Could Van Ness Be a Walkable Neighborhood?
Currently, the walk up Connecticut Avenue through Van Ness feels concrete-heavy and anonymous. The area lacks activated sidewalks and public spaces where neighbors can gather and meet, and the wide sidewalks and large buildings often feel barren and uninviting. However, a few new developments may change the atmosphere in the coming years.
On Saturday morning, the Coalition for Smarter Growth will be hosting a walk around the neighborhood to look at the future development sites and examine opportunities for both short- and long-term redevelopment projects. The development projects on the boards include the revamping of the University of the District of Columbia’s Student Center, which faces onto Connecticut Avenue at the Van Ness-UDC Metro station, and the possible redevelopment of the Intelsat building and Van Ness Square, which houses Pier 1 and Office Depot.
Kelly Peterson, the DC Department of Transportation’s western area transportation planner and one of the four people hosting the event, told UrbanTurf that she hopes the walk will ignite conversations within the community. “A lot of what is in Van Ness now is the result of ad hoc development over the years,” said Peterson. “We have no set agenda. We want to work with the community to determine what their priorities are.”
So, what could help? Intentional public spaces, more restaurants with sidewalk cafes that stay open in the evenings, public art exhibits and a more consistent sidewalk-scape would all increase the livability. Greening the concrete jungle is a priority both for beauty and the health of Rock Creek. Right now, UDC has a farmer’s market that helps bring residents out of their high-rise apartments once a week; perhaps there is a way to mimic that space every day, wondered Peterson.
“Van Ness is never a destination, it’s just a place you go through,” remarked Peterson.
If you have any ideas about how to change that, or are interested in hearing what others have to say, the walk starts at 10am on Saturday right outside the Van Ness Metro station.
See other articles related to: coalition for smarter growth, dclofts, van ness, walkability
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/could_van_ness_be_a_walkable_neighborhood/6155.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever
It has been a good start to the year for high-priced homes in the DC region.... read »
Roadside Development filed a sketch plan with Montgomery County this month for the 30... read »
The Matthew is located on 9th Street, overlooking the iconic Naylor Court and neighbo... read »
Dan Snyder donates house to charity; DC records priciest building sale since 2022; an... read »
This week's Best New Listings include an award-winning craftsman, a condo in a former... read »
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro