Development

Mount Pleasant Mainstreet President Says Mt. P in Jeopardy of losing $242k for Streetscape Improvements

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user ewilfong

Thanks to a reader for sending. While the following is from the Mount Pleasant Main Street, perspective I’d be happy to post the ANC perspective if they’d like to comment (I can be reached at princeofpetworth (at) gmail (dot) com). MPMS President, Adam C. Hoey, writes in the Mt. P Forum:

“In October 2009, MPMS was thrilled to learn that it won $242,000 for a Transportation Enhancement Grant (TEG) from DDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) for minor streetscape improvements to Mount Pleasant St. and Lamont Park. The TEG grant program is run annually and funding is typically $2M city-wide for small-scale streetscape improvements that meet specific needs and criteria for the enhancement of thoroughfares. Mount Pleasant is in jeopardy of losing these funds and having them diverted by a possible resolution from ANC1D Commissioners Edwards and McKay. This would be tragic. To date, money has been allocated but the project has been delayed while DDOT waits for the ANC to comment. It seems absurd that a representative or resident of our community would be willing to squander and reject federal grant funds for basic community enhancement projects awarded to a local and respected non-profit organization through a city-wide competitive process.

To get more information or voice your concern beyond this forum, you may contact me directly at [email protected]. You may also contact the ANC to express your opinion at [email protected] and/or Wilson Reynolds, Dir. of Constituent Services for Councilmember Graham’s office at [email protected].”

Lots more detail after the jump. (more…)

Not Encouraged by the McMillan Reservoir Blog

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville flickr user hipchickindc

I had been wondering what the status of the McMillan Reservoir development was. The McMillian Reservoir blog has 2 posts and doesn’t provide a lot of hope for any progress soon.

Wikipedia says, “The 25 acre (100,000 m²) McMillan Reservoir, located between Michigan Avenue, North Capitol Street, and First Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., was designated a DC Historic Landmark in 1991.”

In Feb. 2009 the WBJ wrote:

“The recession appears to have slowed the project considerably, and construction is likely years away.

Because of McMillan’s former use, a lot of work has be done before the fenced-off land can be used for anything. Underneath is a catacomb of tunnels that were used to clean drinking water from the reservoir. The tunnels connect to roughly 2,100 manhole covers and the grassy surface.

The developers estimate demolition, grading, engineering, utilities, roads, planning and other preparation work will cost more than $50 million, which is forcing the team is to get as much revenue-producing development as possible on the site.”

Any guesses to when work may begin? I’ll set the over under at 2015.

Dear PoP – Construction finishing up at Washington Hilton

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’ve been watching this construction project out of my office window for more than two years. The original plan was to build a condo building in the area that is now covered in grass but it was scrapped after, I’ve heard, the developers didn’t get financing. So now there’s a big elevated garden. I’m not sure what’s underneath it. It looks nice but there aren’t even any paths on it so you can only look at it.

Then there’s a lawn that is going to be used for outdoor tai chi and yoga classes associated with the health + swim club that opens June 1. I’m psyched about that since I’m a swimmer.”

More on Building Getting Rehabbed at 11th and Monroe Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

About a week ago a reader noticed that construction was slated to begin on the long vacant building at 11th and Monroe. Thanks to a reader for noting the developer’s Web site, Madison Investments:

“1020 Monroe is situated at the corner of Monroe Street and 11th Street NW in the heart of Columbia Heights. Madison investments will begin construction on the building on May 19th 2010. The building will be developed to present 28 luxury 1 & 2 bedroom condos ranging in size from 675 -1100 SF. The building also features approximately 7,500 square feet of retail space divided into 6 units that will be re-designed to present attractive and modern new storefronts. The anticipated construction time for this project is approximately 12 months with anticipated sales beginning in June 2011.”

Dear PoP – What’s the Story with these Buildings?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

On N Street, NW, between 17th and 18th Streets, there are four boarded-up buildings on the north side of N, just two doors down from the Tabard Inn. They look like they’re in great condition, but I think they’ve been boarded up for quite a while. Do you know what the story is behind them? Who owns them? It’s a shame that such lovely historic buildings are boarded up like this.”

We discussed these buildings back in back in Sept. ’09 sadly it seems there has been little visible progress. At the time we learned that apparently the developer, Mr. Morton Bender and his company N Street Follies Ltd, would like to develop the properties into a hotel but the issue of parking has been a major hold up. The impasse has gone on for years and there are those who think it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

Dear PoP – Building at 11th and Monroe, NW Getting Demolished

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in March we heard that this building was finally going to be sold.

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up:

“come monday that corner will be opening a new
chapter!!! wooooo hoooooo!”

Whether or not the whole building is getting demolished or just some demolition on the inside, I agree with the reader – it is phenomenal news that this corner will finally see some positive development.

Dear PoP – Concerns over former Bruce Monroe Elementary School

By Prince Of Petworth

Couple of Georgia Ave notes. First a reader reminds folks to take this survey about “Major development is on its way to Georgia Avenue between New Hampshire Avenue and S St. NW (from) the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force”

Second:

“Dear PoP,

Darren Jones, the president of the Pleasant Plains Civic Association, sent the following letter to our elected leaders last week. It was printed on the front page of the Pleasant Plains neighborhood newsletter this week. Thought it might be of interest.

A Neighbor”

Full letter after the jump. (more…)

Brookland Also Getting New Development

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday we learned that the Rhode Island Ave metro was getting some development. Today I just found some old emails announcing Brookland’s newest development (a reader also sent word last week).

From a press release:

Chancellor’s Row is a new townhome community located just four blocks from Brookland/CUA Metro station (three stops from Union Station on the red line). Situated on a beautiful 10-acre parcel of the St. Paul’s College, the new neighborhood will offer gorgeous views of century-old DC landmarks – all within walking distance to countless shops & restaurants, and the theater, fitness and cultural amenities of Trinity University and Catholic University.

New townhome designs at Chancellor’s Row complement the classic rowhome architecture DC is known for. Brick exteriors are accented by front porches, historic paint colors and cornice detailing. Inside, the homes will be built to the nation’s most comprehensive green building program – LEED for Homes. ENERGY STAR labeling of the homes also contributes to energy savings and a more comfortable indoor environment for homeowners.

New home buyers at Chancellor’s Row will enjoy such included features as rooftop terraces, garage parking, gourmet kitchens and expansive community open spaces. Home prices start at $469,900.

Groundbreaking of Rhode Island Station on Tues.

By Prince Of Petworth

This is going to be, “a $107 million public-private mixed-use transit-oriented development that will bring a 24-7 town center development to the Rhode Island Avenue corridor in northeast Washington, D.C. Ground will be broken for 274 Class A apartments, 70,000 square feet of main street retail, and a new Metro commuter garage.”

This area of Rhode Island could definitely use some upgrades.


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