Before the shovels have even hit the dirt, 3DG has invited DC restaurateur John Andrade to operate a new two-story restaurant out of the ground floor and below-grade level. Andrade, current owner of Asylum in Adams Morgan, plans to open Meridian Pint in the new building, which will offer American "comfort-food," a "generous vegetarian/vegan section," and downstairs lounge area.
Along with housing Meridian Pint, the new building at 3400 11th Street will also offer office space on the second floor; half of which will be occupied by 3DG and the other half of which will house Solimar International, a DC-based sustainable tourism consultant.
The building itself has been vacant for six years, formerly serving as a liquor and grocery store. According to 3DG, the current structure is "low-slung and out of scale with the rest of the neighborhood." Accordingly, the firm claims it will "transform the prominent corner by applying a modern design language" and "[insert] a second story, set back some 22 feet." 3DG also plans to add an "object wall" which will serve as a 'dramatic design element' within the structure, and catch the eyes of passersby.
"There are so many aspects of this project that we're proud of...Bringing such a fantastic restaurant to the 11th Street corridor. And, we hope, raising the bar for architectural design in the area," said 3DG CEO John Goldman. On the topic of design, Goldman went on talk about the building's 'level of green'. "While we're not going to be going for a LEED certification, we will be building it as sustainably as possible."
Although the ceremonial groundbreaking is taking place on the 15th, actual construction can generally be expected to start within the month, according to Goldman. 3DG plans to deliver later this year.
Washington DC retail news
22 comments:
Wow, ugly!
Wow! That huge black/gray wall is perfect for tagging.
i personally really like the black wall. I love the idea of sitting next to it sipping something.
Design review! I....need.....design review! I....cant'....go...on....
-croak.
Wait. I thought they were demolishing the old building? This just looks like a big black (why??) wall and second story are slapped on to the original hideous building. Am I missing something?
fugly alert!
fugly alert!
fugly alert!
Come on guys, let's rally! Okay, its not stunning, but it's not bad. Modern yes, but really, I think it will look nice in place. My only question is why they are taking density that was "too low" and adding only one story. Couldn't they build something more??
Being that such a small fries developer owns the property the neighbors should be happy that they are moving ahead w/ anything at all. They could be getting foreclosed on like all of the other band waggon condo speculators and house flippers in your neighborhood... Be happy you are getting a new place to eat!
Normally I'd be against blank walls at street level, but I think this one actually adds to the design. Its small, stands out, and there is no danger of it "deadening" the block.
ug-tastic
Thanks for the post DCRealEstate.Com. We appreciate the comments as well.
With respect to the density question - the building will be tripling in size, maxing out the commercial density there. Unfortunately the site is too small for a PUD and the remaining density was purely residential and at this time we're pleased to not be building apartments.
Thanks,
3DG
I agree with Chris I. Yeah, a big blank wall could look dead, but what else within 3 blocks shows design other than the Wardman-style townhouse design that blankets the area? This will be different - a good thing - and will also be fresh development in a neighborhood that needs it. The developer should get some credit for that, its easy to throw tomatoes anonymously.
Fug nightmare. Flush twice.
You're all so bourgeois and annoying. The design is fresh with some traditional elements that make it more transitional than international in style. The black wall will be a clean and iconic feature that will likely be obscured by street side trees.
that wall isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but i think it's interesting. it has the potential to be a place to install art, etc. i say give it a chance!
will this building have a green roof?
i only hope that i will be able to sit next to that black fortress in the summer sipping a cool drink, and feel the heat radiating from it...
it may not be the most attractive building, but look at the 1st picture then look at the redevelopment - which would you rather around the corner from your house?
I think the wall should be shorter, kind of like the one previous to it. I think they should re-think the color or material. Otherwise, carry one.
Wow, what an atrocity. I'd rather rehab the existing POS than have that.
And, I can't believe I'm being called out for being "bourgeois." That's a first.
Where is the curb appeal? This is almost as bad as the design for the shelter on Georgia avenue. Yeah, it's better than nothing, but is that what we are looking for? This place will get an amazing return on their investment, as there is nothing like it in the neighborhood....can't they do better with the design? Someone please help them!!! Who can we talk to to get them to change their minds?
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