DC Metrocentric

Though definitely not the first in the District, once complete the new Justice Park development in Columbia Heights will be one of only a handful of specifically designed buildings for the hearing impaired. The 28 unit building designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, will have many specific features for the deaf including open floor plans to facilitate visual communication and signing as well as lots of natural lighting.

The plans also include video entrance systems for the points of entry to “buzz people in” and the fire alarm system will feature powerful strobe lights. Interestingly the building was designed to rent out to individuals and families who meet affordable housing requirements, and so will be available to anyone, however, the developers will be heavily marketing to those who will benefit most from the very specifically designed spaces.

[Rendering: Grimm + Parker Architects]

We did a little bit of an early check in on Garfield Park in Clarendon which is nearing completion and it is shaping up to be very true to form from the original renderings. Having just broken ground last year, and topped off last November, the exterior brick facades are mostly complete now and look really nice.

Notably the pavilion domed structure on the corner (something you see often in Europe) was preserved from the plan and it will be interesting to see how it is used once complete, as well as what retail is going to occupy the large two story arched window bays.

[Photo: DCMetrocentric]

There has been a lot of progress along 14th street over the last few months including at the intersection with S Street on the new development The District. The exterior finishing is almost done, so check out the rendering below of what it’s going to look like once it finishes up later this year.

[Photo: Rockcreek]

Back in 2010 we first got a look at the Hickok Cole designed ArtSpace and the affordable, rental live/work studios for working artists ended up opening looking pretty much exactly like the renderings (short of a few things), what do you think?

[Rendering: Hickok Cole]

Having broken ground last year, the 360° H Street project along the the Western end of the NE H Street corridor is well underway. The development is transforming what was a long vacant lot into a big mixed use development with 212 residential units, over 46,000 sq-ft of retail and 270 below grade parking spaces.

The corner space is hopefully going to be the planned grocery store, check out the rendering of what the finished building is going to look like after the jump…

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We got all excited a few years ago when the District announced plans to completely redevelop the Hill East area into a cohesive new mixed use neighborhood, but since then with the contracting development market unfortunately not much has happened. As a result, the District is scaling back the plans and now plans to issue a new smaller solicitation for a much smaller section of the 62 acres site nearest to the Armory and Stadium.

This type of segmentation makes sense, but hopefully they will take into consideration a larger master plan to allow for the eventual redevelopment of the entire area without many constraints from the incremental first phase. In fact there is still an opportunity to do this since all the proposed developments included a phased approach. Plans are to get the new solicitation out by the end of the Summer, so at least things are starting to roll again!

[Renderings: Vornado/Charles E. Smith]

With construction underway over the last two years, things are finally starting to finish up at 425 L St in Mt Vernon with the exterior and windows all but finished. Once complete, the building designed by the Architect’s Collaborative will feature 390 Meridian branded rental units and significantly add to the areas night time population.

[Photos: DCMetrocentric]

The Eastern Market Metro Community Association got a look at the latest on the Hine School project in the form of a brand new 3D model. The developers Stanton-Eastbanc have the model currently on display in Hill Center Reception Room if you are interested in taking a closer look and now that most of the approvals for the design have been granted, this is probably going to end up close to what’s actually built.

[Credit: Stanton-Eastbanc via EMMCA]

A look at the areas most interesting and impressive outdoor spaces.

This nice looking field stone colonial in Observatory Circle has a lot going for it on the inside but it’s what is outside on the 14,000 sq-ft lot that is really impressive! The property has some great looking outdoor space including gardens, a new pool, fountains, and a pergola.

Much of the surrounding outdoor space is conveniently accessible from multiple rooms on the first floor. The property has been on the market for about two months and is holding steady at the list price of $4,125,000.

Check out a bunch more great shots after the jump…

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A look at the areas most interesting and impressive outdoor spaces.

On the market for a just over four months, this 1950s Georgian has a lot going for it with seven bedrooms, a conservatory, and a hand painted dinning room mural… but what’s really impressive (and worthy of the multi million dollar price tag) is the outdoor space! Straight out of the pages of home and garden is an amazing stone terrace leading to an exquisite garden and koi pond.

In warmer weather this would make one heck of a party space! A bunch more envy worth photos after the jump plus the floorplan for good measure…

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The 66 unit condo development in Shaw at 7th and P Streets has now got the approval it needs to move forward on the initial concept presented to the ANC this week! So of course that means it’s time to take a look at the renderings… at first glance we think the facade composition is fairly interesting but it is all going to come down to what materials they settle on using in the final design.

[Rendering: PGN Architects]

Once again, the Washingtonian is reporting out on the Top Home Sales for the area and in addition to the two big huge record setting estate sales in Georgetown, there was a lot of big deals this past year!

Our fearless Redskins helped generate some real estate deals with former Redskin Clinton Portis selling in McLean for $1.7 million (at a loss no less since he bought it seven years ago for $2 million). Current Redskin Oshiomogho Atogwe bought a five-bedroom, seven-bath home in Leesburg for $1.1 million (pictured) after signing a five year deal with the team in March.

Controversial former attorney general John Ashcroft and wife Janet sold a four-bedroom, three-bath townhouse on Colonial Terrace in Arlington for $1.1 million.

Former Obama appointees Shere Abbott and James Steinberg sold a four-bedroom, four-bath Colonial on Morrison Street in Chevy Chase DC for $1.2 million.

Former DC based Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby closed for $2.2 million on the sale of his brick four-bedroom, five-bath Federal row-house in Georgetown.

Still on the market though for a cool $5.2 million… the Georgetown home of embattled former head of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

[Photo: Washingtonian by David Pipkin]

With leasing at the new 425 L Street development underway and the construction almost complete, Mt Vernon’s residential population is about to grow by 390 units. Designed by Architect’s Collaborative, the rental apartments will be a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

No word on the street level retail, but of course the building will feature a rooftop pool deck! [Photo: David Gaines]

New pictures from Foundry Lofts’ newest Model unit now open and as you can imagine there is lots of really stylish furniture and decorations, exposed concrete, super high ceilings, and giant “loft” like windows abound.We kinda want that leather cube ottoman… anyone know where to get one?

More photos after the break…

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The empty lot at 1932 9th Street, NW right off U Street has sat empty for a few years with plans like the one below for artist lofts circulated but to no avail. Now we got word that the developer is again taking a swing and going before the Historic Preservation Board with a new slightly smaller scale design for the project.

We just hope it maintains the colorful appeal of the old design which will fit right in on a street that has many brightly colored and interesting facades. What do you think? [Rendering: Inscape Studio]