New Condo Development at Old Giant

[CMR]

I'm curious what others think about this proposed new development, as well as what folks might know about opposing the zoning variance. While I am all for new development, it strikes me that 315 units is an awful lot for that space, and it might really tax the infrastructure at that location. A more scaled-down project seems more appropriate for that parcel.

[sanderson]

I was not very happy when I heard about it this afternoon. I live on the next street. A 315 unit building is going to need to be very tall. It will tower over my house and prevent any natural light from reaching me. I had considered installing solar panels this year.

[CMR]

I am in the same boat -- I live on Newton Street and worry that this will put a huge visual block in the way of the homes on that street (those penthouse views in Newton Hall will surely go away). My thinking is that this building surely will be the tallest in the neighborhood (especially with the multiple courtyards they propose taking up lateral space). Moreover, I think it will exacerbate the parking situation in the immediate vicinity. Many of the attached rowhouses on Newton, Monroe, and Meridian do not have alley access for off-street parking, and though there are plans for several spaces in the proposed garage, it is likely that we can expect some buyers won't wish to pay the $20k+ these spots are likely to cost. As it is, parking is very tight in the area, and there are already approximately 8 new units scheduled to come online on Newton due to townhouse-to-condo conversions. An additional 20-30 cars alone could make parking next to impossible in the area north of Park between 14th and 16th.

[SeanonMonroe]

I seem to remember the DC government promising to reserve this space for a community purpose...but some on the CH yahoo list say it was never within their power to make this claim.

I'm not against more condos in the area (it seems like if developers keep building, eventually prices will flatten or fall a little), but trading off commercial space I think could be short-sighted. To attract a good variety of retailers, we need a variety of space in the community to attract them. Once this space is converted to 100% residential, the option is lost for quite a while. It is difficult to convert residential-use space back to commercial again in the future.

-- Sean

[Mr. T]

It would be nice if they had space on the first floor for small-scale, pedestrian-oriented retail space...

[chnews]

Jeremy N. Rubenstein of Metro Properties has provided a written statement addressing some of the concerns raised by residents regarding this new Allegro Condominium development.

Please read his statement here: More on Allegro Condominiums