37 Condos Steps from Takoma Metro: The Plans for a DC 7-11

• April 25, 2019

by Nena Perry-Brown

There are redevelopment plans in the works for a 7-11 store in DC. 

Last month, news broke that Neighborhood Development Company had purchased the site of the convenience store across the street from the Takoma Metro station. Now, the neighborhood is getting its first glimpse at the development proposed for the site.

The developer presented plans on Wednesday night for a by-right project that will replace the 7-11 at 218 Cedar Street NW (map) with 37 condominiums atop 9,000-12,000 square feet of commercial space. The units would be mostly one-bedrooms with some two bedrooms, and 10 percent of the residential square footage would be inclusionary zoning units. The development is designed by Square 134 Architects. 

Community members who attended the presentation hosted by ANC 4B commissioners seemed amenable to the project, with some expressing a desire to see some sort of grab-and-go market with healthy food options on the site. However, most who commented on the design opined that the current design looked "monolithic" and didn't reflect the character and personality of the neighborhood, particularly with its glazed first-floor façade.

There was also some desire to see the building step down more as it approaches the historic single-family homes along Cedar Street. Attendees also requested more detailed renderings with color and materials incorporated, as well as additional perspectives from the pedestrian vantage.

The developer plans to file a design concept application to the Historic Preservation Review Board this month and will likely return to the ANC to seek support for the application in May. Assuming a seamless approval process, the project could acquire permits by the end of the year and break ground next February, putting delivery in 2021-2022.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/37-condos-steps-from-takoma-metro-first-look-at-the-plans-for-the-7-11-site/15310