WASHINGTON (May 16, 2003) - A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized three development proposals 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 three proposals recognized by the SGA are a mixed-use project in Annapolis, Md., combining retail and residential space; a mixed-use project in Washington, D.C., including retail, hotel, office, and an intermodal transportation center; a mixed-use development of offices, market rate and affordable housing, and a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development combining retail, office space and apartments in the Rossyln-Ballston corridor of Arlington County, Va.
The proposals were selected in the fourth round of a recognition program announced by the SGA one year ago. Through the program, sponsored by Pepco, 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 the projects fulfilled the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. Applications were evaluated on their location; density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community. Individual proposals were not measured against each other, he noted. “By recognizing these and future projects, we are showcasing examples 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.”
The development in Washington, called Burnham Place, will be built above the existing rail yard directly behind Union Station. The developer, The John Akridge Companies, has designed a plan that includes a new passenger concourse, an upscale hotel with conference facilities, a premier office location, and enhancements and an expansion to the existing transportation hub. Additionally, the design proposes to animate H Street and the bridge over the rail yard, currently a very pedestrian-unfriendly barrier between North Capitol neighborhoods.
The development will protect and promote continuing growth in the immediate area, said Akridge Senior Vice President Joseph G. Svatos. “Burnham Place is an integral part of the city’s vision for the redevelopment of H Street. It is ideally situated in an under-utilized urban area that is designated for redevelopment and easily accessible to public transportation and the existing utilities infrastructure,” he said. “Because the project will be built above the existing rail yard, the impact to the environment will be positive. In addition, the project will greatly enhance the physical beauty of this important gateway to the nation’s capital.”
The development in Annapolis, to be developed by Union Realty Partners, Inc., is called Westbridge Village. When completed, the project will include 320 rental multifamily units above approximately 16,000 square feet of ground floor retail space in three to four gabled-roof, four-floor buildings with lofts. The development, to be built on 6.54 acres at the intersection of West Street and Chinquapin Road, is a bold departure from the existing strip commercial character of the area.
“Westbridge Village will be a catalyst for revitalizing an important gateway to Maryland’s capital city,” said Douglas A. Cooper, Senior Vice President of Union Realty Partners, Inc. “The project’s pedestrian oriented design embodies many of the urban qualities of historic downtown Annapolis and sets the precedent for other projects to be developed along outer West Street,” he said. “SGA’s recognition of Westbridge Village is timely affirmation that carefully planned mixed-use infill projects can be effective tools in managing growth, reducing traffic and re-utilizing existing infrastructure.”
Clarendon Center is a mixed-use project adjacent to the Clarendon Metrorail station in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. The developer, Saul Centers, Inc., plans three buildings on two blocks, including 55,000 square feet of pedestrian-oriented retail on the ground floor, with 100,000 square feet of office space and 279 apartments above. As part of the project, the historic Underwood Building will be preserved and affordable housing units will be provided in keeping with Arlington County’s affordable housing policy. These affordable units will have the same size and finishes and will be indistinguishable from market rate units.
“Clarendon Center is designed as a “smart growth” project where people can live, shop, dine or work” said M. Laurence (“Laurey”) Millspaugh, Saul senior vice president. “It is literally at Metro’s front door and our architects, Torti-Gallas and Parker-Rodriquez, have worked to enhance the pedestrian experience with urban retail on the entire ground floor, including a vibrant café zone with outdoor seating. They’ve also designed small bay spaces to accommodate small retailers and a landscaped plaza, open for use by the general public. The result is a dynamic mix of uses concentrated in this ‘people place’ so that workers, residents, shoppers and diners can travel to and from the project, utilizing the existing – and tremendous - public investment already spent on Arlington County’s Metro system.”
Each quarter, the Smart Growth Alliance will evaluate 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 will be publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. In addition, the Smart Growth Alliance plans other program initiatives, including a study of barriers and incentives to smart growth; and a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org; or through e-mail:sga@uli.org
