savoy school, etc

While I still have yet to receive any clear word on what exactly the extent of the renovations/rebuilding at Savoy Elementary is, the construction fences have gone up:



Looks like a good team. Bowie Gridley Architects has done a lot of private school design projects in the past, as well as the Thurgood Marshall Academy right next door. Sigal Construction has overseen its fair share of educational projects.

Update 6/25/08, from the DCRA's list of approved building permits:
"ADDITION AND RENOVATION TO EXISTING 1960 PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING. ADDITIONS INCLUDE A NEW GYM, UNDERGROUND GARAGE, AND..." (description is cut off)



Also adjecent to the new Savoy School is the Carver Theater project (building with big chimney, above). Right now I am extremely hesitent about this project, both because it has taken way longer than originally planned, and because now these windows look way cheap:





Maybe I will be proven wrong, but right now it isn't looking like it will be the awesome contributing building when finished that I have been hoping for. ...crossing my fingers, though.

photos by DG-rad

sort of stadium news

- See Update Below -

The CityPaper has the scoop, but here is the abstract:

- more than a dozen people were laid off last week from the Washington offices of MacFarlane Partners (developer / owner of DC United)

- [among those laid off] is Linda Mercado Greene, the former top aide to Marion Barry who became MacFarlane’s VP for public affairs and community relations in the summer of 2006

Of course, this does not necessarilly mean that DC won't get the stadium. Does make you wonder why people are losing their jobs, though, as well as what it means for a new stadium anywhere in the region. The company does not have a separate office in Maryland.

---

UPDATE, 7:53 P.M.: The positions being cut, 14 of them, were not in the D.C. office only, Chase says, but also included the New York and San Francisco offices. As for Greene, she says, MacFarlane “no longer has a need for the role that Linda Greene was filling in D.C.,” which included responsibility for securing support for the soccer stadium. But Chase says that Greene has been offered a position with D.C. United itself “that would allow her to continue to focus on the team’s stadium in DC and Prince George’s County.”

Also, more from the Washington Business Journal

Development at Poplar Point, please

The Washington Business Journal has a front page article this morning on how a variety of groups from the other side of the Anacostia River (not our side) are teaming up to try to "save" Poplar Point from being developed.

Pretty ridiculous, as the one thing that both Washington generally and Anacostia specifically has in complete abundance is waterfront parkland. The thing we do not have enough of is waterfront development. Also, Anacostia desperately needs to be reconnected to the water, not remain disconnected as it is now thanks to Interstate 295.

I guess we can consider this the start of a new campaign:
Yes! to Development at Poplar Point!

graphic by DG-rad

Dr. Ralph M. Stokes, Dentist

Has anyone ever been inside?



Although I am not necessarilly drawn to the building as a place to have dental work done, I like the small-town feel of it. I'm also glad they painted over the formstone.

Savoy Court Condos

- Sponsored Post -



I had a chance to tour the Savoy Court condos this week up in Congress Heights. Located at 210 Oakwood Street SE, the building is literally right on the other side of St. Elizabeth’s from Anacostia, so I consider it to be part of the big picture of what is going on over here. It is so encouraging to see projects like this, because they really speak to the true investment and quality of development that is taking place on this side of the river. Savoy Court is a stone’s throw from the Anacostia Naval Station and Bolling Air Force Base (the original building was first developed as “off-base” housing), which makes it ideal for people working there. It is also extremely accessible because it is just a few blocks up the hill from 295 (but not close enough that you can hear it), which easily zips you into Alexandria, downtown DC, etc.

One thing I usually look for in development projects is the balance between standing out and fitting in with surrounding properties. As my pictures prove, this building has great curb appeal, and achieves it without being the total design outlier of the block.



Named after the Savoy Jazz label, the building is filled with classy black and white photos as well as original works of art – definitely not something I have seen much of in conversion projects over here.



It also has some pretty unique features, as far as offerings this side of the Anacostia go: a gym in the building, one and two-car garages in the building itself, video security on the building’s exterior, and a sweet roof deck. Honestly, if you want my vote on almost any project (generalizing here), slap on a roof deck. They are amazing.







The units themselves are quite nice. There are a handful that are still being built out, so I was able to see the comparison between the old and new. Let’s just say it’s nice to see that so much work has been done to make these condos a whole lot nicer than they were before. I am not the only one that noticed, either. The development was named by the Washington Business Journal as one of the “Best Real Estate Deals of 2007” in the Rehab/Renovation/Re-use category. Finished with great cabinets, cool countertops, and a whole lot of light, the units range in size from efficiency studios to two-bedrooms, and in price from $149,000 to $249,000. If you buy early enough, you have the option of paint colors and hardwood floor stains.









For more information on purchasing, visit www.savoycourt.com or contact Helene Debardeleben of McWilliams / Ballard at 202-561-3644 or hdebardeleben@mcwilliamsballard.com.

Also, you should definitely check out the building this Saturday for Jazz, BBQ (Red Hot & Blue), and tours. The music will be by DC-native Nasar Abadey, and the event is from 12-3pm. Click Here to RSVP on the building's website.

Demolition Progress

It's getting pretty ridiculous(ly exciting):


this machine has been chomping away


blue skies


the depth of the buildings


almost a strange optical illusion

Last week the workers finished re-mortaring the brick facades that will be saved:





photos by DG-rad

E.H. Norton on Anacostia

DC Congresswoman (non-voting) Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke with a few local bloggers (unfortunately I got stuck in a downpour on my bike) on Saturday, and according to Prince of Petworth and DC Metrocentric, she talked some about our neck of the woods, saying that we are definitely the next hub of development, and that the new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security at the St. Elizabeth's campus will be the Federal Government's first real investment east of the Anacostia River.

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

Consultants Advise Against Metro HQ Move to Anacostia

From the Associated Press:

Metro consultants are advising against relocating the transit agency's downtown D.C. headquarters to Anacostia or Prince George's County, saying the move would be too expensive.

Metro consultant Eric Smart told the board of directors Thursday that selling the downtown office and constructing a new one would cost the cash-strapped agency as much as $69 million.

While this is definitely a setback, I don't see it as the nail in the coffin. In any case, DC Government agencies aren't always the best revitalizers, so hopefully this means something better will eventually be developed in its place. Never loved the "will look very dated five years from now" design, either. Bitter? No, I just don't see this as bad news.

photo courtesy of the DMPED's site

Final Library Design Meeting Tonight!

If you are interested in what the new library will look like and how it will contribute to the urban structure of our neighborhood, this is the meeting to attend!

When:

Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 6:00 P.M.

Where:

Anacostia Interim Library, 1800 Good Hope Road, S.E. at 18th Street, S.E.

What:

The DC Public Library is hosting its last Community Meetings regarding the design of the Anacostia Library. Not sure if they will be asking for more input, or simply giving an update, but it should be well worth it.

Hope to see you there!

old yeller

one of my favorite houses in Anacostia:


love the porch, love the tall shutters, love the scale, love that they are restoring it with quality materials.

houses on Valley Place

Around 1855:


Yesterday, 2008:


The identical simple forms still stand, in various stages of restoration and disrepair. One of the houses was featured for being among those given historic renovation grants.

This one, at 1326 Valley Place, is for sale:

needs a lot of help / has a ton of potential
(Reminder: this is 3 miles from the US Capitol)

old photo courtesy of the DC Historical Society

salvation army update

Definitely looking better with the glass in. I like the contrast of the aqua glass with the orange bricks:




Still eager to learn what retail tenant (please let it be retail) will take the ground floor.

about "sponsored posts"

Just a quick word about the "Sponsored Posts" thing. This isn't in response to any negativity towards the sponsored posts, but just wanted to keep you all in the loop. I posted the first one last week, and will post these every so often. One of the great things about this part of the city is that there are a lot of development projects going up, and while most of the time I will just comment myself, with my own positive or negative opinion on what's coming, this format provides the chance to show off some of the developments along with actual prices and features.

I'm definitely not selling out, so don't get the impression that this is at all now a sponsored blog. It isn't, and won't be. I want this to be an honest resource for All Things Anacostia / Greater "Far Southeast", so won't accept offers that compromise the site's purpose.

And don't worry, I try to be as straightforward as I can about developments, so will not be sugar-coating projects that I think are out of place or cheaply built. Hold me to that.

Industrial Bank - Confirmed

It has been semi-confirmed for a little while now, but these new Industrial Bank window signs at Anacostia Gateway give the confirmation some extra oomph:





At least banks seem to see the sense in opening up in Anacostia. And while I wish other retail would follow suit, it will be nice to see that space filled.

I also got confirmation that a non-profit will be taking the corner retail space. Big disappointment, but again, it's better filled than empty, and the time will definitely come - soon - when we have some quality restaurants over here.

sweet new(ish) tree boxes


- - -

yep, definitely time for this to go and for the Department of Transportation building to be built.

photos by DG-rad

definition of anacostia

old, new
rejected, restored
forgotten, reminded
worn, refreshed

1300 Block of Good Hope

does anyone have the scoop on these one/two buildings? I think they are part of the Gatepost thing next door, but not sure since nothing has really happened with them for about a year...

ps- digging the guy with the balloon

photo by DG-rad

now that the weather is getting nice, a quick stroll through the neighborhood can give you a great feel for the area. I noticed this garden for the first time today - and the woman who lives there told me she has been working on it for over 20 years!

- Perfect example of what I love about Anacostia -





all photos by DG-rad

goodbye, Library!

the old Anacostia Neighborhood Library is [almost] no longer.

view from Good Hope Road:


view from 18th Street:

no soccer legislation

Just a quick update to say that no legislation was introduced yesterday regarding a soccer stadium at Poplar Point, despite rumors that this would happen June 3rd.

Eaton Place Condominiums

- Sponsored Post -



The Eaton Place condos are tucked away between MLK Ave and the soon-to-be completely redeveloped Barry Farms community. Approaching the building, located at 1500 Eaton Place SE, it becomes immediately apparent that special care has been taken to make it stand out: bright yellow paint, neatly planted shrubs, and a freshly-paved parking lot. It is a nice respite from the unpainted brick that tends to take over in many areas.



I think I've just seen too many botched condo conversions, because when the developer led me inside I was actually surprised to see that all the finishes looked really great, and that care had been taken to ensure that each unit felt spacious, stylish, and classy all at the same time. Yes, I know this is a sponsored post and you're thinking I have to be positive, but in all honesty the units look pretty awesome.





One of the first things I always check for in Anacostia buildings is the view. And this is a major place that Eaton Place delivers. Situated on the hill leading up to St. Elizabeth's, the views from these condos are spectacular, and pretty different even than the views from historic Anacostia. Parts of the view that I loved most: Arlington Cemetery and the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, Buzzards Point, and the monumental core. Seeing the Jefferson Memorial from this perspective was something I had never really thought about before.





Features include:
- Spacious 3 and 4 Bedrooms (all with 2 Baths) starting at $293,900
- Walk to Anacostia Metro and (future) Homeland Security HQ
- Panoramic view of monumental core, Rivers, and VA
- Includes two parking spots in gated lot
- Gated building with electronic video entry system
- Gourmet kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, side-by-side fridge
- Master bath with stone tiles and jetted tub
- Flat-screen TV at closing. Low condo fees. Closing help.

For sales, contact Remax agent Hazel Shakur at 202-669-6310.