Development

“DC Office of Planning Partners with ULI Washington to Examine the Future of Friendship Heights”

By Prince Of Petworth


RIP Mazza Gallerie 7

From a press release:

“In partnership with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the DC Office of Planning (OP) has engaged the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington to examine the future of Friendship Heights with a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP).  The TAP will be a key step in exploring opportunities for advancing transformative and equitable redevelopment in Friendship Heights, as outlined in Mayor Bowser’s proposed Comprehensive Plan update.

The TAP will examine Friendship Heights, once a leading regional destination for luxury retail which has experienced a major disruption in its market position, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)

“Capital Checkers Has Lost Its Home” in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth


Capital Checkers, 9th and S Street, NW

Ed. Note: I’ve been concerned this might happen here since 2015.

“Capital Checkers was founded in 1985 by a group of dedicated players looking to create a more formal community. As DC has evolved, so has the organization. But some things never change: our commitment to the community, our passion for the game, and our friendships with each other.”

From an email:

“After 40 years as a DC cultural institution, Capital Checkers will soon be forced to close its doors in Shaw. Long time renters at 815 S St NW, the landlord has decided to sell the property and the club must leave by the end of March! (more…)

Gas Station Returning to P Street

By Prince Of Petworth


2200 P Street, NW

I keep forgetting to post these. Thanks to all who’ve messaged us.

Thomas reports: “final touches going up on the new Shell station at 2200 P, incl. 8+ ULTRA BRIGHT lights on the lot. They’re hideous & completely clash with the character & historic charm of the globe lights on the station. They’re also a nuisance & light up my apt at night” (more…)

“no flights on the boards out of the dreaded 35X gate” Monday Morning, New Concourse Could Open April

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Shellie for sending Monday morning: “At DCA this morning at 8:15 AM – no flights on the boards out of the dreaded 35X gate”

When we last spoke about 35x in November we learned:

“American Airlines continues to operate several flights a day using Gate 35X. Once the new concourse, which is currently under construction, opens next year, then flights will stop operating from Gate 35X.”

Washingtonian reported, via Airline Weekly:

“The Fort Worth, Texas-based Oneworld alliance carrier could begin flights from a new 14-gate concourse as early as April 20, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) President and CEO Jack Potter said at a board meeting Wednesday. The April opening — three months earlier than planned — is possible following an acceleration of construction work due to the decrease in air traffic during the pandemic.”

Here’s the latest official word from DCA on

“A new 14-gate concourse will replace busing operations from Gate 35X, increasing passenger comfort and convenience

Project Update (more…)

“Yards Place will be curb-less, cobblestone and pedestrian-oriented, creating a highly walkable destination anchored by the Anacostia River and Nationals Park.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“Brookfield Properties, the global real estate services company, announced plans for its highly-anticipated Phase II of The Yards. Phase II will deliver 3.4 million SF of new development across 10 buildings that will provide office, mixed-income residential offerings, restaurants, retail, and public amenities. Notably, Phase II will introduce Yards Place, a main street that runs from the Navy Yard Metro to the new Diamond Teague park on the Anacostia riverfront. Yards Place will be curb-less, cobblestone and pedestrian-oriented, creating a highly walkable destination anchored by the Anacostia River and Nationals Park.

Once completed, The Yards will be the largest waterfront development in the DC Region, encompassing 48 acres, including 6 acres with water frontage, with a total of 2 million square feet of office space, 400,000 square feet of shopping and dining space, 3,400 residential units and 7.5 acres of public green space. Phase II of The Yards will deliver 1,260+ new multi-income residences, 1.8 million SF of office space, including exclusive waterfront office, and over 43K SF of newly reclaimed waterfront park space. (more…)

The Terrell, the Short-Term Family Housing (STFH) site in Ward 1 (last of the eight STFH sites) Completed

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and Chapin Street, NW looking south

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of General Services (DGS) celebrated the completion of The Terrell, the Short-Term Family Housing (STFH) site in Ward 1 and the last of the eight STFH sites to open in the District. This achievement marks another milestone toward Mayor Bowser’s strategic plan to end homelessness and close DC General in favor of short-term family housing programs. Families are expected to begin moving into the Terrell in March 2021. (more…)

The Wendy’s at “the notorious” Dave Thomas Circle “transferred to the District by eminent domain”

By Prince Of Petworth

Dysfuntion Juncition Volume Four is gonna need an update!!!

And the miracles keep on coming!! From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) achieved a major milestone in making one of the District’s most notorious intersections safer. The title for the property at the center of the intersection of New York Avenue, NE, Florida Avenue, NE, and First Street, NE – currently occupied by a Wendy’s restaurant – was transferred to the District by eminent domain.

Ed. Note: Bisnow reported the site was acquired for $13.1 million.

“Almost every Washingtonian has their own Dave Thomas Circle horror story. Now, we are taking the necessary actions to transform this confusing intersection into a multimodal project that supports the current and future needs of DC drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are grateful to all of the input and advocacy from neighbors, local businesses and nonprofits, the Council, and federal partners, and know that more collaboration will be needed as we redesign and reimagine this important landmark.”

DDOT is redesigning the intersection, often referred to as “Dave Thomas Circle” or the “Virtual Circle,” to make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in support of Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on the District’s roadways. Once complete, the redesigned intersection will: (more…)

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