PROGRAM SUMMARY

January Program:
A Vision for the Mount Vernon Triangle

DC CREW's first program for the year 2005 featured the development around Mount Vernon Triangle.

Susan Strohm of Nelson Architects moderated the panel which consisted of Toni L. Griffin, Deputy Director of Revitalization Planning for the District of Columbia, Office of Planning; Gerry Widdicombe, Executive Director for Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District and Lisa Wiersma, Assistant Vice-President and Development Manager for Lowe Enterprises.

Toni began the program with some history. Mount Vernon Triangle was identified in the mayor's 2000 Action Agenda as a prime site to bring housing into the District. It is a large site, 30 acres, in the heart of an area with the energy of other development sites converging around it. Toni noted that the neighborhood had a small manageable group of public and private collaborators who set forth Seven Principles to manage the quality of the projects:

• Lively, Vibrant, Active
• Serve three Communities – Retail, Office and Residential
• Built on a Solid Urban Framework
• Rich in variety of uses with a focus on open space for the Residential component
• Support by an active Ground Floor Program and Design Principles – sidewalks, trees and storefronts
• Distinguish by a Welcoming ?
• Reinforced with Innovative Architectural Design, Value in Architecture

Using this framework, the Group focused on the following parcel areas:

• 5th St. Retail Corridor – the greatest opportunity for ground floor retail development
• The “Plaza” at 5th & K – a people watching area perfect for corner cafes
• Gateways – 5th & New York, Mt. Vernon Square, K St. Promenade
• Residential – 3rd, 4th and I & L Streets
• Residential – Core at 3rd & K Street
• Avenues – New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey
• The Wax Museum site

In order to implement this vision, the Group identified Five Action Points:

• Creative Placemaking Design Principles
• Implement Zoning for Active Streets
• Coordinate Capital Improvements
• Develop Priority Sites
• Establish Long-Term Stewardship

Toni's presentation can be viewed at the DC Office of Planning Website, http://planning.dc.gov

Gerry Widdicombe outlined the development potential for Mount Vernon Triangle: 4,000 to 5,000 Residential units 1 million to 2 million sq. ft. of Retail 500 to 800 Hotel rooms

Gerry noted that the collaboration between the private sector owners and the city owner allowed for faster development and a more cohesive design. Gerry stated that the first year goals for the Community Improvement District are to market and coordinate planning. The second year goals are to create a clean and safe environment by focusing on maintenance issues. Click here for Gerry's full presentation.

Lisa Wiersman manages the day to day development of the Wax Museum site at 5 th and K Streets, N.W. Lisa outlined the components of this vertical neighborhood:

• Retail – the first two levels comprise a Safeway, boutique shops, restaurants and a Fitness Center. There will be wide sidewalks and a active streetscape.
• Residential – condos and apartments with 20% affordable housing. A large landscaped courtyard in the center of the building which can be viewed by the majority of the units.
• Parking – the lower three levels

The architecture of the building is modern with a focus on transparency and light. Lisa noted that the project is complex and management of the various components is key to success. The team is extensive and is comprised of the following groups:

• The three Equity Partners
• Budget
• Legal
• Design
• Community groups
• Over 40 Consultants
• Construction (General Contractor)

Ground breaking for this project will be in the summer.

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