319-Unit Development Planned For U Street Corridor Moves Ahead

• November 10, 2014
• 3 Comments

by Lark Turner

Howard University is moving forward with plans to build a 319-unit mixed-use development at the intersection of Barry Place and Sherman Avenue NW. The six-story building at 907 Barry Place (map) would have about 11,500 square feet of retail space along with 145 parking spaces. Ambling University Development is the primary developer of the property and, despite the firm’s name, the project would include plenty of market-rate units. The project architect is Niles Bolton Associates.

The applicant filed a planned unit development (PUD) with the Zoning Commission on Monday evening. To be allowed to develop the property, Howard would need to succeed in getting the land rezoned as C-2-B. Though the property has more than the required number of parking spots and tops out 10 feet under the maximum allowable height under C-2-B, it would exceed lot occupancy requirements, along with some other provisions.

The building is essentially square-shaped with a closed court in the center with a pool and seating areas within. Other amenities would include a business center, a large exercise room, a community room and a top-floor patio, and there is expected to be a green roof. Howard says it will reserve 10 percent of the homes for people earning 80 percent or less of the area’s median income, more than required. Some of the units will be reserved for Howard University faculty and staff, according to the PUD.

Here are a few more views of the building:

East view of the building.

South view of the building.

West view of the building.

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/barry_place_a_319-unit_development_adjacent_to_howard_university_heads_to_z/9208

3 Comments

1. skidrowedc@gmail.com said at 7:10 pm on Thursday November 13, 2014:
   Certainly a development of this site is long overdue, and will significantly help reduce the no-man's land quality of the immediate area. That will be true even if the exterior design as shown--hopelessly overdesigned and awkwardly proportioned--were constructed. The PUD process opens the project to review of all aspects of the design. Let's hope that, between the staff at the Office of Planning, the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, and the Zoning Commission, someone sees fit to firmly demand, "Edit, edit, edit!" The design is basically a dumb box, with badly-proportioned, parsimoniously-sized windows. Perhaps realizing this, the architects have employed a whole lotta architectural gymnastics to conceal the underlying reality. (I can count at least 5 different guardrail designs, for example!) The worst parts of the facades are the light-colored areas (at left of the perspective), where the dumb box with ugly windows is revealed. The design team needs to get back to the basics, i.e. good proportions and generous glazing for the underlying box, rendered in great materials. From there, add a few flashier elements which give distinction and personality. Not only will the resultant building be better, it will be a lot easier to detail (especially to detail well), and quite likely a good notch less expensive to build and maintain. I.e. a win-win for everyone.

1. mda559 said at 4:45 am on Tuesday December 9, 2014:
   Agreed....the design is a mess. This stretch of Georgia Ave needs help. Maybe a good project for the Howard University Architecture students to re-envision.

1. jassicarich said at 3:18 pm on Monday February 2, 2015:
   Greater Washington and Beyond D.C. notes, "Georgetown's strength is its overall vernacular, not any individual building(s)." That is to say, an architectural walking tour of Georgetown could just as easily be a stroll through over the cobblestones down M Street and taking in the ambience of a neighborhood that is very unique within the District. However, there are a few buildings that stand out within this historic 'hood so we've put together this eight point architectural walking tour of Georgetown together for your gazing pleasure. <a href="http://rogersfielduniversity.com/">Rogers Field University</a>