Since January, 2003
 

October 29, 2008

September 7, 2010
4th at River St., Looking West-Southwest (see more)

With the DC apartment market continuing to perform strongly (perhaps even too strongly), and with Near Southeast's existing rental buildings continuing to be successful in attracting tenants, it would seem to follow that developers who have been long planning new residential projects in the neighborhood would be making moves to get their projects underway. And that's what's happening with William C. Smith & Co., which has been working on the initial plans for a 13-story, 430-unit apartment building at 880 New Jersey Ave. SE, just south of the freeway on the southwest corner of their Square 737 site that they've owned since 1999.
WCS isn't ready yet to release renderings of the building, though they did show me an early design by Esocoff and Associates (who also designed Onyx and who are working on Akridge's Half Street residential building), showing a brick/masonry structure with a lot of "articulation" (i.e., not a big flat box) and with double-height windows. Some anticipated amenities include an indoor pool as part of its fitness center (which could also have spinning and yoga rooms), in addition to the now-all-but-standard rooftop pool, and a bicycle entrance to a sizeable storage room separate from the three levels of underground parking. There will also be an interior courtyard that the building wraps around.
One amenity that this building won't have is a Whole Foods Grocery store, after that plan collapsed earlier this spring. There will be a small amount of "convenience" retail (1,500 square feet), on the southeast corner of the building.
There are a couple of items that need to happen before construction can get underway, starting with the move of the Department of Public Works out of their site at New Jersey and K to a new location on Okie Street in Northeast, the construction of which can now proceed thanks to the council passing last week emergency technical legislation allowing a portion of Capper PILOT monies to be used for off-site construction (though another bill still has to pass to actually allocate the funds). Then the DC Housing Authority needs to demolish the trash transfer building (a raze application permit having been filed last week), at which point WC Smith will purchase the portion of the trash transfer site that juts across and north of the I Street footprint, as seen at right; the Smith site is on the right side of the photo.
It is hoped that DPW will relocate by early fall and that DCHA will get the site cleared by the end of 2011; WCS is targeting April 2012 for the start of construction on the building itself, with the project expected to take 24 months. (It should be mentioned here that this is not the apartment building planned for the trash transfer site itself; that will be a Capper mixed-income building, with no current start date announced.)
WCS will also be building the new stretch of I Street that will run between 2nd Street and New Jersey Avenue, as well as punching H Street through to New Jersey on the north end of Square 737. (And no, this won't drive out the horse stables nestled under the freeway just north of H.) They are expecting that the new block of I Street will have two travel lanes, two bike lanes, and two parking lanes. And this stretch of New Jersey Avenue will get the wide landscaped sidewalks that are seen in front of the other new developments on the street.
This is the first phase of Smith's plans for Square 737, seen at left from above, back in 2008. While originally the plan had been for two residential buildings and two office buildings, the current realities of both markets have the company looking toward filling the block with apartments, totalling around 1,200 units in four buildings. (And note that the entire four-building project is "matter of right," so there will be no zoning reviews or PUDs.) They are anticipating greater amounts of retail in the two buildings that will front 2nd Street, near Canal Park and across from 225 Virginia.
If you want to see more photos of Square 737 and get additional background, check my project page and previous posts. And, given that Smith's representatives say that they are "very excited to get started" on the development, hopefully renderings of 880 New Jersey and additional details will be available in the next few months.
While this will be William C. Smith's first apartment project in Near Southeast, they have been committed to the neighborhood for a number of years, having constructed 1100 New Jersey Avenue in 2004 (which is where their offices are). They have also been a big player in the creation of Canal Park, and are part of the Capper PUD team as the developers of the planned 250 M Street office building.
 

See All Current News Items

Comments

F says: (6/20/11 8:37 PM)
JD- Great news all around...except for the lack of a Whole Foods. Any chance WCS will reengage on that? Without it, the only other proposed large grocery store is the prospective Harris Teeter at The Yards.

A Whole Foods would fit nicely into Near SE and would have four new apartment buildings worth of tenants just above them.

JD says: (6/20/11 10:55 PM)
F, I imagine if they thought there were still a chance, they'd be working on it. But they gave not a single hint that there's an opening for the deal to come back together.

By the way, I should just note that a purported rendering of 880 New Jersey that appeared on the web a few weeks ago is about 1 billion percent *not* what the developer showed me today: link . Don't know where they got that rendering, maybe it was for when WCS was trying to lure Homeland Security to Square 737. That drawing is clearly an office building and not a residential building (which is why I never linked to it).


Jim Ed says: (6/21/11 9:39 AM)
JD - I have a question about the land across the street from this; the open space behind the Axiom bounded by NJ ave and 395. Who owns this, and has there ever been a plan for it?


I ask because I saw a guy in a hardhat and construction vest driving around it and periodically getting out and surveying things last night.

JD says: (6/21/11 9:45 AM)
Jim--most of that land (with the exception of the sliver at New Jersey and I, where the parking lot is) is owned by CSX. No plans ever announced, and I doubt there will be anything done with any of it anytime soon.


Jim Ed says: (6/21/11 10:37 AM)
I had a feeling it was CSX related. I hope they aren't turning that area outside my bedroom window into a staging area for the tunnel work...

lester says: (6/21/11 12:27 PM)
One thought... Not having formed any strong opinions one way or the other (and with a lot of details yet announced), I would like to point out that, while the development may be "by right," seeing how some of the land that WC Smith is planning on building on top of is owned by the DC Government ("trash transfer" facility), there should be opportunity for a vigorous public discussion about the project once it is presented.

JD says: (6/21/11 12:39 PM)
The DC government won't own any of the land once the project is underway. As I said in my post, that small sliver will be sold to WC Smith. The bulk of the trash transfer site, south of what will be I Street, is part of the Capper PUD and so when its apartment building comes down the pike, there will be scads and scads of public comment opportunities.


F says: (6/21/11 1:28 PM)
JD,
Will the new section of I ST be open to traffic during construction or will they build it out, but wait until after construction to allow access?

Thanks.

JD says: (6/21/11 2:11 PM)
It won't open until after this first phase of construction is done, is what they told me.


MJM says: (6/21/11 2:26 PM)
At least with a new H and I St that should/hopefully take the pressure off L St.

Why a vigorous discussion once presented? I'm ready to see less surface parking lots and less award winning trash transfer centers in the area. If people in CHT are gonna protest because people lose their view of the Capitol....

Anyway, that area west of NJ Ave is gonna be the staging area for the tunnel. But who knows what it will look like post-tunnel community improvements.

Add a Comment:

Comments are closed for this post.

JDLand Comments RSS Feed

See All Current News Items | Full Blog Archive

 

Now updated for 2013!
JDLand.com's Official Unofficial Guide

Follow jdland on Twitter
Ethical conundrum: Won't be able to watch Mad Men w/ @TheBillWalsh after he gets off work at 11. Do I watch it "live" & pretend I didn't? (7:40 PM 5/19)
RT @GarberDC: So I guess the Ward 6 council seat is officially up for grabs now. (12:38 PM 5/18)
RT @GarberDC: Just in: @BoatingInBoston selected by DMPED to operate kayak rental at Diamond Teague Park just south of ballpark on the Anac… (4:53 PM 5/17)
RT @TheBillWalsh: Cabbie gets busted: A short, satisfying #StopUTurnsOnPenn clip. #bikedc link (10:28 AM 5/17)
RT @CapitolRvrFront: Bikes bikes everywhere @canalparkdc @capitolrvrfront pit stop #btwd2013! link (8:36 AM 5/17)
more tweets
Or, Follow JDLand on
Recent Registered Reader Comments:  
Bruce on Budget News Pt.: Yup, strictly for VN!
Sophia Monster on Budget News Pt.: Der. Thanks. That's great!
JD on Budget News Pt.: No, all $9.8 million is for Van Ness. If you follow the Charles Allen link above, you'll see the ent...
Sophia Monster on Budget News Pt.: Is this $9.8 for a group of schools? Any idea how much would go to VN?
58Model on Budget News Pt.: This could threaten the hood's status as a School Free Drug Zone...
MJM on Osteria Morini Sibling: Wait, what! Nandos is Jul/Aug. Imagine that... :)
Latest News
  
For past mile markers in the neighborhood's evolution,
see my Near Southeast DC Timeline.

Thousands and thousands of photos showing the neighborhood changing. More than 150 buildings no longer with us. All the news, since 2003. Photos from various archives showing the neighborhood in the more distant past. Maps from the early 1900s. Overhead Photo Comparisons: 1949, 1988, 2002-2008. All Blog Entries, 2003 - Present Major Events, 1799 - Present A series of blog entries looking at the neighborhood's history.
Near Southeast's Rearview Mirror
Today in (Recent) Near Southeast History


City Government Data for Near Southeast
Records added or updated recently displayed here; click the "archive" links to see additional detail and older records. All data from DC Government databases and RSS feeds. JDLand takes no responsibility for errors, omissions, etc. (read CapStat disclaimer). Data is retrieved daily.

Recent Crime Incidents Archive  
L ST SE AND 5TH ST SE   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  05/08/13
900 B/O 5TH ST SE   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  05/03/13
1000 B/O 3RD PLACE SE   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  05/01/13
1500 B/O SOUTH CAPITOL ST   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  05/01/13
1000 B/O 5TH ST SE   THEFT /  05/01/13
1500 B/O SOUTH CAPITOL ST   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  05/01/13
900 B/O 4TH ST SE   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  04/29/13
UNIT B/O M ST SE   THEFT /  04/27/13
700 B/O L ST SE   THEFT /  04/26/13
250 B/O I ST SE   THEFT /  04/22/13
1000 B/O 7TH ST SE   MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT /  04/22/13

Active Public Space Permits Archive  
1011 1ST ST SE    COLIN CLARK 
Pending
excavation; new  
 03/03/14
to
05/01/14
815 4TH ST SE    Comcast Cable 
Assigned
excavation  
 05/06/13
to
07/05/13
1101 4TH ST SE    Comcast Cable 
Assigned
excavation  
 05/06/13
to
07/05/13
1200 - 1299 BLOCK HALF ST SE    Washington Nationals 
Issued
streetfixture; new  
 08/24/12
to
08/15/13
200 - 299 BLOCK TINGEY ST SE    Northeast Remsco Construction Incorporated 
Pending
paving; excavation; new  
 01/01/13
to
12/31/13
200 - 299 BLOCK VIRGINIA AVE SE    Phil Sheridan 
Issued
excavation; new  
 05/20/13
to
07/18/13
125 CANAL ST SE    VERIZON 
Pending
 
 02/27/13
to
05/22/13
909 HALF ST SE    Ruben Companies Ruben Companies 
Pending Document
excavation  
 03/01/13
to
09/01/13
23 I ST SE    23 I LLC c/o Ruben Companies 
Pending
paving; new  
 11/30/12
to
11/29/13
200 I ST SE    Todd Stone 
Pending
streetfixture; new  
 11/21/12
to
11/22/13
17 M ST SE    1015 HALF STREET SE LLC 
Pending
excavation; new  
 07/23/12
to
07/22/13
100 M ST SE    Gordon Biersch Restaurant And Brewery 
Pending
new  
 01/07/13
to
06/30/13
    WASHINGTON GAS 
Issued
excavation; new  
 05/06/13
to
07/04/13
    WASHINGTON GAS 
Assigned
excavation  
 04/23/13
to
04/22/14
202 M ST SE    canal park business assoc 
Issued
paving; new  
 04/29/13
to
05/31/13
401 M ST SE    cris FLACK 
Issued
excavation; new  
 04/22/13
to
06/20/13
770 M ST SE    Wash Gas & Light Co. 
Pending
excavation; new  
 12/10/12
to
05/31/13
900 M ST SE    Corman Construction 
Issued
excavation; new  
 09/11/12
to
09/10/13
922 M ST SE    Wash Gas & Light Co. 
Issued
excavation; new  
 04/30/13
to
06/28/13
1201 M ST SE    Michael Manoski 
Pending Document
excavation  
 05/06/13
to
05/05/14
1333 M ST SE    WASHINGTON GAS 
Assigned
excavation  
 05/01/13
to
04/30/14
1500 M ST SE    DC Water 
Pending
excavation; new  
 02/15/13
to
07/30/13
1100 NEW JERSEY AVE SE    VERIZON 
Pending
new  
 02/27/13
to
05/22/13
125 O ST SE    TRAYLOR/SLANSKA/JAY DEE JOINT VENTURE(DAMIAN RUPPERT) 
Issued
paving; streetfixture; new  
 12/24/12
to
12/23/13
300 TINGEY ST SE    Northeast Remsco Construction Incorporated 
Pending
paving; excavation; new  
 12/14/12
to
12/13/13
301 TINGEY ST SE    Potbelly Sandwich Works LLC 
Issued
new  
 03/21/12
to
11/27/14
401 TINGEY ST SE    Northeast Remsco Construction Incorporated 
Pending
new  
 02/18/13
to
08/31/13
601 VIRGINIA AVE SE    Wash Gas & Light Co. 
Issued
excavation; new  
 04/30/13
to
06/28/13
301 WATER ST SE    Wash Gas & Light Co. 
Assigned
excavation  
 04/19/13
to
11/30/13

Recent Issued Building Permits Archive  
1263 1ST ST SE   
05/10/13 
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC / CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC; WESTON SOLUTIONS INC.
SB1300204 / CONSTRUCTION
INSTALL FIVE MONITORING WELLS ON ADJOINING PARCELS ON SQUARE 701 LOT 818 821 825 826 827 TO EVALUATE SOIL AND GROUNDWATER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION PRIOR TO SITE DEVELOPMENT. SITE IS CURRENTLY VACANT AND USED FOR PARKING.
1212 4TH ST SE   
05/10/13 
FOREST CITY / FVI 2020
FD1300032 / CONSTRUCTION
REVISION TO FOUNDATION TO GRADE REF: PERMIT FD1109003
1201 HALF ST SE   
05/03/13 
LIVING SOCIAL'S BEER FEST / LIVING SOCIAL'S BEER FEST; RYLAND GREENHOUSE
TN1300188 / CONSTRUCTION
SPECIAL EVENT LIVING SOCIAL'S BEER FEST 60 10X10 TENTS 1 30X50 TENT
70 I ST SE   
05/08/13 
NA NA NA
EHOP1390413 / HOME OCCUPATION
55 M ST SE   
04/30/13 
MR BP OFFICE #1 LLC / JIN JOON HUH
E1304922 / SUPPLEMENTAL
80 M ST SE   
05/10/13 
WELLS REIT II 80 M STREET LLC / SCOTT BROADBENT; WELLS REIT II 80 M STREET LLC; SCOTT BROADBENT
E35382167 / SUPPLEMENTAL
100 M ST SE   
05/03/13 
KEN MERZELLIO / THOMAS HUMMEL; KEN MERZELLIO; THOMAS HUMMEL
E61670509 / SUPPLEMENTAL
300 M ST SE   
04/30/13 
FEDERAL CENTER LP 300 M ST SE / PAUL THIEBERGER; FEDERAL CENTER 300 M ST SE; PAUL THIEBERGER
P73216669 / SUPPLEMENTAL
1201 M ST SE   
05/01/13 
WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO / DAVID FONTANA / MCKEEVER SERVICES CORP.
B1305174 / CONSTRUCTION
ALTERTIONS TO 9000SF ON THE GROUND FLOOR. ASSOCIATED MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING WORK INCLUDED.
   
05/08/13 
CARLTON RAY / MICHAEL MANOSKI
AH1300561 / CONSTRUCTION
PERFORM TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES.
   
05/08/13 
WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO. WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO. / THOMAS NIEMANN; WASHINGTON GAS WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO.; JOE ISAAC
AR66926931 / SUPPLEMENTAL
880 NEW JERSEY AVE SE   
05/01/13 
880 NEW JERSEY AVENUE LLC / WILLIAM C SMITH + CO
AH1300550 / CONSTRUCTION
WORK FROM 7PM TO 7AM
   
05/03/13 
880 NEW JERSEY AVENUE LLC / JOHN H THOMSON
E1305011 / SUPPLEMENTAL
   
05/03/13 
880 NEW JERSEY AVENUE LLC / JOHN H THOMSON
E1305010 / SUPPLEMENTAL
1500 SOUTH CAPITOL ST SE   
05/10/13 
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA / GUARDIAN FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
B1306662 / CONSTRUCTION
INSTALL ANSUL R-102 1.5-GALLON COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM TO PROTECT NEW SMOKER OVEN IN CLUB LEVEL KITCHEN - WASHINGTON NATIONALS STADIUM
300 TINGEY ST SE   
05/10/13 
FOREST CITY WASHINGTON / JOE SPINELLI RESTAURANT CONSULTANTS
B1303626 / CONSTRUCTION
INTERIOR ALTERATION OF AN EXISTING BUILDING OF A TOTAL GFA = 2750 SQ.FT. ON 1ST FLOOR TO BE A NEW T / L 84-SEAT & 94 OCCUPANCY LOAD RESTAURANT. WORK TO INCLUDE NEW WALLS CEILINGS FLOORS AND LIGHTING. NEW HVAC HOOD SYSTEM ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL PLUMBING.
   
05/10/13 
FC BOILERMAKER LLC /
P1304906 / SUPPLEMENTAL
301 WATER ST SE   
05/07/13 
FC LUMBER SHED LLC / DENNIS R. WOODE
E1305113 / SUPPLEMENTAL
   
05/07/13 
FOREST CITY / FVI 2020
B1304901 / CONSTRUCTION
INSTILLATION OF PREFAB MECHANICAL STORAGE PLATFORM OF APPROX 622 SQ FT AREA STRUCTURE OF STEEL FRAMING WITH COMPOSITE DECK WITH TUBE STEEL COLUMNS ON FOOTINGS
   
05/08/13 
TOUR DE FAT / PAUL GRUBER
TN1300155 / CONSTRUCTION
SPECIAL EVENT TOUR DE FAT 1 36X24 STAGE 2 20X20 TENTS 3 10X10 TENTS
AH = After Hours; B = Alteration & Repair; D = Demolition; E = Electrical; FB = Boiler; M = Mechanical; P = Plumbing and Gas; PC = Post Card; R = Raze; SG = Sign; TL = Tenant Layout; TN = Tent; RW = Retaining Wall;

Real Property Sales Archive  
1263 1ST ST SE   03/14/13
$ 5,435,680
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC
 
0084 N ST SE   03/14/13
$ 5,435,680
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC
 
0086 N ST SE   03/14/13
$ 5,435,680
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC
 
0086 N ST SE   03/14/13
$ 5,435,680
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC
 
1265 1ST ST   03/14/13
$ 5,435,680
CAPITAL RIVERFRONT HOTEL LLC
 
N ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
N ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
N ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
1244 SOUTH CAPITOL ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
1236 SOUTH CAPITOL ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
N ST SE   03/05/13
$ 7,525,000
MR BALLPARK 2 LLC LEHMAN BROS HOLDINGS INC FL 39
 
0050 M ST   03/05/13
$ 5,125,000
MR BALLPARK 6 LLC LEHMAN BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC
 


Projects Underway
Boilermaker Shops
Twelve12/Yards
Lumber Shed
Park Chelsea 
  
Nationals Park
Visiting Nats Park
What's New Around the 'Hood
Food Options Map
Parking/Transportation
Ballpark Construction Photos
Stadium Event Photos
In the Pipeline
Akridge/Half Street
Virginia Ave. Tunnel
Square 701
Monument/Half Street
1111 New Jersey
Nat'l Comm. Church
Capper Apartments
Square 882
250 M Street
New SoCap Bridge
Florida Rock
23 I Street
Congressional Square
1000 South Capitol
SC1100
New Marine Barracks
Factory 202/Yards
Completed
Canal Park ('12)
Capitol Quarter ('12)
225 Virginia/200 I ('12)
Foundry Lofts/Yards ('12)
1015 Half Street ('10)
Yards Park ('10)
Velocity Condos ('09)
Teague Park ('09)
909 NJ Ave. ('09)
55 M ('09)
100 M ('08)
Onyx ('08)
Nationals Park ('08)
70/100 I ('08)
Seniors Bldg Dem. ('07)
400 M ('07)
SoCap Bridge Fix ('07)
US DOT HQ ('07)
20 M ('07)
Capper Seniors 1 ('06)
Capitol Hill Tower ('06)
Courtyard/Marriott ('06)
Overviews
Capper/Carrollsburg
Ballpark District
New Jersey Ave.
M Street
South Capitol St.
WASA
The Yards
Lower 8th Street
East M Street
Boathouse Row


Links of Interest

JDLand.com Wins 2008 Knight-Batten Citizen Media Award
As part of the Knight-Batten Awards for Innovations in Journalism, JDLand was given the 2008 Citizen Media Award. Read all about it.

Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District
Covering Near Southeast & Buzzard Point.

Studies/Initiatives/Government Documents:
11th Street Bridges EIS
South Capitol St. Bridge EIS
South Capitol Gateway Corridor/Anacostia Access Study
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
NCPC's New Vision for South Capitol Street (2005 Update)
Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (2005)
Near Southeast Draft Urban Design Framework (2003)
Urban Land Institute South Capitol Street Corridor Report (2003)
Neighborhood Strategic Action Plan (2002)
DC Streetcars (may run down M Street SE someday)

Capitol Gateway and Southeast Federal Center Zoning Overlays
Two documents that spell out in extreme detail exactly what the requirements are for developments along South Capitol, M, in the Ballpark District, and at "The Yards". Read also my short explanatory treatise on these two overlays.

Pre-Redevelopment Media Overviews:
A Transformed Neighborhood Awaits Stadium (WP, 8/15/05)
      includes huge map of development plans
The Morphing of a Forgotten Neighborhood (WP, 9/2/2004)
      A brilliant take on the neighborhood!
Betting Big on Near Southeast (WP, 7/15/04)
Hope for the Waterfront (WBJ, 01)
Seeking a Better View On the Waterfront (WP, 3/8/98)
 

DC Government
Mayor's Office
Planning/Economic Development
   Office of Planning
DC Consumer & Regulatory Agency
DC Office of Zoning
DC Municipal Regulations | Zoning
DC Dept. of Transportation

DC City Council
Tommy Wells

ANCs: 6D | 6B
David Garber (6D07)
Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04)
Police: MPD-1D | PSA 105

Other Organizations
National Capital Planning Commission
Earth Conservation Corps
Capitol Hill Restoration Society
Barracks Row Main Street
Marines Community Integrated Master Plan
 

 

News Publications
The Hill Rag
The Southwester

Other DC Neighborhood/City Blogs
SW DC - The Little Quadrant That Could
The Hill is Home
Congress Heights on the Rise
Greater Greater Washington
WashCycle
Penn Quarter Living
Frozen Tropics
The Triangle
14th and You
The 42
Beyond DC
Richard Layman
 




Top of Page | Contact JD | Advertise on JDLand
Near Southeast RSS Feed

© Copyright 2013 JD.
All photos © Copyright JD - See information on photo uses, licensing and purchasing.