| Project gains preliminary approval
July 9, 2007
Ward 3
Vision's Testimony (Word doc)
April 12, 2007, Public Hearing
Akridge, a DC-based development company,
is proposing a new mixed-use building at 5220
Wisconsin Avenue NW, at a used-car lot between Harrison
and Jenifer Streets. It is approximately 300 feet from the
Friendship Heights metro station. (See
map)
This project has received the endorsement of the DC
Sierra Club and recognition by the Washington
Smart Growth Alliance.
Ward 3 Vision is actively working with Akridge to ensure
that our community receives maximum benefit from this development.
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5220 Wisconsin today
(often called the Buick site) |
Akridge's rendering
of the new building |
Photos
courtesy of Akridge |
Akridge's proposal includes a building
with 55-70 condos (7% will be affordable units) and ground
floor retail. It will be LEED-certified by the U.S. Green
Building Council and have features such as a green roof and
stormwater filtration.
Akridge will also make streetscape
improvements such as planting trees, re-paving the sidewalk,
and sprucing up the blank Pepco facade next door to make it
an attractive building to walk past.
This project is currently awaiting final approval by the
DC Zoning Commission. The public hearings on the proposal
were held in March and April 2007.
This project will bring our community:
- A revitalized, safer block to walk along
just steps from the Metro;
- New neighborhood-serving shops or a restaurant
where we can take our kids and encounter our neighbors (not
“destination” retail like Mazza Gallerie);
- A mixed use building that will add vibrancy
to Wisconsin Avenue. The building will have retail on the
ground floor with residential above.
- One of the most environmentally friendly buildings in
the city and DC's first LEED-certified residential
building;
- Improvements to the Pepco façade;
Akridge is proposing to remove the bricks from the Pepco
façade windows to showcase local art and community
announcements;
- A balance of housing choices in Ward
3; approx. 7% of the condos will be designated as affordable
housing units; and,
- New residents who will have easy access to public
transportation and car sharing vehicles; any residents
with cars will park in an underground garage and will not
be allowed to get residential parking permits. Bicycle facilities
will also be provided to residents and retail employees.
More
information on the project from Akridge
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