dc_united_new_stadium
Renderings courtesy DC United

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray released the following statement in response to today’s affirmative vote by the Council on the “District of Columbia Soccer Stadium Development Act of 2014” to move forward with a stadium for DC United at Buzzard Point:

“I am pleased the Council voted today to move my soccer stadium proposal forward; however, the funding mechanism the Chairman advanced in a separate bill is clearly unlawful. As the Office of Attorney General has opined, and the Chief Financial Officer has agreed, that bill is void.

“Later this week, I will transmit to the Council for approval a list of reprogrammings – developed with the Mayor-elect and certified by the Chief Financial Officer – that will lawfully finance the stadium and allow construction to move forward.”

and

“Mayor-Elect Muriel Bowser issued the following statement regarding the unanimous Council approval of the new D.C. soccer stadium deal:

“The future of a brand new soccer stadium took a big step towards becoming a reality today. I am thankful to my Council colleagues for stepping up to support a deal that treats all stakeholders fairly and promotes an open and transparent process for District taxpayers. De-linking the Reeves Center means more community input and a deal that will be made on the District’s terms. I am confident that together with Mayor Gray and Chairman Mendelson, we will be able to finance a facility that will create jobs, spur development, and provide quality housing for more residents for years to come.”


Well this could be awesome. We’ve spoken a lot about a possible Eataly – but a huge Latin Market from Chef Jose Garces (Rural Society) sounds equally promising. From Washington Business Journal:

“Union Market developer Edens has a signed lease for a 20,000-square-foot Latin market, according to a letter submitted to the D.C. Zoning Commission last month. We’re hearing the market will be a new concept from Philadelphia-based chef Jose Garces that will offer a range of Latin groceries and prepared foods.”


15868635622_0867951dfb_z
25 Potomac Avenue, SE Rendering courtesy MRP Realty

From a press release:

“MRP Residential, a division of MRP Realty (MRP) and Florida Rock Properties, Inc., a full service development company, announced that it has closed on $82 million of construction financing for its Capitol Riverfront mixed-use project on the banks of the Anacostia River.

The construction loan for Phase One of a four phase development, was provided by First Niagara Bank in the amount of $65 million, includes an additional $17 million in preferred equity financing through a joint venture with EB5 Capital. Phillips Capital Realty structured both transactions with MRP and First Niagara Bank.

“This development will not only provide Washington, D.C. with an exciting iconic development but it will also provide the general public, its residents, tenants and patrons a unique and exciting open space and a destination dining environment where people can enjoy the riverfront and where retailers can thrive,” said Frederick Rothmeijer, principal of MRP Realty.

“This site is one of a few sites in the city that is highly accessible to the public with mixed-use open space located directly on the waterfront. We are thrilled to begin construction on the first phase with MRP Realty,” said David deVilliers, president of Florida Rock Properties.

The 305-unit, 281,050 square foot high-rise multifamily project will include 19,000 square feet of ground level retail space, 40,000 SF of public realm open space, rooftop lounge, a public plaza, a boardwalk with bike and pedestrian trails, dramatic river views throughout, media hub and art gallery.


the_colonel
The Colonel rendering at 1250 9th Street, NW courtesy Oculus

You can see the prices here (prices range from $2,035 for a studio to $3,960 for a 2 bed/2 bath).

From a press release:

“Symbolizing a milestone in the rapid transformation of Washington, DC’s Shaw neighborhood, The Colonel at 1250 9th Street, NW is nearing completion. Oculus Realty has begun leasing 70 new luxury apartments, ranging from studios to a two-level penthouse. This five-floor, 64,500 square foot building at the corner of 9th and N Streets, NW includes 8,500 SF of street-level retail space.

“This boutique development, like the surrounding neighborhood was named after Civil War Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who commanded the US Army’s first African American regiment in 1863,” said K. David Meit, CPM® of Oculus Realty, which is leasing and managing the project. “The Colonel offers residents such sought-after amenities as a courtyard with outdoor fireplace, rooftop deck with fire pit, catering kitchen, home theater, garage parking, and controlled access bike room.”

The Colonel’s 70 apartments include 46 one-bedroom units, nine two-bedroom units, and 15 studios and efficiencies. There is one townhouse, several lofts, and many apartments with balconies or terraces. All residences feature nine-foot ceilings, custom cabinetry, ensuite laundry equipment, and GE Artistry appliances. The Colonel is pet-friendly and accepts large breeds (up to 80 pounds).

Three of Washington’s most creative urban developers teamed to develop The Colonel beginning almost four years ago. Douglas Development owned the corner lot at 901 N Street, NW, with a vacant building originally built in 1923. This historic low-rise building housed an automotive repair and supply shop through the 1970s and later hosted apartment dwellers, an urban nursery, and even an underground party venue with indoor skateboarding called “Fight Club.”

In late 2011, CAS Riegler and CityInterests acquired the adjacent L-shaped lot at 1250 9th Street, and then partnered with Douglas Development to combine the two contiguous land parcels and plan a mixed-use development. The Colonel preserves and incorporates the historic building with new construction, subtly balancing historic and modern design elements. PGN Architects of Washington, DC was the project architect.”


IMG_2723
Sherman and Barry Pl, NW

Potentially huge development news from the Washington Business Journal last week:

“Howard University has assembled 30 lots at the northeast corner of Sherman Avenue and Barry Place Northwest that it is now proposing to redevelop into a single building with more than 300 residential units and ground-floor retail.”

They also note:

“While the warehouse will be razed, that image [mural pictured above] will be “digitally reproduced and displayed in the lobby of the apartment building.”

Updates when demo/construction begins.

IMG_2719
rear of old refrigeration warehouse


franklin_school_dc_development

“Dear PoPville,

What gives with the Franklin School? Seems like more than 6 months have passed since the bid was accepted by DC

ICE-DC will restore the building’s exterior and original interior details, while transforming the rehabilitated building into exhibit space for contemporary art, sculpture, installations and performances. The proposed development also includes adult and student art education programs, a new restaurant and café, and an arts bookstore. Further, ICE-DC plans to work closely with the National Park Service (NPS) and the District to integrate art and to coordinate educational programs and events in the redesigned Franklin Square Park. The team demonstrates the skills and experience to successfully lead the rehabilitation and reuse of the Franklin School, and offers learning and training opportunities for District residents interested in contemporary art, curatorial practice and culinary art.


conrad_hotel_citycenter

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“Just saw they put signs up for the Conrad (by Hilton) across from City Center. Looks like this will be a huge hotel.”

From CityCenterDC:

“Hines, the international real estate firm and Qatari Diar, the real estate development entity of the Qatar Investment Authority, together developers of CityCenterDC, and D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, announced today that the parties have closed on the agreement allowing Hines and Qatari Diar to proceed with the design and construction of a 370-room luxury hotel and 70,000 square feet of large-format retail space, at CityCenterDC, the 10-acre, landmark, mixed-use development located in the heart of the nation’s capital. It was further announced that the hotel will be the Conrad Washington, D.C., the newest property in the Conrad Hotels & Resorts luxury brand portfolio operated by Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HTL).

The Conrad Washington, D.C. project is being designed by Herzog & de Meuron Architekten, the internationally acclaimed design firm headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and HKS Architects, Inc., a Dallas-based design firm with offices worldwide, including the District of Columbia, as Architect of Record. Herzog & de Meuron is known for sophisticated projects around the world including the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis, The Tate Modern in London and the iconic 56 Leonard, a new condominium tower in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood.”

15810862681_cc1d5f44c3_z
Rendering via CityCenterDC


View More Stories