The Project That Will Change... Anacostia:

The Project That Will Change... is a series that I'm starting to highlight big projects. Really big projects. Projects that will change the way people think about and view the neighborhood it's in, as well as contribute to changing the way the world views DC. To do this, of course, it will actually have to positively change that neighborhood, and the city.

The first project in this series is the Poplar Point redevelopment project. The four development teams presented their proposals yesterday. And Now, Anacostia has the scoop from the meeting.

Let's start with the good:

With Clark Realty's plan, Poplar Point truly looks like an extension of Center City DC. The crazy modern looking building extending slightly into the Anacostia is the National Hall of the Environment, where "a cluster of companies focused on the environment creates an international business hub". This proposal also connects Poplar Point to the rest of the community. It proposes a "deck" over three city blocks of 295, along with air-rights development, as seen in the sight plan below:


I just love this proposal. Great density, great park design, great urban design. I love the circle at the the South Capital Bridge, along with the development surrounding it (although I don't believe Poplar Point includes west of the circle), and the canal that slices through the park. The proposal offers the option of the DC United Stadium.

And the bad:



WTF?! Archstone Smith & Madison Marquette, what the hell were you thinking?? It seriously IS a suburban town center! Parking structures? Seriously... I'm at a loss for words. This rendering says enough.

There are two more development teams, Forest City Washington (which is developing The Yards across the river) and Mid-City Urban/ General Growth Properties. Check out Poplar Point Finalists Unveiled at And Now, Anacostia for the rundown of all four teams.

Also of note, according to Washington Business Journal Victor MacFarlane, president of the company that owns DC United, was in attendance at the meeting and that he said that he liked Clark Realty's proposal. When all of this settles, this project will change Anacostia and DC as a whole.

Linkage:
Poplar Point Finalists Unveiled [And Now, Anacostia]
Stadium Still in Mix Under 2 Poplar Point Plans [Express]
Visions of Vibrancy [WaPo]
Developers sketch out competing plans for Poplar Point [WBJ]