Let the MLK transformation begin!

the blog DC Metrocentric totally scooped me on this, but there is a great new building under construction at 2345 MLK Ave, about a block from the Anacostia metro station.


looking north on MLK Ave


inside one of the uber-chic residential units

The building will be completely mixed use: retail on the ground floor, with medical offices and residences above. Obviously this building is not in the historic district, but it looks like it will be a really cool addition to the neighborhood. I love it when developers don't skimp on architecture, and this design by Boston's Höweler + Yoon is pretty stunning.

It's projects like this that are going to lift Anacostia. Big cheer.

Click Here to see some of architect Eric Höweler's photos of the site preparation earlier this week

Updated Library Design

Last night's meeting was interesting -- mostly because the Freelon Group (architects) had updated renderings, with a few new design elements included. Most notably is a giant "A" in the vertical portion of the facade, as well as a new green color scheme. Not sure I dig the bright green, as it seems a little glaring for a reading environment, but I like how striking it appears. Hopefully it won't get too value engineered.

Looking up Good Hope Road:


Looking Down Good Hope Road:


What it looks like now:

Are they planning to underground the utility lines? I certainly hope so, and the renderings assume as much.

The architects have already won a 2008 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects for the design, in the "unbuilt" category. I'm looking forward to seeing this thing come out of the ground. But, as with any uber-modern design (is it really, or does it look like it was built in the 1960s.. can't tell), I can only hope that it won't be irrelevant in five or ten years. To really last, buildings must be designed to be loved for a long time.

photos by DG-rad

re: that building on the corner

I think it is kind of telling that I opened the "Meet Anacostia Gateway" post with a picture of the view from the building, and that I closed it with actual pictures of the exterior. It isn't hard to see that the building is not exactly showstopping or jawdrop gorgeous architecture. I know that I and many others wish it had more character and variation-- but the real news here is, for better or worse, what it represents: new investment in Anacostia, hundreds of new people coming into the neighborhood, and the potential for new retail.

Architecture and symbolism can work together beautifully: one example is the redevelopment of Columbia Heights, minus DC-USA (each word is linked to a different photo), but it is up to the developers, the city, and the resident stakeholders to demand that. We are glad for Anacostia Gateway, but expect better as our neighborhood's redevelopment and regeneration continues.

the pnc bank:

as far as neighborhood-branch banks go, this one on MLK and U Street is pretty spectacular:

the blue house, etc

This is one of my all-time favorite houses in Anacostia:

the porch fan and slick set of wheels help set it apart

And this building at 2022 MLK Ave will make a magnificent restaurant or bar one day:


It's fascinating to actually take time to look at each building -especially along the main street corridors- in Anacostia. They are all so different, yet easily hide behind the veil of vacancy.