WASHINGTON (October 27, 2003) - A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized a proposed development next to the Tenleytown Metrorail station in the District as contributing land use, transportation and environmental advantages to the Washington region.
The SGA is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metropolitan Washington Builders’ Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have held opposing views on growth issues, formed the Alliance three years ago to research, identify and encourage land use, transportation and environmental policies and practices that support smart growth in the region.
The proposal recognized by the SGA is called 4600 Wisconsin, a 12,661-square-foot site located at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Brandywine Street, N.W. The site, proposed for development by 4600 Brandywine Associates, LLC, is 1,000 feet from the entrance of the Tenleytown Metro station, making it a prime candidate for transit-oriented development. The proposal would provide a mixed-use infill development with 43 one- and two-bedroom condominium units, three of which would be priced below market, and ground-floor retail space.
In addition to the housing and retail, the developer of 4600 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. is offering a substantial community amenities package totaling more than $182,400, including a playground, play equipment and storm water management features at Janney Elementary School; a state-of-the-art audio-visual room at the Tenleytown library; school repairs at Wilson Senior High School; renovation and rehabilitation work at Fort Bayard Park; and a hazardous materials response trailer for the District of Columbia fire department.
“Given the site’s location on Wisconsin Avenue and its proximity to mass transit, a major challenge was finding a balance between the region’s transit-oriented development goals and the neighborhood’s concern about overdevelopment,” said Scott Fuller, Senior Vice President of Development of 4600 Brandywine Associates, LLC. “After an extensive dialogue with community organizations, the result was an exciting, medium-density, mixed-use development that will add new life to the Tenleytown neighborhood. We feel our architect, Cunnningham and Quill, did an excellent job responding to the community’s design suggestions. These included a desire for a vibrant, interactive streetscape along Wisconsin Avenue, as well as façade detailing that de-emphasized the building’s six-story mass.”
The SGA recognition program is now in its second year. Through the program, the Alliance highlights “smart growth” development proposals to raise awareness among public officials, citizen groups and developers of the long-term benefits of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented projects that incorporate a variety of uses and reduce dependency on autos as the sole means of mobility.
SGA members are advised and supported by representatives of more than 70 organizations, including the public sector, universities, businesses, local foundations, and environmental and civic groups from throughout the region. The SGA views alternatives to single-use, auto-oriented design as critical in accommodating the area’s future population -- now projected to rise by 1 million over the next 20 years.
Sam Black, chairman of the SGA jury and a partner in Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said 4600 Wisconsin fulfills the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. The evaluation of the application was based on its location; proposed density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community. “4600 Wisconsin is an excellent example of how to make smart growth work,” Black said. “Through smart growth, our area can reduce traffic congestion, retain a top-caliber workforce, attract new businesses, and enhance air and water quality.”
Each quarter, the SGA evaluates project proposals in the Washington area that are under review or subject to review by local government regulatory agencies. Those representing the best examples of smart growth are publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. Since the recognition program began last year, the SGA jury has recognized more than a dozen applications in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. The program also lent its support to the City of Falls Church for their City Center plan.
“Developers are increasingly aware that a recognition of their proposal from the SGA jury can prove very helpful as they move forward with their projects,” Black said. “Because these projects tend to be innovative and complex, obtaining approvals from the local jurisdictions is often challenging. Through the recognition program, the SGA strives to highlight the benefits these projects offer to the surrounding communities and help break down barriers in the approval process.”
In addition to the development recognition program, the SGA is planning other activities, including a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org; or through e-mail:sga@uli.org
