Since we now only had to research four proposals, instead of seven, we thought we would show you a preview of what to expect:
The Arts at 5th and I (Holland-Donohoe): A Shalom Baranes-designed creation (rendering below) that would reach 120 feet in height, with a swanky ME by Melia, a Spanish hotel chain opening their first venue in the States. Sitting on top of the 174-unit hotel would be a 96 unit residence, and underground (alleviating noise issues) would sport Boisdale, a London-based live jazz club.
Buccini/Pollin: With master Architect Sorg & Associates, BPG is planning a 130-foot, 12-story building that would house not just one but two hotels: A 186-room Aloft hotel and 128-bed Element hotel, sitting on top of a two-story, 30,000-s.f. entertainment venue called World Cafe Live.
JBG: No catchy name yet, but with design by New York-based FXFOWLE (we're not being obnoxious, they spell it in all caps), the project would include a 230-bed hotel, 187 market rate residences, 34 subsidized residential units, and 44,000 s.f. of retail/commercial space "appropriately scaled to serve the community" with "priority to local retailers." In addition to the subject parcel, JBG will add its contract negotiations with the sellers of adjacent parcels, upping the space that could be developed.
i5 (Potomac Investment Properties): And since it looks like a hotel is destined to occupy the site, PIP is proposing a 79-room Avalon hotel - an independent four-star hotel now in Portland and, it claims, only the 7th LEED certified hotel on the planet. Capping the hotel would be 84 units of mixed income apartments, some of which would be dedicated to artists who would live, work, and just plain be creative on site. Designed by Martinez & Johnson Architecture, the whole building would be designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating. But forget environmentalism, Constantine Stavropolous - owner of Tryst, Open City, and the Diner - would open a fourth retail venue on site (we don't want to bias the decision makers, but they make the only good cappuccino in the city). The scrupulous reader has already realized that PIP has a far smaller total unit count, an intentional decision that building the project as Matter of Right, rather than seeking zoning changes, would allow it to start the project 'within a year' of gaining control of the site.
6 comments:
What happened to the House of Blues opening on that site? That would have really put DC on the map!
A chain store would put DC on the map? Beg to differ. I think DC is on the map, locally, nationally, and internationally, and I don't think a big chain would make an ounce of difference. Looks like each has some cool proposals, I look forward to seeing if the winner can make it reality. Its a dead spot, and any of these would be a vast improvement.
You're right! I know DC is on the map but I just want HOB in our city so we can be in that exclusive group of cities that already have one. If not at 5th & I, maybe the old convention center site would be a good place.
there are a TON of cities in the world that have dave & busters, or burger kings, or cheesecake factorys.
who cares? if the place that's there is cool and unique, why would it have to be a chain?
HOB doesn't fit on the site due to loading issues, parking, column spacing. Furthermore they were no willing to work with a non-HOB brand hotel flag. And other hotels did not like working with HOB.
The final nail in the coffin is the HOB lease was negotiated with the mayor at a below market rate, making the deal impossible
Fortunately, the 9:30 Club is only ten blocks north. That venue is 'distinctly' D.C.
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