Now that EYA's townhomes in the Navy Yard area are selling and construction is moving along, the developer is setting its sights on the planned townhome project for Brookland's St. Paul's College. Coming off their May 2009 Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval, EYA is finalizing the architecture and engineering plans to move forward with permit applications. Designed by the Lessard Group, the new townhouse development, according to the developer, should begin construction in summer of 2010, with sales beginning as soon as May 2010. VIKA, Inc. is the project engineer.The 237 single-family units will be built on approximately half of the 20 acres, abutting the Trinity and Catholic campuses along 5th and 6th Streets NE. The townhouses will range in sizes from 14 to 18 feet wide and including between 1,400 and 2,100 s.f., selling between $450,000 and $550,000, with 28 units set aside as affordable housing.
Jack Lester, EYA Vice President, estimated the total cost of the project will come in at a hefty $100 million. When asked about the purchase price, Lester was unwilling to disclose an exact amount but indicated that it was based on a "complicated formula;" the developer paid a fixed amount up front, with a formula for additional payments based on sales. EYA is currently under contract to purchase the property; sales and construction will start after settlement in May of 2010EYA originally won out over a field of 12 to 15 other developers who responded to a solicitation of interest put forth on behalf of the Paulist order, which plans to retain ten acres that include the school and offices. Lester said his team bested its rivals because the property owners would be a more "sensitive" neighborh; the Paulists apparently prefer to look out on 237 townhouses, rather than commercial space or a residential property with more build out.
Lester added that with all of the "exciting things happening" in the area, EYA was glad "to be part of the vibrant community."
8 comments:
Will "affordable" mean 80k-110k income again? I was too poor to get into their "affordable" housing auction in Cap Hill.
this is a damn nice looking project!
Forgive me for my cynical expectation that the reality just won't match the renderings. It's very expensive to do historicism correctly, and I'm skeptical that a project in this location (just a few blocks from the notorious-for-good-reason Edgewood Terrace) at this time (a recession, remember?) can possibly support such design.
Moreover, much of the development strikes me as weird, urbanistically. The southern side makes sense for rowhouses, because it extends (and will probably improve) an existing rowhouse neighborhood. But at the north & east sides, the townhouse bars will be dense little islands amid the open spaces of various Catholic institutions (Holy Redeemer College to the east, Catholic Reporter to the north). Seems like condo buildings--of a scale and perhaps general appearance of university buildings--would have been a better choice.
Skidrowe, I appreciate the skepticism, but check out EYA's work - they've done incredible projects in the DC area, most of their work blends seamlessly into the surrounding context. I, too, would be cynical if a subpar developer were in charge here, but that's not the case. Also, regarding location, the St. Paul's campus is very serene and it appears as though they're really utilizing it. With Abdo's planned retail only a couple blocks away I believe this area of Brookland 'west of the tracks' is going to be a great place.
As someone who has 19 years experience in this neighborhood I am thrilled to see such a quality project coming to the area. This is a good area which is underserved and needs more quality residential in order to attract more than corner stores and liquor stores which pull down the quality of life here. This is the same developer that turned the old Children's Hospital site at 13th and V NW from a wasteland to a vibrant community.
The eya townhouses attached to the national park seminary in MD are kind of a nod toward the historic elements of that property. Rather than being special designs specific to the existing architecture they are eya's usual town houses very slightly repackaged on the exterior to hint at their surroundings. Not so great to me. Same with their waterfront endeavor. This is most likely what will happen at St. Paul's.
Well I'ma fan of EYA's work they can back their claims. This will be a great addition to the Edgewood Neighborhood.
I like them too and I really like the Capitol Quarter town houses in the waterfront area. Maybe they're not very spectacular on the outside but they do offer more value than any of the condos in the area. They're helping jumpstart a neighborhood that promises to be quite a good investment.
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