Development

Mr. Wash and Jerry Chan’s Closed in Logan Circle Last Weekend, Some Neighbors Still Worried About Planned Condo Project

By Prince Of Petworth

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1300 block of 13th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I’m not sure if you have caught up with the closing of Mr. Wash and Jerry’s this past weekend. It looks like construction on the new condo building will start soon. Needless to say, we who live next door are quite concerned about many things, including construction noise, debris, and the potential closing of parts of 13th St and the alley to bring in construction equipment. The builders will speak to the ANC about their project tomorrow, February 5, at 7 PM at the Washington Plaza Hotel.”

In Dec. another neighbor voiced his concerns:

“Holladay’s plans will negatively impact the quality of life for Iowa residents as they include constructing a 60-foot high wall that’s 23 feet away from the back of Iowa Condo townhouses. This 60-foot high wall will block direct sunlight from the units on the south side of the Iowa as well as a large portion of the unique Iowa Condo courtyard / fountain area. When an Iowa condo owner spoke with a representative at Holladay about the wall height/closeness, loss of sunlight and privacy concerns, the response included “that’s part of living in the city”. Finally, the proposed 67 condo units will bring more cars and fewer parking options to a neighborhood where parking is already at a premium.”

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Proposed Development for Historic Franklin School Building will transform space “into exhibit space for contemporary art, sculpture, installations and performances”

By Prince Of Petworth

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13th and K Street, NW

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced the selection of the team of Institute for Contemporary Expression and EastBanc Inc. (ICE-DC) to rehabilitate and reuse the historic Franklin School, located in Downtown D.C. in Ward 2. The proposed development will bring an exciting new cultural use unlike any other in the District to a building of great historic and architectural significance that has sat fallow for too long.

“Franklin School is a historic treasure, and we are excited to have a team that will preserve its character while also creating an innovative, cultural experience for the surrounding community and the District as a whole,” said Mayor Gray. “It will complement and enhance the District’s already vibrant cultural offerings.”

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. (more…)

Construction Fences Go Up for New Condos Coming to 13th and Park Road, NW – Check Out a Rendering

By Prince Of Petworth

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Back in June 2012 we learned this property on the southwest corner of 13th and Park Road, NW would become condos developed by CASRiegler. Ed. Note: In 2010 construction on the opposite corner was delayed when two grenades were found on the site.

CASRiegler’s website says:

“1300 Park road is a boutique condominium building in the heart of Columbia Heights. This location is unique, as it offers the best of two worlds. One world being the quite neighborhood with outdoor bistro tables, and coffee shops. The other being a larger urban center with mass transit and option galore!

One block to the east is the intersection of 11th and Park, which has become the “neighborhood” center of Columbia Heights. The intersection has a variety of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating. This intersection is home to some of Washingtons favorite small neighborhood restaurant and bars, including Meridian Pint and Red Rocks Pizza which lay steps from front door of 1300 Park.

Walk one block west and step into the more densely urbanized center of Columbia Heights. This bustling part of the city offers incredible amenities including a Target, several great restaurants, a Giant and of course Metro. Very few locations in the city offer the best of both worlds like this location.

1300 Park will include 5 two-bedroom condominiums, each offering ample outdoor space and large living spaces. The upper units include multiple levels, roof decks and terraces. The lower level units have front decks and private front yards!

This project is being built in conjunction with the Benjamin Banneker Scholarship fund, and Barry Homes LTD. Both groups are ward 2 institutes that have been in Columbia Heights many years raising funds for high school students and in the support of education. A portion of the proceeds from this project will be allocated towards these institutions to allocate generously, as they see fit.”

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And here’s a rendering:

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Approval from HUD, Clears Path to Negotiate Land Transfer of Walter Reed

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Madame Meow

From the Mayor’s office:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins today announced that the Local Redevelopment Authority’s (LRA) Homeless Assistance Submission and Reuse Plan for the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center site was approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on January 24, 2014. HUD’s approval clears the path for the LRA to negotiate an Economic Development Conveyance with the U.S. Army to transfer the property, and enables the Army to complete the Environmental Assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act in anticipation of the transfer and redevelopment of the site. The LRA first submitted the documentation to HUD in July 2012.

“We are now one step closer to executing the vision for this site that has been formulated by the community over many years,” said Mayor Gray. “The redevelopment of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center will provide vital new housing accommodations for our veterans and seniors and shopping opportunities for our neighbors to reduce retail leakage in the area. It will also create jobs and provide many more amenities for residents, making this one of the premier destinations in the District of Columbia.”

In November 2013, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the selection of Hines-Urban Atlantic-Triden Joint Venture as the master developer for the site. HUD approval represents another milestone in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, moving the District closer toward site transfer from the U.S. Army. (more…)

Georgetown in 2028 – Metro Stop, Streetcars, Gondola, Parklets, Reinvigorated C&O Canal and Lots More

By Prince Of Petworth

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Rendering via Georgtown BID

Yesterday the Georgetown BID released the GEORGETOWN 2028 15 YEAR ACTION PLAN:

“The goal, simply put, was to bring together a disparate group of community members to collaborate on the steps that would enhance the Georgetown experience for our visitors, residents, business owners and the people who work here. After more than 100 hours of meetings that engaged more than 200 members of our professional and residential community, a consensus plan was reached which includes 75 recommendations to address pressing transportation issues, enhance public space, reduce office vacancies and attract more unique shops and restaurant.

The resulting Georgetown 2028 Plan and Action Agenda can be read here”

Streetcar and Gondola renderings after the jump. (more…)

The Harper Now Leasing in Logan/14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

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1919 14th Street, NW

You like the way it turned out? I’m digging it.

Apartments are now for lease:

“We are located on 14th Street, NW between T and U Streets, and we offer contemporary studio, junior one-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, created with the discerning urban resident in mind.”

Studios start at $1875/Mo. and 1 beds start at $2,225/Mo. You can see all the Floor plans here.

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14th and T Street, NW

Quite the upgrade from this:

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Provocative ‘Gentrify’ Posters in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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Found these off 13th Street in Columbia Heights. Interestingly if you go to dcaffordability.com it takes you to DC Government’s Department of Housing and Community Development page on the Inclusionary Zoning Affordable Housing Program:

“Inclusionary Zoning requires that a certain percentage of units in a new development or a substantial rehabilitation that expands an existing building set aside affordable units in exchange for a bonus density. The goals of the program are to create mixed income neighborhoods; produce affordable housing for a diverse labor force; seek equitable growth of new residents; and increase homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income levels.”

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Another Chinese Takeout Spot Closing

By Prince Of Petworth

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3618 14th Street, NW

Last week we talked about China Inn closing on Upshur Street, now Spring Garden is also for sale at 14th and Spring Road, NW.

Also of note – the former ‘3 for $10’ store next door is being redeveloped into a three story building with retail on the first floor:

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