Historic Preservation Review Board Awards the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development & Vision McMillan Partners Conceptual Design Approval on McMillan Redevelopment Plan

Follow up to our discussion earlier in teh week. From a press release:

“The Historic Preservation Review Board yesterday, after a hearing to review revisions to Vision McMillan Partner’s Plan for the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, voted unanimously to support advancement of the project. Board members were overwhelmingly positive in their responses to this most recent round of revisions, calling the plan a “very, very thoughtful and serious response to what we established,” (Maria Casarella) and referring to collaboration on the project as “very tangible and commendable.” (Rauzia Ally) The Vision McMillan Partners development team includes Trammell Crow Company, EYA and Jair Lynch Development Partners.

Anne Corbett, Project Director with Vision McMillan Partners said after the hearing: “This is a significant moment in our journey to create a unique place that honors this site’s rich history and creates opportunity and excitement for local residents. This is far from over, but our team will continue to work tirelessly with the community and the HPRB to deliver something that truly reflects the desires of surrounding communities. We are thrilled with the HPRB’s decision today and very thankful for all of the community members who came to show their support today.”

A number of local community members and leaders attended to record their support for the project.

Among them, ANC5E09 Commissioner Dianne Barnes, who testified: The proposed development pays homage to the historic significance of the industrial site while providing this community with a beautiful new and greatly needed place to shop, play, work and live. I can speak on behalf of the overwhelming majority of residents living within the immediate vicinity of the decayed site when I say that we are looking forward to the very positive impacts of this development. Many may not voice their opinions to you but they are voicing it to me. “

Rashida Brown, who lives adjacent to the site also testified that “The innovative park space and its special features would breathe life into the McMillan site, which has remained stagnant for years and unfortunately, continues to be underutilized. The park, along with the community center, playgrounds, healing garden and water features complement the plan’s intent for historic preservation of the silos and site in general. “

Today’s hearing was preceded by a favorable report from Historic Preservation Office staff, which called the revised concepts: “Dramatically improved, reflecting the high level of quality, cohesiveness and distinctiveness that have been sought by the Board . . . it looks like a destination you would want to seek out to experience its distinct sense of place; one that includes equally interesting historic and new features balanced and blended compatibly together.”