The 8 Proposals To Redevelop A Hotly Debated Site In Chevy Chase

• March 29th

by UrbanTurf Staff

✉️ Want to forward this article? Click here.

After years of discussions and planning, the proposals to redevelop one of the most hotly debated sites in DC are being pitched. 

On Saturday, DC's Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is hosting a meeting where the proposals to reimagine the Chevy Chase Civic Site Neighborhood Library and Community Center are being presented. All of the proposals -- the results of a request for proposals (RFP) issued in January 2024 -- must include a new library, community center, and housing at the site located at 5601 and 5625 Connecticut Avenue NW (map). 

The redevelopment of the civic site has been a huge topic of debate in the community over the last two years. The debate has largely centered around what will be developed at the site and how much affordable housing will be created. 

Below is a rundown of the eight proposals being pitched for the site. 

---

True Ground Housing Partners is pitching a development with 113 affordable apartments above a new library and state-of-the art community center with 62 total parking spaces. The apartments will range in size from one-bedrooms to three-bedrooms in order to accommodate families. In addition to the community center, there are also plans for a kids play area, basketball and pickleball courts and a community garden. Cunningham | Quill and R. McGhee & Associates are in charge of the design for the new development. 

---

A proposal from Chevy Chase Development Partners, led by Banneker Communities and H & H Realty Group, includes a 52,000 square-foot library and community center with 68 parking spaces, and a 141,000 square-foot senior housing building with a range of affordability options for renters (30% to 100% MFI). The development also calls for an outdoor amphitheater, a pickleball court, and a playground, among other features. GTM Architects of Washington, DC and Perkins and Will are leading the design of the project. 

---

The Chevy Chase Commons development team -- led by The Community Builders and Menkiti Group -- are pitching a 120-unit all-affordable building along with an on-site cafe run by DC Central Kitchen, 70 parking spaces, a 17,000 square-foot library and a 32,000 square foot community center. The unit mix at the apartment building will include one- to three-bedrooms for income levels ranging from $35,000 to $110,000. The community center will include a gymnasium, preschool facilities, and yoga rooms; there will also be outdoor courts and a playground. Perkins Eastman and Kimley Horn are helming the design for the project. 

---

A development team comprised of EastBanc, Victory Housing, Rosewood Strategies and Montage Development Group is pitching a 139-unit all-affordable senior rental building, a 46,000 square-foot community center and library, and 76 shared, below-grade parking spaces. The apartments will be one- and two-bedroom units catering to incomes at 30% and 50% of area median income (AMI). MVRDV Architects and Core Architect + Design are helming the design of the proposal. 

---

The proposal from Gilbane Development Company and Cubed Partners calls for a 191-unit all-affordable development with a new modern library and community center. The apartments will be for tenants earning at or below 80% AMI, with a dedicated portion for senior renters. Outdoor spaces will include a playground, stage, park space, as well as a bikeshare dock and a new bus shelter. Michael Graves is the lead architect on the project. 

---

A development team led by Lincoln Westmoreland Housing is pitching a development with a 183-unit affordable rental building, a 25,300 square-foot community center, a new library, along with a civic plaza and 93 parking spaces. The unit mix at the rental building will range from studio apartments to three-bedrooms, with affordability levels ranging from 30% to 80% MFI. Outdoor recreation areas will include a children's play area and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. Shalom Baranes Associates is leading the design for the development. 

---

Rift Valley Partners is pitching The Hub of Chevy Chase, a proposal that includes a 206-unit building consisting of affordable, workforce and market-rate housing, along with a new community center and library. This proposal also includes a tremendous amount of outdoor components, including an amphitheater, outdoor classroom, several sports courts and neighborhood retail. Studios Architecture led the design for the project. 

---

A development team consisting of Urban Atlantic, CSG Urban Partners and NHT Communities is proposing a 156-unit all-affordable development along with a new library and community center surrounding a central plaza. Outdoor spaces will include a large playground, a multipurpose sports court, and a splash park and additional fitness areas. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/the_8_proposals_pitched_for_a_hotly_debated_site_in_chevy_chase/23344.