views among county lawmakers and staunch opposition from the owner of a planned casino in neighboring Anne Arundel County..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/1-billion-casino-at-national-harbor-proposed-by-prince-georges-executive-baker/2012/02/16/gIQAy2hOIR_story.html

babybackribs2314

Feb 17, 2012, 9:09 PM

If there is one thing PG doesn't need, it's gambling. That would create additional woes in the county that is becoming (if the center hasn't already shifted from SE DC) the center for regional poverty.

202_Cyclist

Feb 17, 2012, 9:38 PM

Courtesy of JD Land, there is some news this week from the Southeast waterfront/baseball stadium area. The Bullpen, the area on the land where Akridge's Half Street development will be built, will serve as a retail market this summer, built out of salvaged shipping containers (hopefully with no Somali pirates in them). This will also include a Bayou and Surfside restaurant, as well as music.

Half Street 'Fairgrounds': Shipping Container Market, Events Space
http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3633/Half-Street-Fairgrounds-Shipping-Container-Market-Events/

Also announced this week, Osteria Morini, an Italian restaurant, will be going into space at the Lumber Shed building (right next to the Yards park).

Lumber Shed Restaurant Announced: Osteria Morini
http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3634/Lumber-Shed-Restaurant-Announced-Osteria-Morini/

202_Cyclist

Feb 17, 2012, 9:43 PM

Potentially good news for this already booming corridor.

Is 14th Street Going to Get Another 65 Homes?

February 16, 2012
Urban Turf

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/01/1726-34_14th_550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"It may not be long before another crane pops up on 14th Street NW.

UrbanTurf has learned that a 14,000 square-foot parcel running from 1728-1736 14th Street NW is on the market, and is being pitched as the possible site for up to 65 new residences. The tenants in these buildings, currently owned by Clark Enterprises, include the International Union of Bricklayers, Redeem, a boutique clothing store, and the Point Chaud Creperie.

UrbanTurf will look into who would qualify as interested parties for these parcels, which are located on a block that is chock full of planned and under construction projects..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/65_more_residences_to_14th_street/5146

202_Cyclist

Feb 17, 2012, 9:49 PM

Department of Homeland Security gets more money for St. E's

Washington Business Journal
By Daniel J. Sernovitz,
Tuesday, February 14, 2012

"The Department of Homeland Security would get a $33 million boost for its ambitious St. Elizabeths headquarters consolidation Southeast D.C. under the budget unveiled by President Barack Obama, but the funds still fall well short of the $500.67 million the agency needs to complete the project.

DHS would see its funding for the St. E’s project increase to $89 million in the 2013 fiscal year, according to federal budget documents, up from nearly $56 million approved under the present federal budget.

The agency plans to use the additional funds for infrastructure improvements tied to the planned federal campus including money for interchange improvements at Interstate 295 and Malcolm X Avenue and a West Campus access road extension from Gate 4 of the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Building to Malcolm X..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2012/02/dhs-gets-more-money-for-st-es.html

Kingofthehill

Feb 19, 2012, 5:22 PM

Progress on the RI Ave Metro TOD. It is a pity that the project is insular and faces inward, instead of activating a pedestrian-unfriendly (and somewhat dangerous; on Friday, I rode along with police from District 5D, and they told me that the intersection of RI/4th St., NE is a "shithole," and is one of the most dangerous in their district, which encompasses Trinidad, Ivy City, Edgewood, Brentwood, Eckington, Brookland, etc) stretch of RI littered with fast food restaurants, drive-through banks, and discount stores and the like. Really a missed opportunity for a part of town 2 stops from Union Station.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6903069519_3aa3fc1aac_b.jpg

202_Cyclist

Feb 19, 2012, 11:40 PM

My girlfriend and I walked around 14th Street this afternoon, giving me a chance to take some photos of infill development along the 14th Street corridor. We also saw Kingofthehill on our way down there. There is a lot of activity along this corridor but some of these new buildings desperately need some more creative names.

14W: http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/the_inside_scoop_on_14W/2712
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6905884247_490e565995_z.jpg

District condos: http://www.jbg.com/page.cfm?pageID=8&BldgID=139
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6905880551_381d6cb1e6_z.jpg

2400 14th Street: http://www.level2development.com/240014th.php
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6905881791_53c784e5f8_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6905882803_20bfa8af79_z.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a photo of the first phase of the Progression Place development, right next to the shaw metro station (http://progressionplace.com/)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6905884691_5343b212cc_z.jpg

202_Cyclist

Feb 21, 2012, 4:06 AM

Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to go to the hot-dog place on 14th Street (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2010/11/23/chidogos-blows-onto-the-u-street-corridor-with-chicago-dogs-and-italian-beef/) that this development will be replacing.

JBG Celebrates 14th & U Street Groundbreaking on Tuesday

Posted by Dan Goldstein
2/20/2012
DC Mud

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt3lG8YwaH4/T0K8kT9JLtI/AAAAAAAAAo4/oN6ZTYq9zK0/s1600/Old%2BRendering%2BUtopia%253ALouis.png
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

"JBG Companies' Utopia Project at the corner of 14th Street and U Streets, will be commissioned tomorrow, beginning what all parties hope will be imminent construction.

City dignitaries, including Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmembers Jack Evans, Jim Graham and Michael Brown, plan a public unveiling of the development, which will be known as The Louis at 14th, beginning 4pm on Tuesday at 1920 14th Street, NW..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/02/jbg-celebrates-14th-u-street.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 21, 2012, 4:10 AM

This neighborhood continues to see a huge amount of activity.

Ruben Companies Planning 400-Unit Apartment Building at Half & I

JD Land
2/20/2012

"Another large apartment building for Near Southeast appears to be on the boards, with word filtering my way that Ruben Companies has begun working with Shalom Baranes Architects on designs for a 400-unit rental building on Half Street between I and K.

With the working name of "20 K," this building would be on the eastern portion of Square 697N, which Reuben picked up via foreclosure when JPI gave up on its plans for "23 I" on the site. There would be retail along the entire Half Street frontage, and Ruben is apparently looking around for any "organic markets" that might be interested. (Cue stampede of "OMG! OMG! OMG!" in the comments, but don't get ahead of yourselves, since there's no indication that That Particular Organic Market is displaying any interest in the site.)..."

http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3640/Ruben-Companies-Planning-400-Unit-Apartment-Building-at-Half/

202_Cyclist

Feb 22, 2012, 4:32 PM

This is good news for Friendship Heights. The DC side of Friendship Heights has struggled with recent retail closings. The RANGE restuarant, along with the opening of the new Rosa Mexicana location should add some vibrancy to this area.

CLARION PARTNERS PLANS MAJOR RENOVATION OF CHEVY CHASE
PAVILION WITH TWO WORLD CLASS DINING DESTINATIONS

NEW YORK – Clarion Partners, a leading real estate investment manager, today announced that it will undertake a $32 million renovation of its Chevy Chase Pavilion property, bringing an exciting group of new stores into the retail atrium and adding two new dining destinations: RANGE and The Civil Lounge.

RANGE, a new 14,000 square foot concept restaurant, is being developed
for the Pavilion by Bryan Voltaggio, best known for his VOLT restaurant in
Frederick, Maryland and from appearances on the popular television show, “Top Chef”. RANGE will be a contemporary American restaurant with a meat-based menu that goes beyond traditional steakhouse offerings to focus on lesser-used cuts of meat, game, fowl and seafood. The restaurant will seat approximately 275 diners and will have an open kitchen design, giving guests the chance to interact with the chefs and providing a complete view of the kitchen. RANGE will also be a gourmet retail destination in its own right, with Voltaggio planning to include a bakery for diners and shoppers alike. He will also provide small plates to the adjacent Civil Lounge.

“The District of Columbia is excited that Clarion Partners is bringing one of
America’s finest young chefs to open a world class restaurant at Chevy Chase
Pavilion,” said Vincent C. Gray, Mayor of the District of Columbia. ”It will
introduce a whole new dining concept to Friendship Heights. D.C. residents
nearby and from across the city and region will get to experience a unique
addition to the neighborhood.”

http://www.clarionpartners.com/News/CPNewsLibrary/Clarion_Partners_Announces_Major_Renovation_of_Chevy_Chase_Pavilion.pdf

202_Cyclist

Feb 23, 2012, 9:40 PM

Former 9th Street Art Gallery to Become 54-Unit Condo Project

February 23, 2012
by Shilpi Paul
Urban Turf

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/120222_9th_street_view550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"CAS Riegler is joining the rush of development coming to 9th Street NW.

The firm has plans to develop a five-story, 54-unit condo project at 1250 9th Street NW (map), currently occupied by the pop-up art gallery Contemporary Wing, and formerly the event space known as Fight Club. The lower level space is still industrial and raw (UrbanTurf popped in during the Shaw Art Walk); CAS Riegler has plans to build the condo project up and around the existing structure at the corner of 9th and N Streets NW, right across from the Convention Center. Approximately 65 percent of the existing historic structure will be preserved.."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/new_casriegler_project_planned_for_9th_street_nw/5137

Here are some more renderings:
http://www.remakingleslumhistorique.blogspot.com/2012/02/cas-riegler-plans-grand-transformation.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 24, 2012, 5:14 PM

Group plans cycling track at D.C.’s Buzzard Point

By Jonathan O'Connell
February 23, 2012
Washington Post

"A new nonprofit organization plans to build a velodrome — or track cycling arena — on Buzzard Point in Southwest Washington that organizers say will host competitive races and offer free classes for adults and children beginning this summer.

The group, DC Velodrome, has leased a parking lot on V Street SW, just off South Capitol Street, and plans to erect a 166-meter-long, oval-shaped wooden track with 48-degree banked turns.

Recreational road cycling has grown in popularity locally with the addition of miles of bike lanes and creation of a bike-sharing service. Rui A. Ponte, one of the group’s founders, said he would like to see the velodrome broaden that appeal to track racing, particularly with the Summer Olympics approaching..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/group-plans-cycling-track-at-dcs-buzzard-point/2012/02/23/gIQAAgJWWR_story.html

202_Cyclist

Feb 27, 2012, 9:54 PM

The Washington City Paper has a post about a proposal from JBG to add a new building to the largely vacant, windswept space next to the hotel at L'Enfant Plaza. Already, the rennovations of the shops and restaurants there are a significant improvement and this will only help. It will also be nice to see this area landscaped, as the City Paper mentions. This, alone, would be a huge improvement for this sterile area.

Glassy Box Replaces Curvy Building on L’Enfant Plaza

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2012/02/2012.02-1024x590.jpg
Image courtesy of the Washington City Paper.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/02/24/glassy-box-replaces-curvy-building-on-lenfant-plaza/

202_Cyclist

Feb 28, 2012, 6:59 PM

Hoffman‐Madison, the developers building the Southwest waterfront, held a public meeting last night to discuss their project. It looks very attractive and it will further encourage the growth that has occurred along the Green line, as well as continue the development along the Potomac and Anacostia waterfronts.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/thewharfpier550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

Here is a brief description from the press release (http://www.swdcwaterfront.com/news/PUD_PR_020612.pdf):
"The first phase will provide a critical mass of uses to ensure an active and exhilarating waterfront throughout the day and evening, changing with every season of the year,” said Monty Hoffman, Managing Member of Hoffman Madison Waterfront. “The Wharf’s architectural design will celebrate the District’s reconnection to the water while recalling the working waterfront’s rich history and maritime activity.”

"The Wharf is designed by a world‐class team of architects, planners and engineers led by Perkins Eastman,” said David Brainerd, Managing Director of Investments of Madison Marquette. “The Wharf will become a compelling, culture‐rich waterfront neighborhood for The District of Columbia and the entire Mid‐Atlantic region.”

The Planned Unit Development (PUD) document is enormous but well work looking at, as this will be a stunning development if it looks as good as the renderings (warning--- very large files).

Stage II PUD --Volume 1--
http://www.swdcwaterfront.com/news/The_Wharf_PUD_Stage%202_Feb%202%202012_Volume%201.pdf

Stage II PUD --Volume 2--
http://www.swdcwaterfront.com/news/The_Wharf_PUD_Stage%202_Feb%202%202012_Volume%201.pdf

202_Cyclist

Feb 29, 2012, 4:04 PM

CoStar: District expected to see uptick in office vacancies

By Stephanie Hession
February 26, 2012
Washington Post

"Expanding businesses continue to bring down vacancy rates in most downtown office markets, including Washington, where the vacancy rate has decreased from a peak of 11.8 percent in mid-2010 to 10.6 percent at the end of 2011.

However, while leasing momentum in other downtown office markets continues to build as the economic recovery progresses, in D.C., leasing momentum is stalling, largely because of uncertainty surrounding federal spending and the 2012 election.

Some may see a bit of irony in this after the Washington office market escaped the Great Recession relatively unscathed. Many major cities saw numerous business tenants downsize, causing vacancies to increase. Meanwhile, in Washington, expanding federal agencies moved into local office buildings, keeping vacancies down. In a ranking of the largest downtown office markets around the country, D.C. ended 2011 with the second lowest vacancy rate behind New York..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/costar-district-expected-to-see-uptick-in-office-vacancies/2012/02/22/gIQAjtZMcR_story.html

DistrictDirt

Feb 29, 2012, 9:16 PM

Former 9th Street Art Gallery to Become 54-Unit Condo Project

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/02/120222_9th_street_view550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

That's my old block. Blagden Alley has come a long way. Sorry to hear that Fight Club is going away though. Definitely one of DC's cool little secrets.

202_Cyclist

Feb 29, 2012, 9:20 PM

DistrictDirt:
That's my old block. Blagden Alley has come a long way! Sorry to hear that Fight Club is going away though. Definitely Shaw's coolest hidden secret.

Was Passenger open when you lived in Shaw? We went a few months ago with friends and that was a really good bar.

202_Cyclist

Feb 29, 2012, 10:19 PM

Beyond DC and DC Metrocentric (borrowing heavily from the Beyond DC blog) note that a 24-story building is planned for Crystal City in Arlington County. This would be the tallest building in Crystal City.

Taller buildings coming to Crystal City
http://beyonddc.com/

Renderings: 1900 Crystal Drive
http://dcmetrocentric.com/2012/02/renderings-new-1900-crystal-drive/

DistrictDirt

Feb 29, 2012, 10:30 PM

DistrictDirt:

Was Passenger open when you lived in Shaw? We went a few months ago with friends and that was a really good bar.

I think it had opened a couple months before I left, but I didn't have a chance to check it out.

Its funny, between you, me, and KOTH, there are surprising number of people on SSP with the DC/LA connection.

202_Cyclist

Mar 2, 2012, 6:12 PM

DC Mud has an update for a residential development in Woodley Park, next to the Marriott Wardman Park hotel. According to this post, it will have 211 rental units. Connecticut Avenue in the District has seen little new residential development in the past few years, so this will be welcomed.

JBG's Woodley Park Residential Tower Reborn as 2700 Woodley

Posted by Franklin Schneider
3/01/2012

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpaG-21lnSs/T09edUNDzoI/AAAAAAAAAt0/8e6ViH3M1_c/s400/newward.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

"Construction on The JBG Companies' long-planned residential tower in Woodley Park, just east of the Marriott Wardman Park, is well underway with excavation nearly complete, and the project - formerly known as Wardman West - has been rebranded as 2700 Woodley. Upon completion (delivery is anticipated in Q1 2014), the upscale David M. Schwarz Architects-designed tower will offer 211 rental residences. Ongoing speculation has centered on whether the project would be condos or apartments, and it turns out that developers have decided to go the "premier apartment community" route, a savvy decision considering the almost complete absence of new high-end rentals in the immediate area. Matthew R. Blocher, Senior Vice President at JBG, said a full-scale marketing campaign will launch in the fall. (Possibly from New York-based SeventhArt?)..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/03/jbgs-woodley-park-residential-tower.html

202_Cyclist

Mar 2, 2012, 6:16 PM

The Northwest Current has an article about the smart growth roundtable that our group (Ward 3 Vision) hosted last week at the Tenley library.

Smart growth panel pushes greater density

By DAVID GUTMAN
Current Newspapers
2/29/2012

"As Washington and Ward 3 continue to grow, the keys to doing it well will be high-density development and fewer cars, according to panelists in a smart-growth discussion at the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library last week.

Sponsored by Ward3Vision and the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the forum stressed the importance of creating neighborhoods dense with housing, retail, jobs and restaurants.

Christopher Leinberger, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, said there are only two ways communities can develop: They can become walkable urban centers, or they can become drivable and suburban neighborhoods. While for much of human history, the world was largely walkable and urban — because there was no other choice — development since World War II has focused primarily on suburbs, he said..."

http://currentnewspapers.com/admin/uploadfiles/Nw%2002.29.12%201.pdf

202_Cyclist

Mar 12, 2012, 8:22 PM

Bethesda magazine has two good articles in their March/April 2012 issue about development in Montgomery County. One article focuses on the plans for White Flint, which much like Tysons Corner in Virginia, aims to re-development agining suburban development. The second article focuses on infill development county-wide.

In Like Flint
The plan to transform the Rockville Pike corridor is being called the biggest thing to hit this area since the Red Line

By Louis Peck
March/April 2012
Bethesda Magazine

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/images/cache/fad06f7154ea4a25f41db09dcd8c453b.jpeg
A view of what North Bethesda Market II will look like. It will include the tallest building in the area, with 24 stories at 300 feet. (Image via Bethesda magazine).

"Diane Schwartz Jones is talking about “blowing up” significant portions of the roads just west of Rockville Pike. That’s what it will take to transform the area into “a really beautiful boulevard—Rodeo Drive,” she notes with a chuckle.

The reference to Rodeo Drive may be tongue-in-cheek, but she’s serious about the blowing up part. It’s a key element in turning the White Flint corridor of Rockville Pike into an upscale, tree-lined thoroughfare replete with pedestrian promenades and center lanes for mass transit. It’s also just one aspect of the White Flint Sector Plan, a complex project more than five years in the making that’s expected to transform North Bethesda—indeed, the entire county—over the next 20 to 30 years.

The plan was unanimously approved by the county council in March 2010, and Schwartz Jones has been Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett’s point person in the complex undertaking. An aerial map of the 430-acre area overlays the conference table in her Rockville office, and she traces several streets between Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road that don’t presently exist in asphalt and concrete."

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/March-April-2012/In-Like-Flint/

The Future is Looking Up
Picture yourself strolling the Champs-Élysées, visiting shops and restaurants before retiring to your high-rise above it all. Now picture yourself doing that in Montgomery County

By Eugene L. Meyer
March/April 2012
Bethesda magazine

"The past, present and future converge at Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda.

On the northwest corner sits Mid-Pike Plaza, a 1960s-era suburban shopping center with acres of parking—nearly 1,400 spaces in all. This is Montgomery County’s past, a symbol of a car-dependent, highway-dominated culture.

And the future? It’s just southeast down the Pike, where a driving range was a longtime landmark..."

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/March-April-2012/The-Future-is-Looking-Up/

202_Cyclist

Mar 12, 2012, 8:38 PM

Around the Washington region, developers are looking up — and many don’t seem to mind

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/02/23/CapitalBusiness/Images/IMG_7768_1329960420.jpg
Jeffrey MacMillan/Capital Business - Workers on the site of Monday Properties’ 390-foot building under construction at 1812 N. Moore St. in Rosslyn.

By Steven Overly
March 11, 2011
Washington Post

"The skyline around the Washington region is poised to soar higher in the coming years as an increasing number of construction projects bring ever-taller buildings to neighborhoods and commercial centers from North Bethesda to Rosslyn to the District.

But while these buildings are sure to alter the skyline, they also signify a more fundamental shift in the way people live life on the ground.

“We had an Ozzie and Harriet development pattern in this country for many years,” said Tom Murphy, a senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute. “Is that a sustainable model? Can you expect people to drive an hour and a half or two hours one-way to get to work?...”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/around-the-washington-region-developers-are-looking-up--and-many-dont-seem-to-mind/2012/03/07/gIQAPLmL5R_story.html

202_Cyclist

Mar 12, 2012, 9:03 PM

The 14th Street boom continues.

14th Street’s Central Union Mission to Turn Into 51-Unit Condo Project

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/03/mission550.jpg
Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/central_union_mission_to_turn_into_51_unit_condo_project/5259

OhioGuy

Mar 13, 2012, 2:53 AM

^^ It'll be nice to see that block finally developed! It's such a dead space along an otherwise very vibrant street.

Basically the entire eastern side of 14th from Q Street north to S Street is devoid of much activity. I particularly hate those god awful 70s/80s style town homes between Riggs & S Street. And the Whitman Walker Health Clinic, while providing important health services, has a building that adds no visual stimulation for pedestrians walking along that stretch of sidewalk.

202_Cyclist

Mar 15, 2012, 6:34 PM

Several blogs have posted new renderings of JBG's proposed development at 7th and Florida Avenue.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6837332614_d100eaf693.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Metrocentric.

http://dcmetrocentric.com/2012/03/renderings-florida-ave-development/

202_Cyclist

Mar 15, 2012, 6:44 PM

Urban Turf has updates about three EastBanc developments in Georgetown: the Georgetown post office (will be offices), 1045 Wisconsin Avenue, and the Exxon site on Canal Road next to the Key Bridge.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/03/eastbanc550.jpg
"Side rendering of 1045 Wisconsin Avenue NW." (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/eastbanc_provides_updates_on_gtown_west_end_projects/5276

202_Cyclist

Mar 15, 2012, 7:36 PM

OhioGuy:
Basically the entire eastern side of 14th from Q Street north to S Street is devoid of much activity. I particularly hate those god awful 70s/80s style town homes between Riggs & S Street.

Monument Realty proposed last year buying these condos from their owners and redeveloping this site.

Monument Rolls Dice on Logan Circle Redevelopment
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2011/06/17/monument-rolls-dice-on-logan-circle-redevelopment/

202_Cyclist

Mar 16, 2012, 5:05 PM

The Washington Post reported that the Cleveland Park Giant will close in the middle of April, with construction on the new mixed-use Giant beginning shortly after that. This can't begin soon enough. The current Giant is a small one-story building from the 1950s will a very large surface parking lot. This will bring new residents and more vibrancy to this section of Wisconsin Avenue.

Wisconsin Avenue Giant to close April 12
http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/capital-business/Images/catherdralcommons_bozzuto.jpg?uuid=WpUnLG1OEeG2y49ABpj5fA
A rendering of the 56,000-square-foot Giant Food grocery store as envisioned for Cathedral Commons. In the left corner is Wisconsin Avenue. The road extending to the right is Newark Street. (Image courtesy of the Washington Post).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-business/post/wisconsin-avenue-giant-to-close-april-12/2012/03/13/gIQAYJeCAS_blog.html

The Market Urbanism blog also describes the decade-long battle to get the approvals to build this development.

The Tyranny of Zoning: Exhibit A
http://marketurbanism.com/2012/03/16/the-tyranny-of-zoning-exhibit-a/

shakman

Mar 19, 2012, 5:04 PM

Forgive me for my laziness by not back tracking through this thread's pages...

There is a 50+ ft hole in ground along G Street NW within the GW campus. What is being built there?

202_Cyclist

Mar 19, 2012, 6:08 PM

I don't know what it is but George Washington University is building a new School of Public Health along Washington Circle.

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/02/gwu-gets-ok-to-demolish-washington.html

shakman

Mar 19, 2012, 7:16 PM

Right around the corner from the new Public Health Building will be the new Science and Engineering Complex.

I have been searching to find out what is being built in that hole along G Street. What I do know is Whiting-Turner is the GC however I could not find anything on their website to indicate what is to be in the G Street hole.

202_Cyclist

Mar 28, 2012, 7:53 PM

D.C. Council pushing development around streetcar lines

Wed, 2012-03-28
Washington Examiner

"In a morning breakfast meeting Wednesday, D..C. Council members told the mayor and the Department of Transportation that they wanted development around the city's upcoming streetcar lines to get going sooner rather than later.

Members particularly focused on Benning Road, home to a Metro station and the future home of a streetcar line toward H Street Northeast. Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells said he wanted to bring developers into the process now so the city could ensure that affordable housing would be planned near the lines. Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander asked whether the city was considering tax incentives for businesses.

So far, the simple answer to those questions is "not yet," although the city's Deputy Mayor of Economic Development was at the meeting. Mayor Vincent Gray also noted that H Street has undergone a huge transformation over the past decade just on the promise of a streetcar line there.

The city's first lines are still slated to open sometime next year."

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2012/03/dc-council-pushing-development-around-streetcar-lines/415366

202_Cyclist

Mar 28, 2012, 8:00 PM

New Residential Planned for Shaw's Blagden Alley

DC Mud
3/28/2012

"The United House of Prayer for All People again has teamed up (again) with Suzane Reatig Architecture, this time to develop a mixed-use residential and retail building in the Blagden Alley-Naylor Court Historic District.

The DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approved the concept for a 12-unit residential building with ground floor retail space at 926 N St. Northwest. A 1953 warehouse and loading dock on the property will be torn down to make way for the new building..."

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-la9HF-BJ8T4/T3IM-FDJziI/AAAAAAAAAB0/uN7_vqjmCyE/s320/NW+Corner_small.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-residential-planned-for-shaws.html

202_Cyclist

Mar 28, 2012, 8:21 PM

The Washington Business Journal notes that Intelsat is looking to move from its Van Ness location on Connecticut Avenue. This would be very good news if it could encourage improvements or redevelopment of this building. Van Ness is one of the most sterile neighborhoods in the District and this building certainly doesn't make it any better, as there is a big setback from the Connecticut Avenue and the building is closed off from the surrounding streets.

The redevelopment of this, the new UDC student center which is expected to begin construction soon, and the 12-unit residential development at the site of the Shanghai Garden could help start to make Van Ness a more vibrant neighborhood.

Intelsat weighing D.C.-area relocation

Daniel J. Sernovitz
Staff Reporter - Washington Business Journal
March 26, 2012

"Intelsat is weighing plans to sell its futuristic-looking headquarters at 4000 Connecticut Ave. NW and to lease alternate space elsewhere in the Washington area.

The company announced it has hired CBRE Group CBRE Group Latest from The Business Journals KBS closes on One, Two and Three Legacy Town Center in PlanoIntelsat in the market for space, againHotel group seeks replacement for Mufi Hannemann Follow this company to market the building, also known as 3400 International Drive NW. The building, which is located across from the University of the District of Columbia, was constructed in 1985.

Intelsat, which posted losses of $3.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, has been considering moving out of 4000 Connecticut Ave. since early 2003."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/03/26/intelsat-weighing-dc-area-relocation.html?ana=twt

202_Cyclist

Mar 29, 2012, 8:51 PM

This is great news. It helps with climate change (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/science/earth/arctic-sea-ice-eyed-for-clues-to-weather-extremes.html) and improves the aesthetics of these bland, Pyongyang-style buildings. On the other hand, it likely means there likely won't be significant redevelopment any time soon.

DC's Largest Private Solar Array Underway in Tenleytown

DC Mud
3/29/12

"The largest privately owned solar array is now going up on top of a Tenleytown building owned by Paul Burman at 4435 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Burman hired Seven Seas Energy LLC to develop the project that will produce an estimated 50,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy each year..."

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBeRsd4_bAs/T3NR426LdxI/AAAAAAAAADU/Q2HjgA-2SbA/s400/crop+final.JPG
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/03/dcs-largest-private-solar-array.html

turigamot

Mar 30, 2012, 4:23 PM

Looks like the Tellus is finally going to get built.

Arlington's Green Tower to Break Ground in July
3/30/2012

After nearly three years of delays, the Tellus, Arlington's greenest apartment building, is finally set to break ground.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFo8Y-5IH1U/T3WEx4FkjHI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/TjiHbhlEb0Y/s400/Rendering%2BFinal%2BAerial%2B2010-08-18.jpg
Image courtesy of DCmud

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/03/arlingtons-green-tower-to-break-ground.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 2, 2012, 4:06 PM

Washington Nationals may finally meet expectations — on and off the field

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/03/30/Web-Resampled/2012-03-30/natsview02_1333075801--606x404.jpg
Image courtesy of the Washington Post.

By Marc Fisher
Published: March 31, 2012
Washington Post

"In 2004, when Major League Baseball was demanding a 100 percent city-financed stadium in exchange for its forlorn Montreal Expos franchise and the D.C. government looked like a pitiful supplicant, desperate to win the prize but armed with near-zero leverage, Naomi Monk rose in defense of her neighborhood.

Monk knew the area she called home was crime-ridden and development-starved, a scruffy, neglected backwater. But she told the D.C. Council that pumping more than $600 million into a stadium near South Capitol Street was a lose-lose proposition. A ballpark near the Anacostia River would be “an eyesore and a hazard” benefiting only millionaire ballplayers, doing nothing for low-income residents of Southeast and Southwest Washington.

“Just say no,” Monk pleaded.

Eight years later — after the council anguished over the stadium deal and finally approved it, after angry voters threw out three council members who had pushed for the deal, after the Expos became the Washington Nationals , and after Nationals Park became home to a team that fell right into the Washington Senators’ historic cellar-dwelling role — Monk has a wholly different view of baseball..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/washington-nationals-may-finally-meet-expectations----on-and-off-the-field/2012/03/31/gIQAEHHznS_story.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 2, 2012, 5:12 PM

Condo Central? A 24-Unit Residential Project Planned For Shaw

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/04/435_R_Street550.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/24-unit_condo_project_coming_to_shaw/5362

202_Cyclist

Apr 3, 2012, 6:27 PM

Good to see. Douglas Development can't begin work on this project soon enough. Between this, Cathedral Commons, and American University relocating the Washington College of Law to Tenley Circle, Wisconsin Avenue is going to become a lot more vibrant.

Babes Billiards Redevelopment Plan Heading to Zoning Commission

Posted by Erin Bridges
4/02/2012
DC Mud

"Within two weeks, Douglas Development intends to submit to the Zoning Commission its plans for a 60,821-square-foot, mixed-use retail and residential development on the old Babes Billiards location at 4600 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ui6SyDNMtbI/T3XHwplGUcI/AAAAAAAAAD0/h6oZZ4W9pHU/s400/Corner+of+Wisconsin+and+Brandywine.bmp
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

Douglas will request a zoning change, from C-2-A to C-3-A, for the planned unit development (PUD) to allow increases in height and residential space. The new building will be just under 71 feet tall and have a residential lot occupancy of 76 percent. With the lot's current zoning, residential lot occupancy caps at 60 percent and height at 50 feet..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/04/babes-billiards-redevelopment-plan.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 7, 2012, 3:42 PM

Former Metro Ice Warehouse To Be Replaced By Residential

Posted by Franklin Schneider
4/04/2012
DC Mud

"The former Metro Ice warehouse at 50 Florida Avenue, NE is set to begin a long-rumored conversion to a residential building, according to a PUD application filed recently by B&B Realty Investments."The building we expect will have somewhere in the range of 185 to 200 units," said David Bralove, Principal at B&B. "Along with 15,000 square feet of ground floor retail. As to whether it will be condos or rentals, we don't know yet. Right now we're hoping to get on the board's July schedule - they don't have hearings in August - which would put us on track for final PUD approval in early 2013..."

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6oSnsa3uTE/T3wZKsQjCSI/AAAAAAAAA74/w9Sh-oE0ztU/s400/fifty3.JPG
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/04/former-metro-ice-warehouse-to-be.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 7, 2012, 4:00 PM

Douglas Proposing Massive Spec Office Building for New York Avenue

Posted by Lydia DePillis
Apr. 5, 2012
Washington City Paper

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2012/04/Picture-21.png
Image courtesy of Washington City Paper.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/04/05/douglas-proposing-massive-spec-office-building-for-new-york-avenue/

DistrictDirt

Apr 7, 2012, 5:25 PM

Damn, DC is on fire. Everytime I check back in here, I remember that the recession never really hit there the way it did everywhere else. By the time I find some time to get back there and visit, its going to be a completely different city from when I left.

202_Cyclist

Apr 9, 2012, 3:36 PM

High-rises replace parking lots in Mount Vernon Triangle

By Lori Aratani
April 8, 2012
Washington Post

"For years, the neighborhood now named Mount Vernon Triangle was known for cheap parking and unsavory business enterprises.

Though strategically located with easy access to a highway and within walking distance of three Metro stops, the neighborhood has had its share of problems with drug dealing and prostitution.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/04/08/Development-Transportation/Graphics/w-MountVernon.jpg
(By Laris Karklis/The Washington Post/The Washington Post) - A map of the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood in Washington D.C.

“For a long time, this was a forgotten part of D.C.,” said Guy T. Steuart III, senior vice president of Steuart Investment, whose family once ran a Ford dealership on New York Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets and owns several parcels in the neighborhood..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/high-rises-replace-parking-lots-in-mount-vernon-triangle/2012/04/08/gIQAkofj4S_story.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 9, 2012, 3:39 PM

GW Proposes Campus Museum

Posted by Erin Bridges
4/09/2012

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN2S9H5WGrM/T38vrvc309I/AAAAAAAAAFE/WnUpFq6-kWE/s400/GW+Museum+-+21st+Street+Perspective+-+East.jpg
Image courtesy of DC Mud.

"George Washington University on Thursday presented to the Zoning Commission its plans for a museum at the corner of 21st and G streets on the Foggy Bottom campus. The plan includes renovating the historic Woodhull House (now home to the University Police Department) and constructing an adjacent 4-story building.

Hartman-Cox Architects designed the project that includes a combined 31,470 s.f. of new construction and renovated space. The new building will be a 24,126 s.f., 65-foot-tall building with 4 stories above grade and 2 stories below. A bridge will connect the new building to the Woodhull House..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/04/gw-proposes-campus-museum.html

TexasBoi

Apr 9, 2012, 6:09 PM

202_Cyclist

Apr 10, 2012, 6:11 PM

The Urban Turf blog notes two infill condo developments proposed for Adams Morgan.

19-Unit Condo Project Coming to Adams Morgan

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/04/1700Euclid550.jpg
Rendering of 1700 Euclid Street NW. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/19-unit_condo_project_coming_to_adams_morgan/5387

Condos, Condos, Condos for Adams Morgan

http://dc.urbanturf.com/images/blog/2012/04/champlain550.jpg
Rendering of 2337 Champlain Street NW. (Image courtesy of Urban Turf)

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/40-unit_condo_to_adams_morgan/5389

Busy Bee

Apr 10, 2012, 7:08 PM

Diller/Scofidio/Renfro unveil green plans for the future of the National Mall

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/04/Union-Square-Proposal-Diller-Scofidio-+-Renfro-4.jpg

http://inhabitat.com/diller-scofidio-renfro-unveil-green-plans-for-the-future-of-the-national-mall-in-washington-d-c/

Urbana

Apr 10, 2012, 11:20 PM

:previous:

Does this have funding?

It looks absolutely incredible!

dgreen

Apr 10, 2012, 11:47 PM

What work is currently happening on The Mall? Basically just growing grass or is there something else being constructed?

RCDC

Apr 11, 2012, 4:12 AM

^Perephial areas are being looked at in a design competition: http://www.nationalmall.org/design-competition/ideas, but I think the main central lawn is there to stay. It's extensively dug up now; here's a photo I took a week or so ago (click for larger):

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3868/mallth.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4171/mallf.jpg)

Incidentally I went through the mall only because the smithsonian concession stand had chicago hot dogs (best ones I found here), but it appears they no longer offer them. :(

Kingofthehill

Apr 11, 2012, 4:23 AM

Man, is DC capable of building infill that is more engaging, and isn't so sterile and generic? DC should take notes from Portland, Milwaukee, Philly, and pretty much anywhere in Europe, for more inspiring design ideas.

202_Cyclist

Apr 12, 2012, 3:07 AM

Time to write to Rep. Norton tomorrow and recommend that she help relax the height limit. This is also the first sensible thing to come from Darrell Issa.

Gray, Issa consider relaxing D.C. building height limits

By Tim Craig,
4/11/2012
Washington Post

"There’s new momentum to relax federal building-height limits in the District, reopening decades-old debates about the look, feel and character of the city as well as whether the restrictions stifle economic growth.

Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) has spoken with U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) in recent weeks about ways Congress could amend height regulations that limit most city buildings to 130 feet.

Unlike other major cities known for their skylines punctuated by iconic skyscrapers, the District is dotted by low-rises and federally protected monuments. Developers have repeatedly said the rules have led to a squatty, boxy look along major commercial corridors, such as K Street and Connecticut Avenue..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/gray-issa-consider-relaxing-dc-building-height-limits/2012/04/11/gIQAiXJeBT_story.html

paytonc

Apr 13, 2012, 1:36 AM

Agreed, those were some surprisingly astute comments by Issa.

What work is currently happening on The Mall? Basically just growing grass or is there something else being constructed?

Basically just growing grass. The soil around here is generally clayey and wet, not exactly great for grass even without millions of tourists. The construction is scraping out the dirt, replacing it with sandier soil less prone to compaction, and adding cisterns for irrigation (hence the deep holes):
http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/national-mall-phase-i.htm

The Trust for the Mall competition was to generate ideas; they may build one of the projects at one of two sites (Constitution Gardens or Sylvan Theater) *if* they can raise private funds for it. The Union Square designs are probably follies, since Congress took that away from the Trust's purview.

202_Cyclist

Apr 13, 2012, 9:20 PM

A group I'm a member of, Ward 3 Vision (http://www.ward3vision.org/anx/) wrote an excellent post for the Greater Greater Washington blog about the proposed mixed-use Safeway propoesd for Tenley. This would have a Safeway on the ground floor and 190 residences above the store. This location is less than a ten minute walk from two metro stations.

Tenleytown Safeway project deserves Ward 3's support

by Steven Beller and Ron Eichner
April 12, 2012 1:25 pm

http://images.greatergreaterwashington.org/images/201204/safewayelev.jpg
Image courtesy of Greater Greater Washington.

"Responding to requests from neighbors, Safeway created an excellent mixed-use proposal to redevelop its Tenleytown store that will reinvigorate its stretch of Wisconsin Avenue. They deserve kudos from residents, not the litany of complaints the project team got at a recent ANC meeting.

In 2009, Safeway announced plans to expand this aging store. Ward3Vision, a group of residents who support more walkable and sustainable urban places, joined others in the community in urging Safeway to approach the expansion more creatively and sustainably than its original proposal..."

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/14406/tenleytown-safeway-project-deserves-ward-3s-support/

202_Cyclist

Apr 17, 2012, 8:55 PM

New Residential and Retail Bound for Edgewood

Posted by Erin Bridges
4/17/2012
DC Mud

"A new 6-story residential building with ground-floor retail space could be headed to 2321 4th St. NE in Edgewood on the now-empty lot owned by H Street Community Development Corporation (HSCDC). Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5C will consider the mixed-use development during a meeting this evening.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtmXMbQy84g/T42mceNQzRI/AAAAAAAAAIs/BCBOT6vJ-Ng/s400/view+looking+south+from+4th+street.jpg
View looking south from 4th Street (Image courtesy of DC Mud).

The proposed building is a joint venture between HSCDC and E&G Group. The new $37 million development will create about 160,000 s.f. of mixed-use space, designed by Bonstra | Haresign Architects and built by Maggin Construction Company..."

http://dcmud.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-residential-and-retail-bound-for.html

OhioGuy

Apr 18, 2012, 1:40 AM

For the most part these don't involve new buildings, but plenty of gut rehabs will produce many new restaurants along 14th Street by the end of the year.

14 Restaurants coming to 14th Street (http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_dining_news_story.php?p=23278)

I think I'm most excited about Ted's Bulletin opening on 14th. The design sounds great to me!

The Capitol Hill diner known for its housemade pop-tarts, adult milkshakes, and comfort classics will open a larger second location late this year or early next. Among the reasons to start working out now: an expanded bakery with a new menu of gourmet donuts. The 180-seat spot will keep the original location's 1930's art deco look.

202_Cyclist

Apr 19, 2012, 3:38 PM

I support relaxing the Height Act in DC but before that needs to happen, there still is a lot of land on both New York Avenue, NE, and Bladensburg Road.

Jemal’s plans for Hecht's warehouse tweeted

Washington Business Journal
By Michael Neibauer, Staff Reporter
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

http://assets.bizjournals.com/washington/breaking_ground/2011/01/HechtsNewYorkAvenue.jpg?v=1
The former Hecht Co. warehouse, now owned by Douglas Development Corp. (Image courtesy of the Washington Business Journal).

"The former Hecht Co. warehouse on New York Avenue NE may be redeveloped as 459 residential units and 200,800 square feet of retail.

Or so says the Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership’s twitter feed.

Chad Shuskey, the partnership’s vice president of research and visual communications, said the update came from Douglas Development Corp.'s leasing director, Joe Ruzecki, during a tour of the area on Tuesday. It was tweeted by the partnership at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/2012/04/jemals-plans-for-hechts-warehouse.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+washington_blog+%28Washington+Blogs%29

202_Cyclist

Apr 19, 2012, 3:44 PM

Height of Folly: Why Housing in Washington, D.C., Is So Awful

Apr 18 2012
By Josh Barro
The Atlantic

"The nation's capital is a swamp of dumb rules and jumbled zoning laws. Let's fix them".
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/business/800px-Washington_DC_Newspaper_Row%2C_1874.jpg
This engraving from the pages of a 1870s Harper's magazine shows Washington, D.C., with nearly the same height restrictions we have today. (Image courtesy of the Atlantic)

"If D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and Rep. Darrell Issa get their way, Congress may finally relax the 102-year-old law that limits most building heights in Washington D.C. to no more than 130 feet. This would be a victory for good urban planning in the District, though a small one: Gray and Issa are saying that in most cases only about one additional story of development would be allowed.

But the real crisis of land use in Washington goes way beyond the height limit. It's that the District's planning and zoning apparatus is overall hostile to new development, usually allowing far less building that would be permitted by the Heights of Buildings Act of 1910. And while D.C.'s planning rules are restrictive, they are also arbitrary and unevenly enforced, making it a difficult market to enter..."

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/04/height-of-folly-why-housing-in-washington-dc-is-so-awful/256070/

202_Cyclist

Apr 20, 2012, 2:59 PM

Marine Corps may acquire prime Barracks Row parcels for new housing

Washington Business Journal
By Michael Neibauer
April 18, 2012

"The Marine Corps will have no choice but to acquire property on Lower Barracks Row for its new barracks and support space, the Corps announced Wednesday in a status report on its ongoing master planning efforts.

Federal land acquisition “will be unavoidable as a result of recent unforeseen changes in policy and a less favorable funding outlook,” the Corps said. But the military branch said it will continue to investigate opportunities with D.C. “to minimize impacts to the local tax base and pursue all viable options.”

Major Marine Corps development between Virginia Avenue SE and the Navy Yard would have major implications not only for Lower Barracks Row commerce, but also for basic pedestrian and vehicular movement through the area..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/04/18/marine-corps-may-acquire-prime.html

202_Cyclist

Apr 24, 2012, 5:11 PM

Lydia DePhillis of the Washington City Paper has a post with some information about the Saint Elizabeth's campus master plan and a couple of renderings. This development has proceeded haltingly lately because of uncertain funding from Congress.

St. Elizabeths Master Plan Drops With Pretty New Pictures

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2012/04/Picture-73.png
"A view of the transit center." (Image courtesy of the Washington City Paper)

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/04/24/pretty-new-pictures-with-st-elizabeths-master-plan/#more-25018

202_Cyclist

Apr 24, 2012, 5:18 PM

Gray to unveil D.C. sustainability plan

By Tim Craig
Washington Post
April 23, 2012

"The District could add 250,000 residents over the next two decades under a new vision for the city that Mayor Vincent C. Gray will unveil Tuesday, which includes vast long-term changes for how residents travel, eat and enjoy the outdoors.

In 20 years, nearly everyone would get around by foot, bicycle, new streetcar lines, bus or Metro. Homes and apartment buildings would feature compost piles and adhere to more aggressive recycling standards. Roofs would be green, and the city government would monitor fossil fuel consumption.

When residents want to eat, they wouldn’t have to walk more than a few blocks to find fresh fruits and vegetables. And if they want to catch their own food, residents would be able to wade into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, throw out a line, and reel in a striped bass or white perch because waterways would be “swimmable and fishable...”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/gray-to-unveil-dc-sustainability-plan/2012/04/23/gIQA7rS6cT_story.html