RE-THINKING RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NE

MEETING OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS AND POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Washington Center for Aging Services
2601 18th Street NE

RE-THINKING RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NE
SUB-AREA PRELIMINARY CONCEPTS

The four sets of sub-area concepts below represent preliminary thoughts of the project team based on consultation with the District, community, commercial property owners and invited developers. They are intended to spur responses about re-development and to highlight locations with the most significant amount of potential for change which benefits the stability of the corridor.

SUB-AREA 1 CONCEPT:
4th TO 12th STREETS NE

This illustration of Sub-Area 1 shows significant opportunities which would transform this section into "Downtown Ward 5"- similar to what has happened in Columbia Heights and what is planned in Wards 7 and 8. This sub-area would be a "town center" with a significant and vibrant mixture of high-quality national and local retail, offices, and mixed-income residential development at densities which take full advantage of the immediate proximity to Metro. Proposed development would complement the Rhode Island Station project planned to the east of the metro station. Residents here will likely prefer easy access and to live "in the mix" while being in a non-central business district, neighborhood setting.

SUB-AREA 2 CONCEPT:
12th TO 18th STREETS NE

This illustration of Sub-Area 2 shows opportunities to re-envision this section as "Montana-Franklin Neighborhood Center". This sub-area would include a mix of competitive local retailers with some regional and national chains and mixed-income residential development at medium densities in new buildings that are 4 to 7 stories in height-the latter, depending on location and approvals through a planned unit development (PUD) process. Proposed development would complement the Brookland Square project planned at the northeast corner of 13th Street and Rhode Island Avenue. Residents here would seek proximity and affordability, but prefer to be in a much more neighborhood oriented district.

SUB-AREA 3 CONCEPT:
18th STREET TO SOUTH DAKOTA AVENUE NE

This illustration of Sub-Area 3 shows development opportunities to convert this section into "Langdon Park". This sub-area would include a series of fashionable loft-like residences in new buildings that are 4 to 6 stories in height near adaptively, rehabilitated existing structures (20th to 24th Streets) which welcome new eclectic and neighborhood serving retail uses, galleries and services. Proposed development would take advantage of immediate proximity to the District's Langdon Park and its outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, athletic fields and courts, among other amenities. The US National Arboretum is only minutes away as well. Residents here would be motivated professionals with active, athletic lifestyles and a penchant for meeting friends or working out of quirky coffee shops and diners.


SUB-AREA 4 CONCEPT:
SOUTH DAKOTA AVENUE TO EASTERN AVENUE NE

This illustration of Sub-Area 4 shows opportunities to re-imagine this section as "The Portal." This sub-area would include new housing and retail which may be attractive to artists who prefer a District address over ... another. New construction will be 4 to 6 stories in height. Proposed development might seek to complement the Mount Rainier Arts District just across Eastern Avenue .... or it may take on its own distinctive "gateway" appearance to celebrate this prominent easterly entrance into the Nation's Capitol. There will be a unique mix of residents.

Schools - Meeting Summary

Over 100 people packed the Community Room at the Reeves Center this afternoon to listen to a brief presentation about the disposition of closed DC schools. Most in the crowd were connected to the Real Estate community - Developers, Architects, etc. There were a few arts-related individuals.

Tours of the schools will happen during the week of Jan 26. Submissions are due at the end of February.

This round seems to be geared toward established Developers. Proposals require significant experience with similar projects and the proof of access to financing.

I will post the Site Visit schedule when it is announced.

Reminder - Pre-Offer Conference on Schools is Tomorrow, Jan 9

A reminder that the Pre-Offer Conference for the current round of school disposition will be held at the Reeves Center tomorrow at 1pm.