I will hold a Single Member District meeting for residents of 5B05 on Thursday, February 23, at 7pm. We will discuss the following items:
Historic Preservation Review Board Case 22-328 / Brookland Bowling Alleys (3726 10th Street NE): A proposal to build a new mixed-use residential-commercial development at the existing 10th Street shopping plaza across from Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. UIP has revised its design based on resident and HPRB feedback (see images below) and would like to share the revisions with residents before its March 23, 2023, HPRB hearing.
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Meeting ID: 821 9616 7385
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Meeting ID: 821 9616 7385
Passcode: 157773
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Brookland Lanes Historic Preservation Review Board Case / 3700 block of 10th Street NE
Urban Investment Partners (UIP), the owner of several parcels of land on 10th Street between Michigan Avenue and Perry Place, proposes to build a new mixed-used residential-commercial development that will replace the existing 10th Street shopping plaza across from Turkey Thicket Recreation Center.
One of the buildings in this space is the Atlantic Electric Supply Corporation, formerly known as the Brookland Bowling Alleys. This building is both a District and national historic site. Accordingly, UIP must present its proposed design to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), which will consider the “height, proportions, materials, the level and nature of demolition and the alteration of character-defining features. The Board does not consider use, light, air, noise, privacy, traffic, views per se, the removal of trees, etc.”
UPDATE: I met with residents to discuss this project in June 2022. Based on feedback from residents and HPRB about the project, UIP has reworked the design of the building. Among other changes, the new design proposes to use different materials and colors on the exterior; reduces the building height above the historic structure and at the north end; and it moves the outdoor patio near 10th + Michigan toward the center of the building next to the historic Brookland Lanes building.
You can view a comparison of the earlier iteration of the design and the more recent re-design below. Residents can view additional HPRB documents associated with the project here.
UIP’s HPRB hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2023.
FAQs:
Will this project be a Planned Unit Development?
Unlike many other recent developments in our community, the developer does not intend to seek a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for this space. (A PUD would allow a developer to increase the height and/or density of a project beyond what would be permitted by right, in exchange for community benefits.) UIP instead intends to build "by right," which means that it does not intend to seek zoning exceptions that would allow UIP to build a larger structure than is already permitted within the zone where these buildings are located. The maximum height the developer is permitted to build to under current zoning limits is 50’.
Because UIP is not seeking to do a PUD, the community won't have the same kind of opportunity to negotiate community benefits as we've done with large projects like the St. Joseph's Seminary development and the proposed Reed Street development. Nevertheless, it may be helpful for residents to share their views as to how they hope the commercial space will be utilized so that UIP better understands market demands in our area.
What will happen to the existing tenants?
According to UIP, several of the existing tenants have leases that don’t expire until sometime in 2024, which UIP intends to honor. UIP has said that this project is in the very early stages and that it does not intend to break ground on this project until Summer (August) 2024. I’ve been told that District Vet intends to remain as a tenant in the new building, and the developer will work with District Vet to figure out how to allow it to continue its operations during construction. I have also strongly urged UIP to ensure that it allocates suitable space in the new development for a childcare center, given the enormous demand for childcare in the neighborhood. UIP’s property manager has also met with Petit Scholars to discuss the potential of moving back into the development once it is completed.
What role does the ANC play in this process?
ANCs are entitled to “great weight” in matters that come before the HPRB. Accordingly, I will hold a public meeting for residents to learn about the project and share their views. I will then present the matter to the full ANC 5B Commission for a vote on whether or not HPRB should approve, modify, or reject the project as proposed.