WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL: Metro is expected to kick off its search for developers to build housing at two D.C. rail stations this spring, anticipating up to 700 new residential units across the sites.
Liz Price, vice president of real estate for the WashingtonMetropolitan Area Transit Authority, said at D.C.’s annual March Madness event Wednesday morning two RFPs will be released this spring — one for the Brookland station and another for the Deanwood station, both in Northeast. These are two of the seven stations the agency has been targetingfor redevelopment as it emphasizes more density, and more ridership, across the east side of its network.
At Brookland, Metro hopes to execute an agreement with adeveloper by mid-2025. The project would cover three parcels — currently the kiss & ride facilities and parking. WMATA now says that site could host up to 500,000 square feet of development, to include 450 to 500 units of housing.
At Deanwood, Metro is eyeing up to 240,000 square feet ofdevelopment, with 175 to 200 residential units plus 18,000 square feet of retail. It hopes to pick a developer this year and execute on an agreement early next year.
Both projects have been subject to development proposals before, neither of which advanced to the construction stage.
“We will continue to unstick projects,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday.
March Madness, an opportunity for the District to tease upcoming development opportunities, yielded several more tidbits. Among them:
- The RFP period for the controversial redevelopment of the Chevy Chase Community Center has been extended from April 18 to June 18 to give developers more time to respond, Gilles Stucker, director of strategic initiatives at the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, said. The plans there must include redevelopment of the library and community center and also must “thoughtfully integrate as much housing as possible” at mixedincomes. The plan to add housing has divided the community.
- D.C. will issue an RFP in the spring for a $110 million rebuild of the fleet facility at 6 D.C. Village Lane SW. The project would be completed by winter 2027, Delano Hunter, director of D.C.Department of General Services, said.
- Hunter noted other small work opportunities: $22 million in HVAC work at the John A. WiWilson Building downtown, a $10 million sewer line restoration project in Hill East, and a $7 millionmodernization project at the Blair Shelter.
- D.C. will release an RFP for a $115 million modernization of Hart Middle School on Mississippi Avenue SE.
- There are half a dozen recreation center projects coming as well, including a $19 million rebuild of Harry Thomas Recreation Center on Lincoln Road NE, a $12.3 million redevelopment of Park View Recreation Center on Otis Place NW, and a $19 million modernization of Upshur Recreation Center on Arkansas Avenue NW. Hunter also noted a $20 million construction project coming at Ramsey Aquatic Center on North Carolina Avenue SE and a $12 million pool project at Randall Recreation Center on South Capitol Street SW.
