Development

Dear PoPville – What’s Coming to the space behind the BP Station at 14th and Euclid St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_4457
1421 Euclid Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Any idea what’s happening behind the BP gas station at 14th and Euclid? I see they’re tearing out the nasty park that was there. Does anyone know what’s planned for that lot?”

Back in 2010 there were plans for the Justice Apartments:

“The District has announced redevelopment plans for the former Justice Park site at 1421 Euclid St, NW. The $11.5 million project will include 37 apartment units, all of which are reserved for low-income households earning between 30 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).”

And in July 2010 we looked at some renderings:

rendering_euclid_bp

In May 2012 the plans for Justice Apartments were slightly tweaked:

Screen Shot 2013-08-29 at 10.37.09 AM

Dear PoPville – What’s Coming to the former vacant lot/dog walking area on 10th St. in Shaw?

By Prince Of Petworth

reatig_1234_10th_st_building_shaw
1234 10th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Any idea what’s happening at the empty lot at appx 1234 10th street? Neighbors had been using it as an informal dog park, but I see there’s construction starting there.”

Looks like it’s going to be a new “three story two-unit duplex” from Suzane Reatig Architecture. You can see her previous projects here.

reatig_1234_10th_st_permit

The Apartments at CityCenter Will have 92 Affordable Rentals, Deadline to Apply Extended to Aug. 28th

By Prince Of Petworth

CityCenter_Corner10thSt-e1373298585705
Rendering courtesy Hines

“Hines, the developer of CityCenterDC, has begun the outreach process for the 92 affordable rental homes at The Apartments at CityCenter. The apartments are available to applicants making less than 60% or 80% of Area Median Income and residents will be selected through a lottery to be drawn in September 2013. In addition to income requirements, eligibility is based on household size, rental history, credit reports and background screening. The application deadline of August 21, 2013 has been extended to August 28, 2013 to accommodate the strong interest in the apartments. Manna, Inc. is serving as adviser to the developer in this effort. To obtain an application, please visit www.CityCenterDC.com/CommunityBenefits or call Manna at (202) 534-1068.

We are proud to offer a select number of affordable homes for rent at The Apartments at CityCenter that provide a new, quality housing opportunity to the community,” said Jason Jacobson, managing director of Hines. “This is a special chance to live in the heart of Downtown D.C. while enjoying all the development has to offer.”

The apartments range in size from studios to one- and two-bedrooms and will offer large windows, spacious layouts and open kitchens. With restaurants, shops, major employers and Metro rail stops within a short walk, The Apartments at CityCenter will set a new standard for urban living in D.C.

The 366 Market Rate apartments will be available for lease in the fall and managed by Bozzuto Management Company. For more information, please visit www.citycenterdc.com.

The Apartments at CityCenter are one of five major components of CityCenterDC (www.citycenterdc.com). The mixed-use development also includes 216 luxury condominium residences, 520,000-square feet of Class A office space, and more than 60 shops and restaurants, in properties designed by internationally renowned architects Foster + Partners and the D.C.-based Shalom Baranes Associates. In addition, CityCenterDC will also feature a 370-room hotel.

“If your annual income is between $36,000 – $94,424, you may qualify for special pricing on select units. (see brochure below)”

CityCenter_affordable_housing_Brochure_PDF

Check Out the Former Sam’s Pawn Shop Building in Logan Circle, Will be Home to a Chipotle and ZenGo Cycling Studio

By Prince Of Petworth

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1508 14th Street, NW

This is the former home to Sam’s Pawn Shop which closed in May of last year. According to the Washington Business Journal it will be home to a ZenGo cycling studio and a Chipotle restaurant.

Amazing what transformations can happen in just over a year.

Here’s how it looked in May 2012.

sams_pawn_shop_dc
1508 14th St, NW just north of P Street

Van Ness Square Demolition and Transformation Coming Soon

By Prince Of Petworth

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4455 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Lots of folks have written in asking about the Van Ness Square development plans. One even asked about a Trader Joe’s rumor (I haven’t heard anything.) And for those that missed it, you can read a thorough history of the property here, it was once an “ice palace”! Anyway, the Forest Hills Connection reported:

“Construction begins Fall 2013 and is estimated to take 30 months.

Saul anticipates opening in Winter 2016. There will be 271 luxury apartments (1, 2 and 3 bedroom), 224 below-grade parking spaces, and 10,000 square feet of neighborhood retail, including at least one sidewalk cafe.”

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Rendering via Saul Centers

Lots more current photos of the site after the jump. (more…)

Former Building Shells Become The Otis and The Redding 1 Bedroom Condos on Otis Place

By Prince Of Petworth

The_otis_petworth
809-811 Otis Place, NW

Well this the greatest name for a pair of buildings I’ve ever seen. The Otis was a former dilapidated shell for as long as I can remember. Now the Otis website says:

“1 Bedroom homes from the mid-$200’s Why rent when you can afford to own? Available Summer 2013”

The_Otis_el_haynes
Facing the El Haynes school and Georgia Ave

And another long vacant dilapidated building across the street will be called the Redding. Despite the possible accusations of swagger jacking, I think this is brilliant!

The_redding
812 Otis Place, NW

Here is the great Otis Redding:

Council Member Jim Graham: “I have rarely experienced in Ward 1 such a widespread and negative community reaction to a development decision”

By Prince Of Petworth

MRP_965-Florida-Avenue_073013-e1375276510196
Rendering courtesy MRP Realty

From an email:

“Dear Friends:

I have been paying close attention to the dozens of emails objecting to the recent award of 965 Florida. I have carefully read the recent email from Mr. DeWitt as well as the statement by Deputy Mayor Hoskins (see below). I am also now responding (via Bcc’s) to my Ward 1 constituents who have written me. Thank you for writing me.

I have rarely experienced in Ward 1 such a widespread and negative community reaction to a development decision. Clearly there are a great many neighborhood people who are disappointed and unhappy with the choice and justification that has been offered thus far.

This is a major decision affecting the future of development in the eastern sector of Ward 1.

I am also sensitive that the legal process requires a decision to be made at this stage by the Mayor and his advisors. I also know that this decision will, in the future, require Council approval. That would include the property disposition.

But this does bring to mind the Foggy Bottom outcry to the initial decision by the Fenty administration to award the Stevens School contract in 2009. That Ward 2 property prompted the expression of strong views by my Council colleagues including CM Jack Evans and others. Ultimately, the following year, the award was vacated, in substantial part, on the grounds that there was so much community opposition.

I appreciate the statement that has been issued by Deputy Mayor Victor Hoskins.

But, as a first step, I think more detailed explanation of the rationale for the decision is necessary.

I am now requesting that detailed justification including documentation appropriate for release (not involving proprietary information) .

Bests Councilmember Jim Graham”

Movement Coming to Boarded Up Buildings on N Street in Dupont?

By Prince Of Petworth

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N Street between 17th and 18th St, NW

Every year someone writes in asking about the boarded up buildings on N Street between 17th and 18th St, NW. It is such a prime location that it seemingly makes no sense that they’ve been boarded up for so long. Sadly legal disputes has halted any movement. But maybe some positive movement is coming? Washington Business Journal reports DC sold the liens on these properties:

“1745, 1749 and 1755 N St. NW: Owned by N Street Follies Ltd. and its principal Morton Bender, these three Dupont Circle rowhouses sold for a total of $320,679.64, including $170,000 of surplus. Bender has owned the properties since 1988, but his attempts to redevelop (as an office building, then as a hotel) have run into one problem after another.”

Think this will spur development?

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