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Near Southeast DC Past News Items
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25 M
Yards/Parcel I
Chiller Site Condos
Yards/Parcel A
1333 M St.
More Capper Apts.
Yards/DC Water site
New Marine Barracks
Nat'l Community Church
Factory 202/Yards
SC1100
Completed
Thompson Hotel ('20)
West Half ('19)
Novel South Capitol ('19)
Yards/Guild Apts. ('19)
Capper/The Harlow ('19)
New DC Water HQ ('19)
Yards/Bower Condos ('19)
Virginia Ave. Tunnel ('19)
99 M ('18)
Agora ('18)
1221 Van ('18)
District Winery ('17)
Insignia on M ('17)
F1rst/Residence Inn ('17)
One Hill South ('17)
Homewood Suites ('16)
ORE 82 ('16)
The Bixby ('16)
Dock 79 ('16)
Community Center ('16)
The Brig ('16)
Park Chelsea ('16)
Yards/Arris ('16)
Hampton Inn ('15)
Southeast Blvd. ('15)
11th St. Bridges ('15)
Parc Riverside ('14)
Twelve12/Yards ('14)
Lumber Shed ('13)
Boilermaker Shops ('13)
Camden South Cap. ('13)
Canal Park ('12)
Capitol Quarter ('12)
225 Virginia/200 I ('12)
Foundry Lofts ('12)
1015 Half Street ('10)
Yards Park ('10)
Velocity Condos ('09)
Teague Park ('09)
909 New Jersey Ave. ('09)
55 M ('09)
100 M ('08)
Onyx ('08)
70/100 I ('08)
Nationals Park ('08)
Seniors Bldg Demo ('07)
400 M ('07)
Douglass Bridge Fix ('07)
US DOT HQ ('07)
20 M ('07)
Capper Seniors 1 ('06)
Capitol Hill Tower ('06)
Courtyard/Marriott ('06)
Marine Barracks ('04)
 
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Some Demolition Coming to Capper
Thanks to a tip from a reader, I checked out Capper/Carrollsburg this afternoon, and there are signs that some demolition is about to be started, on the block between 3rd and 4th and K and L, which is the one block where private homes have been existing alongside the abandoned housing. I don't know if this is the start of demolition for all of the remaining buildings, or if there was just a desire to get this particular batch of buildings taken down since they are right next to private homes, but one way or the other this is nice to see, because it's not good for a neighborhood to have so many deserted buildings still standing. And I would certainly imagine that EYA would not want the shells still there when sales start on Capitol Quarter this fall.
UPDATE, 10 days later: Not much progress has been made on the demolition site mentioned above, but I see now that initial work appears to also be going on in the block just to the north, which has nothing but abandoned Capper buildings on it (bounded by 3rd, 4th, I, and K). The roofs above the front stoops are being crow-barred off the buildings, and some piles of trash have appeared in the courtyards.
UPDATE: Also in the Spring-Cleaning department, the Star Market at 2nd and L has just gotten a fresh coat of red paint. Perhaps the new owner is planning on reopening the little bodega once Capitol Hill Tower opens its doors? (See the CapTower SE Corner slideshow to refresh your Star Market memory.)

 

'Little Skippers' Program at the Navy Yard
The Washington Navy Yard's U.S. Navy Museum has for the past year been running a once-a-month family-oriented program called "Little Skippers," teaching children about the history of the Navy. On Saturday the 18th at 1 pm the topic will be "'Shooting the Breeze'- Target Kites in World War II." After learning about the history of target kites the children will be given the supplies to make their very own target kites. The parents can participate, helping their children with their creations. The program is free, but requires an RSVP 24 hours in advance (see the story for details). You can also subscribe to a monthly e-mail from the museum.
More posts: Navy Yard
 

Next Stadium Step: Zoning (But Not Yet)
For those of you filled with breathless anticipation.... I just called the DC Office of Zoning, and they say that as of yet a zoning application as not been filed for the stadium. Back in Fall 2005 an amendment to the Capitol Gateway Overlay (which covers the South Capitol Street Corridor and environs) was passed, which changed the zoning laws to allow for a baseball stadium to be built and set forth general requirements and regulations for the stadium, but the stadium itself is required to get Zoning Commission approval as well. Tick tick tick!
More posts: Nationals Park, zoning
 

70/100 I Street Variances Approved
It doesn't appear on the web site yet, but the grapevine informs me that on Tuesday the DC Bureau of Zoning Adjustment approved JPI's variance application for their 700-unit, two-building project at 70/100 I Street. With a building permit application already submitted, this project would appear to be on track for the beginning of construction later this year. JPI's other residential project in Near Southeast, 901 New Jersey, will have its own BZA hearing on May 16. Hopefully now I can get some renderings of the projects.... UPDATE: And like magic, a new building permit app for 70 I appeared in the DCRA database today.
More posts: 70/100 I, jpi, zoning
 

The Stadium and South Capitol Street
The Post's Marc Fisher has a column today about the stadium and its environs, "South Capitol Street Will Have to Play Catch-Up": "But the plans released this week are a vision of the future, and indeed the District has an impressive concept for a new Anacostia River bridge and a reconfiguration of South Capitol Street that would replace the ugly ramp with green space. The truth, however, is that for quite some years, the stadium will come smack up against the city's befouled underside." He also was wise enough to catch the sleight-of-hand in the stadium design drawings: "[B]oth Metro riders and motorists will approach from the north, where, rather than a grand entrance, the architects offer a cramped plaza sandwiched between two boxy parking structures. But wait: Those boxes are really a political ploy and a sales pitch. The D.C. Council nixed the money for underground parking, but designers nonetheless intend to put the parking below ground, as they should. The ghastly parking towers are in the drawings to scare the Nationals' new owner and developers into coughing up the $28 million needed to dig the hole for parking; investors would then get the right to build retail, residential or offices above the garage." His Raw Fisher blog has a follow-up about the column as well. (And gives this site quite the nice shout-out, too.)
Just as a follow-up, last Friday I posted an entry (lost in the stadium avalanche) about a DDOT press release describing the interim work to be done on the Frederick Douglass Bridge this year, including: "In addition two blocks of the elevated viaduct will be removed and replaced with an at-grade roadway, greatly improving the appearance and pedestrian access along South Capitol Street." This means that they'll somehow jigger the ramp (pardon the technical talk) to start/end at Potomac Avenue, rather than O Street, so that the cool knife-edge portion of the stadium won't be nestled next to a viaduct for four years or so. Now this I can't wait to see.
 

More Stadium Design Coverage
More links, in case you're interested: "DC Has Designs on Stadium Site" from the Washington Business Journal, "City Unveils Design for New Stadium" from The Examiner, "Washington Ballpark Design Bucks 'Retro' Trend" from the Associated Press, "This is It?" and "Bland Stadium's Design Simply Another Strikeout" from WashTimes columnists Tom Knott and Deborah Dietsch (they don't like it, apparently ;-) ), and the WashTimes official piece, "Ballpark Plan Goes Public."
More posts: Nationals Park
 

Post Coverage of New Stadium
The Post gives big coverage to the new stadium, with a spread on A1 accompanying the story "Lots of Glass, Capital Views." There are also companion pieces by Post architecture critic Benjamin Forgey (not a big fan of the design) and Sports columnist Thomas Boswell (who thinks it could be a great ballpark if the owners-to-be pony up a bit more dough than is currently budgeted for the project). There's also a huge Sports-front package of illustrations, plus the story "Form Follows Bottom Line", about the financial aspects of the stadium design. Also, David Nakamura, who covers the stadium beat for the Post, will be doing a Live Online Chat Wednesday at 1 pm. And of course, it must be remembered that initial renderings don't always end up being what gets built.... Also note that I've been tweaking my stadium page throughout the day, with additional renderings and photos.
More posts: Nationals Park
 

Stadium Design Unveiled
Mayor Williams has unveiled the design of the new baseball stadium--I've added the renderings to my stadium page. Also, here is the Post piece describing the new stadium, as well as the renderings with descriptions.
UPDATE, 1:23 pm: Here's an AP piece about the design, including reactions from The Usual Suspects.
UPDATE, 2:36 pm: And the MLB.com story.
UPDATE, 2:57 pm: And the mayor's press release, and the DCSEC press release.
UPDATE, 4:37 pm: "Just a Nats Fan" Miss Chatter has some pictures from the unveiling, including photos of renderings from angles other than the four that have been released. Hopefully those will be posted on the DCSEC site before long (they seem to have made room for them!).
UPDATE, 6:50 pm: Take the stadium virtual tour.
UPDATE, 11:08 pm: Belatedly, here's the WashTimes "online exclusive" piece today on the stadium.

More posts: Nationals Park
 

Tantalizing Hints About Stadium Design
Can't make it until 11 am Tuesday? Watch the video report on the new stadium from NBC 4, which has one very brief animation of the inside of the stadium, along with discussion from those who have seen the design. Remember, it ain't gonna be Camden Yards.
More posts: Nationals Park
 

New Page; New Photos; New Slideshows
Here today, I am righting a wrong that has left me filled with guilt for years--I'm finally adding a page on my site about the Earth Conservation Corps's Old Capitol Pumphouse location, tucked away between Florida Rock and WASA on the edge of the Anacostia River. See the ECC's own web site for more information about what this group does for local youngsters and also for the river. (They certainly will have a front-row seat to the stadium!) And while I was out, I snapped a couple of shots to add to the WASA page as well as the Capper Seniors page, with construction on both #1 and #2 proceeding along. I also updated the Capper Seniors #1 slideshow. Just because.
UPDATE: I got on a slideshow roll this afternoon, and updated and enlarged the three existing ones (DOT, Capper Seniors #1, and Capitol Hill Tower), and then added two more Capitol Hill Tower slide shows, including one of the project's southeast corner, so you can watch the Star Market go from stand-alone to oppressed neighbor. So go play with them.

 

First Stadium Evictions Ordered
WTOP reports that Judge Zeldon "has granted the D.C. government possession of land for the new baseball stadium, clearing the way for construction to begin." The ruling says that the landowners must vacate the properties no later than March 27. As I understand it (it's not clear from this article, but I believe all will be revealed by late this evening), this ruling covers only 5 of the 16 properties seized by eminent domain. UPDATE: Here is the Post story, "5 Landowners Ordered to Quit Stadium Site." Alas, no graphic to go with the Post story, so you'll just have to deal with my incredibly low-tech map showing which parcels are referenced in today's order. The story also says the stadium's design will be unveiled by Mayor Bow Tie on Tuesday. UPDATE II: Here's the Washington Blade piece on the evictions, written from the standpoint that the O Street clubs were not part of this eviction order.

More posts: Nationals Park
 

More on New South Capitol Street Bridge and Street Improvements
There's more links and information available now about the possible designs unveiled on Wednesday for the new South Capitol Street Bridge.You can see fun 3D videos of the different designs at the South Capitol Street Bridge Study site. (Do you think we can infer from the number of different videos available for each option that the "Cable Stayed Swing Bridge" might be the designers' favorite?) There is also a press release from DDOT, saying that there will be a community meeting in April to solicit comments on the design, and also to give an update on the project. The draft Environmental Impact Statement will be released in June. And, a bit more detail on the interim work that will be done on the existing bridge: "Starting this summer, the bridge will be rehabilitated to ensure its continued safety and use. The work includes new lighting, better sidewalks and a new coat of paint. In addition two blocks of the elevated viaduct will be removed and replaced with an at-grade roadway, greatly improving the appearance and pedestrian access along South Capitol Street." Wow, wonder how that's gonna work?
 

Blade Story on O Street Clubs
With the stadium now a certainty, the Washington Blade piece "Eviction Imminent for O Street Gay Clubs" discusses councilmember Graham's plan to petition the zoning commission for a one-time waver of zoning rules to allow gay entertainment clubs displaced by a new baseball stadium to move to new locations. More tidbits: Club Washington's closing (mentioned in this entry) was because the building's owner reached an agreement to sell the property to the city rather than continuing to fight the eminent domain seizure. Also, apparently Judge Zeldon said at the hearing on evictions two weeks ago that she would give businesses 10 days to vacate the properties at the time she issues the eviction order (the article says she is expected to do so in the next week or two). And this somewhat surprising comment toward the end, referring to club owner Robert Siegel, who has been offered $7 million for his properties but is going to court to fight for a higher amount: "Some critics say that Siegels push for more money and his claim of the citys reported failure to seriously help him relocate his businesses may be insincere." Meow!
 

ANC 6D March Meeting Agenda
It hasn't been posted on their web site yet, but the agenda for Tuesday's ANC 6D meeting has a couple Near Southeast-related items: recommendations by Development Committee on Closing Of Public Alleys In Square 743N, a presentation by the DC Preservation League on a possible Historic Designation of Navy Yard Car Barn, i.e., the "Blue Castle" (the case is coming before the DC Historic Preservation Review Board on March 23); and a presentation of the 11th Street Bridges study. It's at 7 pm Tuesday, at 65 I Street SW. UPDATE: I've been told that additional items have been added, both of which are Near Southeast-related: a request for support by the Van Ness Elementary principal to keep the school open (I've heard in the past that it would be closing, but that it would be temporary, maybe things have changed?), and an update from the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission about the new baseball stadium. Also, here are the minutes from the February meeting.
 

Last Call on O Street
An article in MetroWeekly (DC's Gay and Lesbian Magazine) says that the Club Washington bathhouse has now closed, having received an eviction notice on Feb. 28 (not from the city, but for nonpayment of rent). But with the stadium now a go, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the gay-themed businesses on O Street close. MetroWeekly also has "Last Call on O Street," a Flash presentation that takes "one last look at some of the faces of O Street."
More posts: Nationals Park
 

Today's Stadium Stories
Nothing much new in the Post's "A Red-Cap Day for Williams"--Tony's happy, David Catania's unhappy, stadiums spur economic development, yadda yadda yadda...
More posts: Nationals Park
 

Concept Designs for New South Capitol Street Bridge
WTOP reports on four possible designs for the new South Capitol Street Bridge. The article is somewhat confusing (although maybe it's my stadium hangover), but it does say that construction of the "moveable" bridge won't begin until 2011 (for non-bridge-o-philes like me, "moveable" means a drawbridge, not that the bridge itself will move--the bridge needs to be able to allow ships to reach the Navy Yard). However, the existing bridge also needs work so that it can remain in service while the new bridge is built. There's also mention of a "first phase" that will convert South Capitol Street from an expressway to a boulevard--I think that's the improvements to South Capitol Street that are coming this summer, not as a beginning phase of construction in 2011. (I'd tell you more about the plans for work on South Capitol Street this summer, but alas the DDOT web site doesn't have anything, at least not that I can find.) And, if you use the bridge frequently, be prepared, the article says that it's possible it will have to be closed during August 2006. More as I find out.
 

Everyone's an Architect!
Here we go! Time to play the Stadium Design Guessing Game, this time courtesy of Thomas Boswell's column: "'I hope the new park looks like the rest of the city with all the pillars and white stone,' said [veteran reliever Joey] Eischen. 'Go to the stadium and it would be a little bit like walking into the Lincoln Memorial, but it's your ballpark. Fans would love it. 'Come check it out.' Even Robinson could not resist playing what will soon be Washington's leading parlor game: amateur stadium architect. 'I hope our new ballpark sets a new trend and doesn't just follow one,' said Robinson. 'When Dodger Stadium arrived, I think it was the first big league park that looked out into the landscape -- at the [San Gabriel] mountains. Royals Stadium [in Kansas City] felt unique with the waterfalls. Camden Yards set a new direction, too.Just so long as you can see the U.S. Capitol from some spot in the ballpark, that's all people will talk about. When the new San Francisco ballpark opened, everybody raved about the views [of the Bay]. Well, you had to go in the upper deck to see the water. But that's what you heard about. Just make sure you can see the Capitol from some seats.'"

More posts: Nationals Park
 
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