Happenings at Anacostia Square

rendering courtesy of AEDC

Anacostia Square is one of those projects in anacostia that when it begins construction will really spark development interest in the historic district. Jointly developed by Douglas Development and the Anacostia EDC (AEDC), the mixed-use project at the corner of MLK and Good Hope is slated to be over 265,000 Square Feet, and will do a ton to change the image of downtown Anacostia. What stands there now are about 6 crumbling buildings, none of which appear to have any tenants.


photo courtesy of flickr user PGCist

The top image is the only rendering I could find of the development. It looks okay--albeit a lit-tle suburban. My main concern has been for the old buildings it would replace. Some of those fears have been assuaged by last month's DC Historic Preservation Review Board meeting, but it looks like only the three facades shown above will be saved:

ANACOSTIA HISTORIC DISTRICT

1909-1913 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, HPA #06-xxx, revised concept/demolition and façade stabilization.

The Board approved the proper shoring of the facades and the subsequent demolition of the party walls, and the remaining framing and the removal of debris. The applicant and its assigns are required to retain, record, maintain and keep secure the facades. Further, the owner will appropriately rehabilitate them within the context of a new project subject to further Board review and discuss further with the Board the condition of its other properties located within historic districts. Finally, the project is delegated to staff for permit review of the demolition and shoring. Vote 8-0.

link to the Original document

Crossing my fingers that this latest vote means that Anacostia Square is actually happening!