Development

McMillan is Finally Happening – Groundbreaking is Next Wednesday

By Prince Of Petworth

mcmillan

From a press release:

“Mayor Bowser and Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner invite you to the groundbreaking ceremony for McMillan Sand Filtration Site, a project delivering jobs, housing for all income levels, neighborhood-serving retail, a large public park, health care facilities and more.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, 11 a.m.
Where: McMillan Sand Filtration Site (North Capitol Street and Michigan Ave, NW)

Please note this is an outdoor event. Enter the ceremony site from North Capitol Street NW just before the intersection of Michigan Ave NW.”

Fannie Mae HQ on Wisconsin Ave to become a Shopping Center

By Prince Of Petworth

fannie-mae
3900 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for passing on this big development news from Nikkei Asian Review:

“The Japanese developer likely will pay 10 billion yen to 20 billion yen ($88 million to $176 million) for the building and roughly 40,000-sq.-meter property located 10 minutes or so from the White House by car. Sekisui House plans to remodel the 60-year-old brick structure into a shopping center while maintaining its stately facade, as well as build luxury condominiums on vacant land.”

Update Full press release:

“Roadside Development, a privately held commercial real estate firm and its joint venture partner NORTH AMERICA SEKISUI HOUSE, LLC (NASH), are pleased to announce the purchase of the iconic Fannie Mae Headquarters located at 3900 Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC. The acquisition includes a 228,000 square foot building and approximately 10 acres of land. (more…)

Restoration of Historic Codman Carriage House in Dupont Circle Begins

By Prince Of Petworth

cottage-rendering
rendering courtesy of Rock Creek Property Group

From a press release:

“Rock Creek Property Group breaks ground this week on the restoration of the landmarked Codman Carriage House in Dupont Circle. Located at 1415 22nd Street, NW, the building sits at a prime connection point between two of DC’s most storied and established neighborhoods – Georgetown and Dupont Circle.

Architect Ogden Codman, Jr. originally designed the carriage house for his socialite cousin, Martha. Martha Codman spent the winters in the District in her nearby mansion. The location of the carriage house near the entrance to Rock Creek Park proved the perfect location for her stable. (more…)

Work Finally Begins at the old Italian Embassy on 16th Street “will be preserved and converted into 134 luxury apartment homes”

By Prince Of Petworth

rendering
Rendering via Mill Creek Residential

From a press release:

“Mill Creek Residential, a leading multifamily investor and operator specializing in premier apartment communities across the U.S., today announced the start of construction and redevelopment of the former Italian Embassy building located at 2700 16th NW, which will be preserved and converted into 134 luxury apartment homes.

The acquisition, renovation and redevelopment of the site is being made possible by an investment from Rockwood Capital, a privately held real estate investment firm with $9.3 billion in real estate assets under management. Helaba is providing the construction financing for the project.

“Simply put, the historic revitalization of the Embassy, coupled with the vibrancy of the neighborhood, will make this one of the premier communities in the Washington, DC region” said Sean Caldwell, senior managing director of the Mid-Atlantic region for Mill Creek.

As part of the redevelopment, Mill Creek will maintain the Neo-Renaissance architecture of the building and construct an adjacent nine-story high-rise with two levels of below-grade parking. The existing Embassy building will be renovated to contain a select number of the community’s exclusive townhouse-style residences, which will face a private courtyard and garden, as well as the community’s amenities.

The community will consist of studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment homes that feature premium high-tech and high-end features. (more…)

Update on Chick Fil A hoping to open in old Checkers Space in March

By Prince Of Petworth

checkers
1401 Maryland Ave, NE

“Dear PoPville,

Great summary (courtesy of Ryan Aires) of the ANC6A EDZ Committee meeting about the upcoming Chick-Fil-A planned for the old Checkers spot at 1401 Maryland Ave, NE. He wanted to highlight was that DDOT actually requested the 14th entrance/ exit that has no residences be closed, while allowing the G street entrance/ exit to stay open. We are hoping to have another meeting with DDOT representatives to ask them about that.

chickfila

High level summary – residents are super concerned about the traffic on narrow G Street, and Chick-Fil-A seemed unaware that it would be an issue. Planned opening is March 2017.

Site Design

the existing building will remain more or less how it is now
they are going to build off the back of the building extending it ~28′ to the east
the easement on 14th Street is going to be closed to traffic
one of the designers (I didn’t catch his name) said that this was actually requested by DDOT
the expected flow of cars is:
entry from Maryland Ave or G Street
cars will order on the north east side of the building (facing Maryland Ave)
cars will drive west towards 14th Street, loop around the building and pick up their orders on the Southeast side of the building (facing G Street)
cars can then exit onto Maryland Ave or G Street
the benches will remain for eating on site because there will be a walk up window

Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday 6am – 10/11PM (more…)

“The new DOJ building will be 170 M Street, NE”

By Prince Of Petworth

rendering

Thanks to a reader for passing on from the Flats 140 building:

“As many of you have noticed, some construction has begun next door to our building. We know this comes quite concerning to many of you, and understandably so. Our highest priority is to keep you as informed as possible with any and all information we receive from the developers. They have been quite forthright with us so we are hopeful we will be able to provide frequent and needed updates.

Currently, the work you have likely seen or heard is the removal of the existing glass on the first 7 floors of the south facade of the existing building (referred to as OB3). That building will be connected to the new building, which the developers refer to as OB4. This work will continue into mid-December. If you have heard rumors regarding the occupying tenants of the future buildings, they are correct. The DOJ will be in the new OB4 building as well as the existing OB3 building. We have attached a rendering of the future structure. (above)

The loudest part of construction tends to be the excavation process, usually the first step in construction. This was originally planned for this month but has been put on hold due to the WMATA Safe Track currently affecting the NoMa neighborhood. (more…)

CM Todd: “The redevelopment of Walter Reed is undoubtedly the greatest economic development opportunity the District of Columbia will ever see”

By Prince Of Petworth

rendering-walter-reed
Rendering via Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority

But will there be a Wegmans?!?!

From a press release (yesterday):

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, Assistant Secretary of the Army Katherine Hammack, and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner for a ceremony recognizing the transfer of the Walter Reed Campus to the District Government.

“The wait is over and a new beginning is in sight at Walter Reed,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today marks an important milestone for Ward 4 and for residents across all eight wards. The Walter Reed Campus is one of the most important development projects in the District – it will bring jobs, affordable housing, economic opportunity and pathways to the middle class for thousands of residents.” (more…)

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