WASHINGTON, DC | Development News

[Eightball]

The Hecht's building? Yep!

[202_Cyclist]

Ron Kirby, Rest In Peace.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...y.html?hpid=z4

[202_Cyclist]

The Washington, DC Economic Partnership published the DC Development Report (2013-2014) (http://www.wdcep.com/wp-content/uplo...DR13_FINAL.pdf). The report notes DC's impressive growth.

DC Mud summarizes this:

"•DC currently has 60 large residential projects under construction for a total of 10,253 units.
•The most active developer in the city (not limited to residential development) is The JBG Cos. with 18 projects either under construction or in the pipeline.
•The most active architect is Shalom Baranes with 30 projects in the works.
•There are 8 grocery stores currently under construction in the city.
•The three biggest retailers slated to open in the next three years are all Walmart stores (if they happen).
•The average rental rate in DC is $2,346 a month.
•The biggest apartment sales last year (by unit price) were both on 14th Street NW. The District sold for $608,000 a unit, followed by 14W which sold for $480,519 a unit.
•Eight of the ten biggest residential projects completed in 2013 were in Wards 5 or 6."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo...63067#comments

[202_Cyclist]

200 Apartments, Specialty Grocery Approved Near Union Market

November 14, 2013
Urban Turf


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"This has been a pretty big week for Union Market.

Just a few days after it was revealed that an eight-screen movie theater would be opening near the market, ANC 6C approved a large residential project with approximately 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail for the corner of 4th Street and Florida Avenue NE.

Chances are that if you have been to Union Market, you know where this project will be built — the vacant plot at 340 Florida Avenue NE was the site of a sign that read “Pretty soon you won’t recognize the place. Promise...”

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo...on_market/7822

[202_Cyclist]

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee is holding a hearing about the redevelopment of Federal Triangle South (I assume this is referring to L'Enfant Plaza and the area surrounding L'Enfant Plaza).


Hopefully the Committee works with the General Services Administration to sell or repurpose the vacant and abandoned warehouse that is located at 720 9th Street, SW (Square 0414, Lot 0825), located at the southwest corner of Jefferson Field (across the street from Jefferson middle school and next to a US Department of Agriculture building.

Here is a photo of the abandoned US government warehouse:


As you can see, this has been vacant for nearly a decade now and I can assure you the condition of this building has not improved since this photo was taken. This site is a ten minute walk from both the L'Enfant Plaza metro station, the Southwest Waterfront metro station, and, possibly a DC streetcar route at some point in the future. This is also located just two blocks from the upcoming Wharf development, which will have well over one billion dollars of new development.

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

Federal Triangle South: Redeveloping Underutilized Federal Property Through Public Private Partnerships
2253 Rayburn House Office Building

"Federal Triangle South (FTS) is located in the southwest portion of the District of Columbia, adjacent to the National Mall and just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and White House. FTS contains several large federal properties – including facilities of the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the General Services Administration – which are inefficient, costly to maintain, and have a backlog of maintenance requirements. Furthermore, FTS is highly valuable underdeveloped property and not all the federal buildings there are occupied. For example, the Cotton Annex federal building has sat vacant for the last six years.

The Subcommittee will examine the status of FTS redevelopment plans; how public private partnerships can be effectively used to reduce costs, leverage private dollars, and effectively utilize underused federal property; and the potential benefits to taxpayers and the impacted communities..."

http://transportation.house.gov/cale...EventID=357134

[dc_denizen]

8 grocery stores under construction, that's amazing. I wonder are any of them safeways?

I worry that florida and n capitol is going to be a traffic and pedestrian nightmare once all these projects are completed. A metro spur along ny ave might help.

[202_Cyclist]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

8 grocery stores under construction, that's amazing. I wonder are any of them safeways?

I worry that florida and n capitol is going to be a traffic and pedestrian nightmare once all these projects are completed. A metro spur along ny ave might help.

No Safeways, although Safeway is in varying stages of redeveloping three of their stores (GA Ave, Tenley, and MacAurther Blvd.) into developments that will include a significant amount of housing.

[Eightball]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

I worry that florida and n capitol is going to be a traffic and pedestrian nightmare once all these projects are completed. A metro spur along ny ave might help.

It already is!

Hopefully N. Capitol will be put on a road diet at some point, and more pedestrians and transit provide an impetus for other pedestrian improvements.
Same for NY Ave. I don't see demand there being good enough for a metro spur, but certainly BRT or DC Streetcar.

[202_Cyclist]

If I'm reading this correctly, the two highlights of the report (http://www.ncpc.gov/DocumentDepot/ED...R_11172013.pdf) are:

1) Few changes within the L'Enfant core, and

2) Taller buildings allowed outside the L'Enfant core assuming that the buildings do not impact federal interests and that DC updates its Comprehensive Plan, pending Congressional approval.

This seems like a good outcome and I am glad to see that Congress has resolved every other issue it has to deal with and can now focus on whether 12-story or 16-story buildings are appropriate for Friendship Hts and MN Ave.

[202_Cyclist]

Here is a good YouTube video of American University's Washington College of Law that is going to move from the current semi-suburban location in Spring Valley to American's Tenley campus. The buildings are currently under construction.

This will significantly improve Tenley. It is within a few hundred feet of the metro station and right off of Wisconsin Avenue.

There should also be a renewed focus of developing Tenley Circle, as this can become a real focal point of both Wisconsin Avenue and Tenley. The liquor store with a surface parking lot and the 7-11 with a surface lot south of Tenley Circle are prime opportunities.

Here is the link for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=xF_wEpH31j8.

[202_Cyclist]

49-Unit Residential Project Planned For Trinidad

November 19, 2013
By UrbanTurf Staff


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"A 49-unit residential development could be on the way to Trinidad.

On Monday night, Lock 7 Development presented plans for a mixed-use project at 1348-1356 Florida Avenue NE (map) to residents of ANC Single Member District 5D06. The developers have not yet decided if the building will be rentals or condos.

Lock 7 met with the community in advance of a hearing with the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). In addition to a request for a height variance, Lock 7 is requesting the ability to build eight parking spaces, less than the 17 required by code..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo..._trinidad/7837

[202_Cyclist]

With 245-Apartment Complex, JBG Continues Takeover of 8th Street NW


Posted by Aaron Wiener
Nov. 27, 2013 at 11:20 am
Washington City Paper

"Having successfully conquered the area around the intersection of 14th and U streets NW, the JBG Companies have rounded the corner and will soon have a second epicenter along 8th Street NW and Florida Avenue.

The Chevy Chase, Md.-based developer has already altered the skyline of the 14th and U corner, with the nine-story, 268-apartment Louie building that's near completion and a planned 135-apartment project at 13th and U. The 8th Street takeover is also underway, with demolition complete on the Atlantic Plumbing building next to the 9:30 Club that'll become 310 apartments, plus a second planned project across V Street at the same 8th Street intersection that'll have 65 apartments.

Now the developer has announced yet another project on 8th Street—in fact, a double project that will straddle the suddenly bustling street..."

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/b...nw/#more-32511

[202_Cyclist]

This looks like a very attractive residential building, especially as part of a mixed-use Walmart.

Inside the H Street Walmart Residential Project

Urban Turf
Dec. 4, 2013

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo...l_project/7887

[202_Cyclist]

42-Unit Residential Project Planned Near Union Station

December 4, 2013
Urban Turf


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"The Fortis Companies presented plans on Wednesday night for a new 42-unit residential development near the intersection of 2nd and Parker Street NE (map).

At the ANC 6C planning and zoning committee meeting, Fortis outlined plans for the redevelopment of the low brick building at 911 2nd Street NE into 42 residences. A Fortis representative told UrbanTurf that the building will be a “modern take on a warehouse design” with an exterior skin consisting of European engineered materials. Five of the residences will have private entrances off Parker Street, and the building will have 16 parking spaces as well as bike storage. Fortis has not decided if the project will be rentals or condos.."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo...n_station/7891

[PremierAtlanta]

The famed Kennedy Center raises another $40 million for expansion project.


Rendering by Steven Holl Architects via Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center is a few dollars closer to making its ambitious expansion project a reality. Forty million dollars, to be exact.
The performing arts center announced today that it has raised an additional $40 million for a project that will add 60,000 square feet of rehearsal space, classroom space and multipurpose rooms, as well as gardens and an outdoor video wall for simulcast performances

Read more here: http://dcist.com/2013/12/kennedy_cen...additional.php

[202_Cyclist]

West Heating Plant: Is it worthy of 'landmark' status?

By Daniel Sernovitz
Washington Business Journal
Dec. 10, 2013

"The D.C. Preservation League is seeking landmark status for the West Heating Plant in Georgetown, a move that could potentially complicate a developer's plans to substantially demolish and rebuild the World War II-era property into for-sale residential condominium units.

The nomination, to be considered at an upcoming hearing by the Historic Preservation Review Board, is the latest step in a dispute between historic preservation groups and Georgetown29K LLC over whether the building at 1051 29th St. NW can and should be saved as is to make way for a future use of the property. At the very least, the application prevents the development project from moving forward temporarily until the Historic Preservation Review Board can weigh in on the application.

Georgetown developer Richard Levy, part of the group that wants to convert the building into luxury Four Seasons condos, said he was not surprised by the application and does not think it should have a significant impact on the process going forward. Georgetown29K acquired the property for $19.5 million as part of a federal auction earlier this year..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto...article_search

[PremierAtlanta]

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

West Heating Plant: Is it worthy of 'landmark' status?

By Daniel Sernovitz
Washington Business Journal
Dec. 10, 2013

"The D.C. Preservation League is seeking landmark status for the West Heating Plant in Georgetown, a move that could potentially complicate a developer's plans to substantially demolish and rebuild the World War II-era property into for-sale residential condominium units.

The nomination, to be considered at an upcoming hearing by the Historic Preservation Review Board, is the latest step in a dispute between historic preservation groups and Georgetown29K LLC over whether the building at 1051 29th St. NW can and should be saved as is to make way for a future use of the property. At the very least, the application prevents the development project from moving forward temporarily until the Historic Preservation Review Board can weigh in on the application.

Georgetown developer Richard Levy, part of the group that wants to convert the building into luxury Four Seasons condos, said he was not surprised by the application and does not think it should have a significant impact on the process going forward. Georgetown29K acquired the property for $19.5 million as part of a federal auction earlier this year..."

http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto...article_search

I love historical architecture. Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown are my favorite parts of the metro area. In this instance however, I think the development of the site would be better for Georgetown as a whole. I mean the building dates back to WWII. In terms of some of many of the landmarked properties in the area, that is not old at all. In fact, DC's oldest structure is in the neighborhood.

The developers are keeping 70% of the structure...which is NOT all that attractive. Isn't that a fair compromise?

[202_Cyclist]

Plans Unveiled for Redesign of Eastern Market Metro Plaza

By Larry Janezich
Dec. 12, 2013


Image courtesy of the Capitol Hill Corner.


Image courtesy of the Capitol Hill Corner.

"Last night, at the second of two community meetings called for this purpose, Amy Weinstein of Esocoff & Associates unveiled two concepts for the redesign of all of the public lands on Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, SE. The parcels include the Eastern Market Metro Plaza, the large triangular park between 8th and 9th Streets on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, the two smaller triangular island parks at the intersections of the two D Streets and 8th Street, and the median strips.

Both concepts are comprised of numerous individual components which are being submitted to the community for input. Barracks Row Main Street’s David Perry, who hosted the meeting, characterized the plans as being in the early stages and far from definitive..."

http://capitolhillcorner.org/2013/12...t-metro-plaza/

[202_Cyclist]

Douglas Development Plans Mixed Use Project For 14th Street

By Urban Turf
Dec. 13, 2013


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"The architects for a new 14th Street mixed-use project from Douglas Development stopped by the ANC 2F Community Development Meeting on Wednesday night to share design plans for the new development.

Located at 1313-1317 14th Street NW (map), the project would consist of retail on the first floor with offices on the upper levels. Project architect Hickok Cole described how new buildings would be constructed at 1313 14th Street (currently a Popeyes drive-thru) and 1315 14th Street, while the building at 1317 14th Street NW would largely be preserved. As for the design, the facade would be modern and window heavy. The Popeyes at the address has plans to move across the street to 1322 14th Street NW..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo.../7922#comments

[202_Cyclist]

I am still confused who would want to stay in a hotel with a fire station on the first floor... and across the street from the DC Medical Examiner's building.

Hyatt Place Groundbreaking

Dec. 12, 2013


Image courtesy of Southwest... the Little Quadrant that Could.

http://southwestquadrant.blogspot.co...dbreaking.html

Here are two photos of the lot I took a few weeks ago.