WASHINGTON, DC | Development News

[202_Cyclist]

The Northwest Current has an article in this week's paper about the proposed development at 5333 CT Ave that I posted about above.

Apartments likely on Chevy Chase parcel

By BRADY HOLT
Current Newspapers
11/28/12

Likely plans for a large, long-vacant lot at Connecticut Avenue and Military Road are coming into focus, with detailed construction drawings depicting a 10-level building with 263 apartment units.

The glassy, angular building was designed by Eric Colbert & Associates, and would be developed by property owner Calvin Cafritz Enterprises and construction firm Foulger Pratt, according to online documents. The project includes a circular driveway from Connecticut Avenue and access to a 173-space parking garage from an alley running between Military Road and Chevy
Chase Parkway.Cafritz Enterprises weren’t returned yesterday.

The Cafritz family has owned the stretch of Connecticut between Military Road and Kanawha Street for decades, and demolished 10 single-family homes there in the 1970s to make way for an apartment building. A proposal
ultimately received Zoning Commission approval in 1990. The permission expired eight years later when nothing was built..."

http://www.currentnewspapers.com/adm...-28-12%201.pdf

[202_Cyclist]

Pepco, District officials discuss D.C. United stadium for Buzzard Point

By Jonathan O'Connell
Washington Post
11/30/12


Image courtesy of the Washington Post.

"District officials have entered preliminary discussions with Pepco over the feasibility of building a soccer stadium for D.C. United where the utility’s generation and substation facilities are located on Buzzard Point in Southwest D.C.

Pepco’s property constitutes a major portion of the footprint for a new stadium based on the plans that D.C. United officials began vetting with District officials in 2010. The utility decommissioned the generation units on the site in May of this year, but its substation there remains operational.

“Pepco has been in preliminary discussions with representatives from the District and DC United regarding the potential siting of a new soccer stadium near the Buzzard Point Facility,” said Pepco spokesman Marcus Beal in an e-mail..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...f58f_blog.html

[202_Cyclist]

Union Market’s developer has bigger plans


"The entrance to 300 Morse St. NE, part of the land near Union Market owned by the family of Sang Oh Choi, seen in 2006. The Choi family had tried to redevelop the area before the 2008 recession." (Image courtesy of the Washington Post)

By Jonathan O'Connell,
Dec 02, 2012
Washington Post

"Union Market may be just the beginning.

Landowners in the 24-acre wholesale market district in Northeast D.C. — often known as the Florida Avenue Market or Capital City Market — are laying the groundwork for an extensive new effort to redevelop more of the existing warehouses and wholesale storefronts into upscale housing and shopping.

In September, South Carolina-based developer Edensopened the first redeveloped part of the area, Union Market, a blend of high-end venders serving meats, cheeses, ice cream and prepared foods overseen by chef Richard Brandenburg. Last month, on the success of weekend crowds, Edens extended the market to five days a week from three.

But as Edens was lining up vendors for Union Market, it also negotiated the final details of a joint venture agreement with Sang Oh Choi, a Korean-American businessman whose family controls large portions of the market near the intersection of Florida Avenue and Fourth Street Northeast..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...pital_business

[202_Cyclist]

GSA proposes trading Hoover building for new FBI campus


Reimagining the Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Ave.: The FBI’s headquarters were built in a style of architecture known as “Brutalist,” but many of the building’s neighbors in the increasingly posh Penn Quarter see it as an eyesore. Here is a look at one plan to revamp the building. (Image courtesy of the Washington Post).

By Jonathan O’Connell,
Dec 04, 2012
Washington Post

"It is named for a dominating Washington figure and located on the city’s most prestigious avenue, but the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building is unloved.

Condominiums have sprouted nearby in recent years, and neighbors glower at the concrete planters that surround the government building. City officials consider the Brutalist structure on Pennsylvania Avenue a drab hulk in the midst of an otherwise colorful and rising downtown. Even the FBI says the building no longer meets its needs.

And yet, the real estate where the complex sits, on nearly two city blocks in the heart of downtown, could not be more valuable in these days of federal budget turmoil..."

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

[202_Cyclist]

ANC 2C Supports Hotel in Shaw, LivingSocial Out at 655 New York Ave.

December 6, 2012
By Shilpi Paul
Urban Turf


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"At Wednesday night’s ANC 2C meeting, the commissioners voted 2-1, with one abstention, to support the Baywood Hotels and Dantes Partner proposal for the redevelopment of Parcel 42. The much-discussed plot of land is at the intersection of 7th Street NW and Rhode Island Avenue NW, close to the Shaw Library and around the corner from Progression Place. ANC 2C will be writing a letter of support to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, who will make the final decision.

Commissioners Alex Padro and Kevin Chapple spoke out in favor of Dantes Partner’s proposal because of the 102-room hotel, which they hope will lead to a good number of permanent jobs and a constant security presence in the area. The supported plan also includes 22 affordable residential units, which will be limited to those making 50 percent of the area median income, along with 5,000+ square feet of retail space occupied by a retail tenant named Milk and Honey. .."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo..._and_more/6398

[202_Cyclist]

A rendering of the proposed 263-unit condo development at 5333 Connecticut Avenue is available via a fear-mongering document posted on the Chevy Chase listserve:

http://chevychasecommunity.com/docs/...cember10th.pdf

I am sure each person has their own opinion about the architecture of this building but I like the design of this, even if this might be lacking on urban good urban design. It is cliche that DC has boring architecture but this building is a good change from the squat, square retro-style brick buildings that seem to be all most people build.

With that said, here is what is lacking about the building:
*Large setbacks from CT Ave
*Driveway/turn-around
*The building's entrance looks pretty far removed from CT Ave.

[paytonc]

Wow, that's some A-bomb level NIMBYism on display:
"develop a much larger structure that would have a widespread, permanent impact on the Chevy Chase DC community... high density building, towering 125 feet over adjacent homes... creating substantial parking, traffic, light, and pedestrian safety issues... the tallest building in Chevy Chase, DC at grade and would have the highest density... For the entire history of Chevy Chase prior, only 4 of the 10 lots were in the Connecticut Avenue corridor zoned for higher density use... would wedge single family historic houses between adjacent apartment buildings that extend far down side streets... The towering structure would reflect road noise and bring winters and late afternoons of perpetual darkness to these homes completely changing the feel of formerly heavily treed Military Rd... The alley “speedway” sits behind these homes, diverting traffic into low density streets full of strollers and joggers... enormous parking issues in an already parking-deficient area... This configuration would direct a significant amount of traffic INTO the surrounding quiet neighborhood... would cause substantial light problems for the adjacent residents, both in the form of light blocked and light reflected from the angular all-glass building... The remaining mature trees on the site would be largely demolished... The site was originally heavily treed... The design of the building pushes the envelope on density in every regard and likely violates zoning regulations... enormous community opposition... The proposed land use, density, and height violate the basic intent of the zoning laws... Nothing about the project is additive to the neighborhood, only detractive. The proposed structure would destabilize and permanently alter the character of the neighborhood negatively. The proposed structure introduces a completely inconsistent density level for the site and is highly invasive. "

I wonder if these are some of the same people who argue that DC doesn't need high-rises, but rather needs "Parisian style" mid-rise density -- which is, of course, exactly the size and shape of this Armageddon-like proposal.

[202_Cyclist]

I am less familiar with this location but I looked on Google maps and the distance from 5333 CT Ave to the Friendship Heights metro station is 0.7 mi (14 minute walk) and 1.2 miles to the Van Ness metro station. By comparison, it is a mile to both the Tenley and Cleveland Park metro stations from the Cathedral Commons development under construction.

I don't know how the bus service is on Military Road but 5333 CT Ave would be a great location for a Capital Bikeshare station.

Also note that the building in the center of the photo in the Washington Post article is 8-9 floors, exactly the same height as..... wait for it...... this building that neighbors are saying is inconsistent with the community.

Cafritz project starts after 22-year wait


Jeffrey MacMillan/JEFFREY MACMILLAN FOR CAPITAL BUSINESS - Site of proposed development at the intersection of Connecticut Ave. and Military Rd. NW in Washington.

By Jonathan O'Connell
Dec 17, 2012
Washington Post

"The Washington Post Calvin Cafritz Enterprises took a typical approach to developing an apartment building in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of D.C., with one notable exception: after acquiring the land, designing the building and getting zoning approval, the company waited 22 years to begin the project.

When the company decided in recent weeks to start construction, on an empty lot at the corner of Connecticut Avenue NW and Military Road NW, it prompted some neighbors to question whether plans for a glass-encased, 263-unit apartment building were properly vetted.

Richard Graham, 39, who lives nearby on Kanawha Street NW, said he and his neighbors only learned about the project after his wife saw workers preparing the site for work. He then gathered as much information he could and presented it to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission Dec. 10..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...1d6_story.html

[202_Cyclist]

The Giant market on the south parcel and pharmacy and retail on the north parcel along Wisconsin Avenue in Cleveland Park have been razed. Good riddance! The debates and lawsuits over this development have lasted over a decade. As can clearly be seen in this photo, most of the surrounding buildings are 5-9 floors tall, showing how ridiculous the NIMBY arguments were that this development is too big for the neighborhood.


Image courtesy of Bozzuto.

[202_Cyclist]

Monument Realty Planning 'One M Street' Office Building


Image courtesy of JD Land.

"On January 17, the Zoning Commission will be taking up a Capitol Gateway Overlay Review request from Monument Realty for "One M Street," an approximately 328,000-square-foot office building planned for the southeast corner of South Capitol and M streets, SE, on what old-timers know as the old Domino's site, just to the north of the self-storage building..."

http://www.jdland.com/dc/index.cfm/3...fice-Building/

[202_Cyclist]

Greater Greater Washington has a post about the latest Census estimates. DC's population grew by 2.15% from July 2011 - July 2012, faster than every state but North Dakota. DC's population is now 632,000. I think at the 2010 Census, DC had just over 600,000 residents. We now have more people than two states.

In some of the earlier pages in this thread, there was discussion about whether DC will have more than 700,000 by the end of the decade. That seems pretty achievable now.

DC now bigger than Vermont, still has no votes in Congress
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/...s-in-congress/

[dc_denizen]

^ what are they going to do with the parking lot in the front of the picture? is this part of the development plan too?

[dgreen]

I recently noticed that Google's satellite image of DC has been updated. It gives a good look at the progress at City Center.

[202_Cyclist]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

^ what are they going to do with the parking lot in the front of the picture? is this part of the development plan too?

If you're referring to the Cathedral Commons development, the entire north and south parcel (i.e. current surface parking lot) will be developed. The south parcel will have a new and expanded Giant store, rowhouses along Idaho Avenue, and offices on the second floor along Wisconsin Avenue. The north parcel will have retail and residential units.

Here is a link to the developer's website for more information and renderings: http://www.bozzuto.com/apartments/co...hedral-commons

I am especially glad to see this proceed as this is one of the first smart-growth battles that I became involved in and a few of the neighbors have fought this development for over a decade.

[dc_denizen]

^^ it's really fantastic to see the development finally move forward. I used to live at Woodley and Wisconsin. It's amazing that neighbors were willing to fight this for so long, preventing the abandoned old GC murphy and a decrepit Giant from being transformed. the mentality of the vociferous opposition to projects is something very hard to understand and credit, particularly when they seemingly perceive themselves as representing progressive forces.

thanks dgreen for the google maps update, looks like a lot of progress - I see Dunbar high school (I think?) and O street market getting off the ground as well. Noma looking great with lot of new projects.

I wonder when, if ever, NPR will sell their ugly barbed-wire surrouded parking lot on their 7th and H street NW HQ. Someone seriously needs to call them out for blighting the neighborhood. A building on that lot and the lot to the west of the busboys/poets block would extend the streetwall almost all the way to north capital.

[202_Cyclist]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

thanks dgreen for the google maps update, looks like a lot of progress - I see Dunbar high school (I think?) and O street market getting off the ground as well. Noma looking great with lot of new projects.

I need to take some photos of it but I biked over to U Street last week and the residential part of the O Street market is already 6-7 floors tall. I was surprised at how fast this is coming along.

[paytonc]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

I wonder when, if ever, NPR will sell their ugly barbed-wire surrouded parking lot on their 7th and H street NW HQ. Someone seriously needs to call them out for blighting the neighborhood

Four years ago, apparently:
http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto...ermit-for.html

[Easy]

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

Greater Greater Washington has a post about the latest Census estimates. DC's population grew by 2.15% from July 2011 - July 2012, faster than every state but North Dakota. DC's population is now 632,000. I think at the 2010 Census, DC had just over 600,000 residents. We now have more people than two states.

In some of the earlier pages in this thread, there was discussion about whether DC will have more than 700,000 by the end of the decade. That seems pretty achievable now.

DC now bigger than Vermont, still has no votes in Congress
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/...s-in-congress/

Assuming that this growth continues to progress to some ideal level, where do you think that DC finally levels out at given its existing infrastructure? Maybe 15,000 per square mile? Beyond that point additional Metro lines within DC may be necessary to continue growing.

[paytonc]

Originally Posted by Easy

Assuming that this growth continues to progress to some ideal level, where do you think that DC finally levels out at given its existing infrastructure?

That would be an interesting analysis, but far beyond the scope of back-of-the-envelope calculations. The top-line standard would probably be the city's population peak immediately after WW2, when it housed 800,000+ in conditions that almost everyone agrees were overcrowded even by the era's lower living standards. Since then, the center city has seen a tremendous shift from residential to office uses, which place a higher strain on the transportation system since travel to offices is highly peaked -- but which don't necessarily add to the city's resident population.

That said, Metro was designed to accommodate 1M+ passengers a day on a daily basis, something it only does on record-setting days like Inaugurations. The problem isn't Metro, it's unbalanced regional development that has left the eastern third of the system comparatively under-utilized.

Also, an overall per-square-mile figure seems pretty useless given the city's geographic diversity. The hilly, transit-sparse, ill-connected edges of town can't accommodate anywhere near the development that the flat, gridded center can.

[Nexis4Jersey]

Originally Posted by paytonc

That would be an interesting analysis, but far beyond the scope of back-of-the-envelope calculations. The top-line standard would probably be the city's population peak immediately after WW2, when it housed 800,000+ in conditions that almost everyone agrees were overcrowded even by the era's lower living standards. Since then, the center city has seen a tremendous shift from residential to office uses, which place a higher strain on the transportation system since travel to offices is highly peaked -- but which don't necessarily add to the city's resident population.

That said, Metro was designed to accommodate 1M+ passengers a day on a daily basis, something it only does on record-setting days like Inaugurations. The problem isn't Metro, it's unbalanced regional development that has left the eastern third of the system comparatively under-utilized.

Also, an overall per-square-mile figure seems pretty useless given the city's geographic diversity. The hilly, transit-sparse, ill-connected edges of town can't accommodate anywhere near the development that the flat, gridded center can.

They need to start encouraging growth in Baltimore which can handle rapid growth...instead of Silver Spring , Gaithersburg , Bethsda , New Carollton....