The 4 Concepts For Transforming A Section Of North Capitol Street

• August 21st 2024

by Ashley Hopko

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Four recently-pitched concepts could help shift a large area around North Capitol and Irving Streets, often viewed as a siloed thoroughfare, into a multi-modal oasis with new public spaces, mixed-use developments and greenery. The concepts were pitched through DC's Office of Planning (OP) for the 600-acre area known as North Capitol Crossroads, which encompasses entities such as the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Trinity Washington University and McMillan Reservoir.

Though still in the early planning stages, the four proposed areas for change include the expansion of Wangari Gardens, the creation of a pedestrian-friendly bridge over Irving Street, the development of the First Street corridor to improve accessibility, and construction of modern mixed-use university space near Michigan Avenue and Irving Street NE.

The mockup process for these concepts began in 2023 with the help of six consultant groups. Though each project has a slightly different focus stemming from goals outlined in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, common denominators include expansion of public green space, creation of safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, development of mixed-income housing and celebration of the area’s culture and history.

OP Director Anita Cozart told UrbanTurf that each project location was chosen because they are “in the flux of changes” and have the potential to significantly improve economic and social development. Healthcare, educational and other institutions in the area previously erected fences and barriers to establish boundaries and fulfill security responsibilities; Cozart told Urban Turf that she hopes the new projects will “create more physical connection between the neighborhoods and hospitals.” 

At Wangari Gardens, located across the street from Washington Hospital Center, the proposed plans include the addition of more community garden space. For the First Street corridor, planners drew inspiration from the New Orleans African American Museum, to include culturally relevant art that doubles as “wayfinding” tools. Creating safe space for cyclists and pedestrians, the plan also calls for prioritization of emergency vehicles to allow for quick access to nearby hospitals.

Though there is potential for all four projects to come to fruition, implementation is dependent on public interest, along with funding sources from public and private stakeholders, including potential grants from federal programs. In the meantime, OP is soliciting public feedback on the concepts through September 13. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/north_capitol_crossroads_project_aims_to_boost_greenspace_walkability_wellb/22605.