Contact John Bailey, the SGA’s Director, for additional information, 202-624-7003

Washington (August 4, 2005) – A jury formed by the Washington Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized Wood Partners for their proposal to build a walkable neighborhood with a mix of residential, office and retail around the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Suitland, Maryland.

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 encourage policies and projects that promote smart growth.

Their proposal, “Alta Branch,” would create a mixed-use neighborhood on a vacant lot within ¼ mile of the Branch Avenue Metro Station, the terminus station for Metrorail’s Green Line. The proposal includes over 500 condominium units, 50,000 square feet of retail, and 60,000 square feet of office. The overall design of the project, especially the ground floor retail in an area underserved by neighborhood-serving retail, will create a safe and attractive pedestrian environment. Additionally, the site is a state of Maryland designated brownfield, which can make the development more challenging. Wood Partners has already attained the necessary approvals from the state to proceed with the project. A diverse array of advocates and business leaders support the reuse of vacant properties, especially brownfields, as areas for possible redevelopment.

Leonard Wood, Jr., developer of Alta Branch, said “We are pleased to receive the support of the Smart Growth Alliance for Alta Branch. We are committed to building quality projects, and understand that location is absolutely critical. Land around Metro stations in Prince George’s County is ideal for developing and redeveloping successful communities. In addition to the SGA, we are especially pleased to have the support of the surrounding community and civic groups as well.”

The SGA recognition program is now in its third 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.

While much of our region is growing, the benefits of growth have been uneven. “Building around Metro in Prince George’s County provides a tremendous economic development opportunity,” said Jessica Cogan Millman, chair of the Recognition Jury and the Maryland Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, “Prince George’s County deserves quality development projects like those found in other jurisdictions around the region. Mixing jobs, retail and housing at Metro stations will offer the type of development the market is currently demanding: walkable neighborhoods where people can live, work and play.”

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. Read about other winners.

In addition to the development recognition program, the SGA also has an ongoing recognition program for conservation initiatives.