The development in the City of Falls Church, to be called the Pavilion on Broad Street is proposed for a 2.58-acre site in the heart of the community; the site now contains an older office building (which would be redeveloped as part of the project) and a surface parking lot. The redevelopment would include approximately 36,000 square feet of office space; 157 condominium units; 20,000 square feet of street-level retail space; 415 parking in-structure spaces below ground and 25 street-level spaces. The project would be within walking distance from other retail, office and restaurant establishments in the community, as well as parks, and a bike trail. It also lies within one mile of two Metro stations.

One of the recognized proposals is for Arlington East (Phase VII of Bethesda Row). This seven-block site, owned and to be redeveloped by Federal Realty Investment Trust, would offer nearly 60,000 square feet of street-level retail space with 180 rental apartments, all within close proximity to Bethesda Metro Station. Shortly after receiving SGA recognition, the project was approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The other proposed project recognized by the SGA is for a transit-oriented development adjacent to the White Flint Metro Station. Owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the site would be developed by LCOR, Inc., under a long-term lease from WMATA. The proposal calls for a 2,8 million-square-foot mixed-use development, including 1.2 million square feet of office space, 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 1.4 million square feet of residential development. After the project received recognition, it also gained unanimous support from the Montgomery County Planning Board.

This proposal is a 12,661-square-foot site located at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Brandywine Street, N.W. in D.C. 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.

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.

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.

The SGA recognized Pulte Homes' Metro West proposal, a 53-acre transit-oriented, mixed-use development combining residential, office and retail space next to the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station. The Metro West project provides for 2,000 residential units, including owner-occupied townhouses and condominiums, plus rental units, as well as office space and a variety of neighborhood retail shops and a restaurant. Trails, sidewalks and open spaces will provide full pedestrian connections to the Metrorail station, adjacent neighborhoods and a park.

The proposal recognized by the SGA is called Twinbrook Commons and is a mixed-use, transit-oriented development consisting of commercial office uses, ground floor retail and residential uses. Located partly in the City of Rockville and partly in Montgomery County, the project is to be developed under a joint development agreement between the developer and WMATA. In total, the proposal calls for 610,000 square feet of office use, 160,000 square feet of retail use, and 1,288 residential units.

The development in Alexandria, to be developed by KSI Services Inc., is planned for a site next to the Van Dorn Metro station on property owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. KSI is proposing a project containing 258 residential units, 17,570 square feet of streetfront retail, and a structured parking facility to serve Metro riders at the subway station. Its proximity to Metro minimizes the impact of additional traffic, and the new retail would help fill a shortage of shopping facilities in the immediate area.

The proposal recognized by the SGA is called Bromptons at Cherrydale. 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. mixed-use development consisting of 50 residential units, including condominiums, townhomes and single-family detached houses, as well as 5,600 square feet of retail on the ground floor of the 4-story condominium building. The Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington has a residential history spanning 150 years. The proposed craftsman style homes respect the architecture of this neighborhood.

Rosslyn Ridge will redevelop 22 existing rental units with 255 housing units. 102 of the new units will be affordable, with the balance rental at market rate. The non-profit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), is the current owner, and will continue to own and direct management of the property in the future. Existing residents are guaranteed placement in APAH properties, or in other non-profit owned Arlington units during reconstruction. As part of a unique partnership, adjacent Arlington County land is also part of the Rosslyn Ridge site plan. This parcel was acquired by the County in the early 1970's and up-zoned in anticipation of some form of high-rise development. The Arlington County land is currently zoned medium-high residential and, through this project, will remain as open parkland in perpetuity and managed by Arlington County Parks. This arrangement will allow APAH to add additional units to the project.

Developed by the JBG Companies, the "Silver Spring Gateway" proposal will be within easy walking distance of Metro Rail, MARC, several bus lines, and newly-redeveloped downtown Silver Spring. The site is currently an abandoned auto body shop. The proposal will be a mix of apartments, retail and a unique "incubator" office building for start-up businesses. As part of the proposal, East-West highway will receive some badly needed streetscape improvements, such as street trees, improved sidewalks, and more attractive lighting. As opposed to paying into Montgomery County's affordable housing trust fund, JBG will include all of its affordable housing on site. In addition to residential and retail development, the project will also build a 20,000 square foot "incubator" office building for Montgomery County.

The proposal on Richmond Highway, developed by Madison Development Company “The Heights @ Groveton,” would create a mixed-use (residential, commercial and retail) redevelopment on a vacant lot across the street from the Beacon Hill Shopping Plaza. It is located 1.5 miles away from the Huntington Metrorail station with frequent bus service to the Huntington Metro station. Parking would be completely surrounded by residential and retail uses, and combined with the proposed sidewalk improvements, would create an inviting experience for the new residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

The first SGA project proposal recognized in Prince William County, “Rippon Commuter Village” developed by Hazel Land Companies, is located at the Rippon VRE commuter rail station in Woodbrige, Virginia. The site is currently a surface parking lot leased to VRE. In addition to housing, the site would also provide space for neighborhood-serving retail. The proposal would provide extremely convenient pedestrian access to the VRE station. In a report released earlier this year by the SGA, “Barriers and Incentives to Transit-Oriented Development,” a panel of transportation and land use experts recommended just such commuter rail development for Prince William County.

The SGA also recognized the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) a second time for a proposal to develop mixed-income housing one-half block from the Clarendon Metrorail station. The First Baptist Church of Clarendon currently occupies the site. The church and administrative offices will be on the bottom two floors with the housing built above. The historic church steeple will be preserved in front. "We are very pleased to receive recognition from the Smart Growth Alliance for a second time,” said Douglass Peterson, executive director of the APAH. He continued, “As housing prices continue to spike higher in the Washington region, affordable housing development becomes ever more challenging. This mixed-income project will provide sorely needed affordable housing in Arlington within a half block of Metro."

The JBG Companies was recognized for its “Upper Rock” proposal at the intersection of I-270 and Choke Cherry Road in Rockville, Maryland. Modeled partly on the successful traditional neighborhood developments of King Farm and Kentlands in Montgomery County, Upper Rock will redevelop an underused auto-oriented office park and build a mixed-use residential community that will eventually connect to the existing King Farm development and the future Corridor Cities Transitway. The Upper Rock proposal was designed by the award-winning design firm Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company.

A vacant lot and perennial eyesore along the town’s central main street, Laurel Avenue, will be reclaimed for a sit-down restaurant and community theater. Additionally, through a public-private partnership a public parking garage will be built behind the development. The builder, Uricolo Properties, LLC is the landowner, who also owns neighboring Takoma Metro Shopping Center. The redevelopment will respect the historic character of the surrounding buildings, and it has received the approval of the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission.

In downtown Bethesda, Maryland, Triumph Development, LLC is proposing to build a condominium project along Woodmont Avenue to the Northwest corner of Hampden Lane. The project will be within two blocks of the Bethesda Metro station and very close to a library, school, park and a host of retail stores. To the project’s credit, the requisite amount of moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) will be placed on site. (While developers in Montgomery County may pay into an affordable housing fund in lieu of providing units on site, the Smart Growth Alliance looks favorably on proposals that place MPDUs units on site.) With property values and rents rising rapidly in the Washington region, it is crucial to provide affordable housing opportunities near transit stations.

In Alexandria, Virginia Capital Associates is proposing to build a mixed-use (retail, office and residential) development in the neighborhood surrounding the Braddock Metro station. Of the project’s many amenities, most impressive is the Harris Teeter Grocery store that would be built on site. The neighborhood is currently under-served by retail, especially a full-service, quality grocery store. The proposal would go a long way toward bringing more residential uses to the neighborhood and putting more activity in the streetscape.

Maryland Development Company, LLC (MDC) is proposing a traditional neighborhood development around an existing Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station in south Stafford County. MDC sponsored a week-long “charrette” process, performed by the award-winning design firm Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, that resulted in a plan that would support more compact and diverse development within walking distance of the VRE station while preserving more than three times the amount of contiguous open space (33%) than the fragmented open space of the by-right plan (10.8%). The proposed plan also increases the amount of commercial than the by-right plan, but significantly promotes an active pedestrian oriented streetscape with the presence of mixed-use buildings and traffic-calmed streets.

This proposal is the first one recognized by the SGA jury within Prince George’s County. Located in the city of Hyattsville along Route 1 and very near to the popular Franklin’s resteraunt, EYA propose to redevelop a 20 acre vacant site with townhomes, condominiums, and ground floor retail. The proposal would greatly improve retail opportunities and create a well-designed walkable neighborhood out of a currently forlorn auto-oriented strip.

Wood Partners’ “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.

The proposed Parkside development represents the capstone of an urban revitalization effort spanning over 20 years. It is being developed as a partnership between the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization. (MHCDO), Bank of America Community Development Corporation and Lano International. The development team spent the last year meeting with the community, city officials and design professionals to create a unique destination for Ward 7. Parkside will be located within ¼ mile of the Minnesota Avenue Metro station, and be built entirely on vacant land. Unique for Ward 7, Parkside will have a mix of housing, office and neighborhood-serving retail. Twenty percent of the new units will be affordable.

One Loudoun is the SGA’s first recognized project in Loudoun County. Proposed by McLean-based Miller and Smith, One Loudoun will be located at the intersection of Route 7 and the Loudoun County Parkway. It would create a town center with a mix of homes, office and retail. Differing from much of the conventional development in Loudoun County, these different uses will be integrated to encourage walking and a vibrant street life. The plan also calls for a variety of small, pocket parks and recreational fields open to all of Loudoun County’s residents.

Located within ¼ mile of the Courthouse Metro in Arlington, 2000 Wilson Boulevard would be built between Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards. Ground floor retail with well-designed housing above will compliment new, wider sidewalks and encourage an active street life. The developer, Elm Street Development, will also incorporate several “green” building techniques, which will significantly increase the projects ability to filter stormwater in addition to other important environmental benefits.

Located three-quarters of a mile from the Dunn Loring Metro station, Clark Realty and Edens & Avant are joint-venturing to redevelop 27 acres that is currently occupied by an old multiplex cinema and 12.5 acres of surface parking. This proposal would effectively implement the Merrifield Town Center Plan, which was put together by a coalition of business and civic leaders in 2001. The mulitplex would be rebuilt, and the surface parking replaced with a well-designed mix of residential, office and retail uses. Three new urban parks programmed for year-round activity would be scattered throughout the site offering sorely-needed public space to new and existing residents. This project would add vitality and life to what is currently a moribund auto-oriented use. Free shuttle service and an emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle accessibility will encourage people to use Metro.

The City of Rockville has worked for over a decade on their Town Center plan. KSI is proposing a mixed-use building located within the Town Center. The building will have residential units and ground-floor, neighborhood-service retail, enhanced by large pedestrian walkways and seating areas. 15% of the units will be moderately priced dwelling units and they will be provided on-site. In addition, $200,000 worth of public art will be placed around the site - twice as much as the city requirement. In order to address citizen concern about increased traffic, the developer is working with the city and the citizens to provide transportation improvements to the adjacent West End community.

Birthed by a vision for an urban renaissance at the heart of one of Maryland’s great historic towns, the Galleria at Carroll Creek is just a short 5-minute walk to downtown and across the street from the MARC station. The project borders and will help enliven the Carroll Creek Walk Project (now under construction). This gateway site was designed around a dramatic fountain plaza and will feature approximately 130 condominiums, 33,000 square feet of retail, and a 372-space public parking garage. The Galleria at Carroll Creek is at the cutting edge of smart growth projects around the country, and is a flagship project for The City of Frederick.

Wheaton, located along Georgia Avenue in eastern Montgomery County, has not benefited as much from the economic growth of other successful Montgomery County central business districts such as Bethesda and Silver Spring. This has begun to change, and Avalon at Wheaton, a project of AvalonBay Communities, should be a catalyst for this change. Their proposal will bring sorely needed residential and retail development to the revitalizing Wheaton business district. The planned grocery store within the development will add value for the new and existing residents. A new park, which will be available to the public, on the east side of the property and the inclusion of the moderately priced dwelling units on site makes this the right project at the right time for Wheaton.

The JBG Companies is proposing a residential building and an office building directly above the Rosslyn Metro station. The company has worked closely with the city and the surrounding business owners to design iconic buildings in an area often criticized for its uninspiring architecture. The company has taken care to provide amenities on the ground as well, allowing for ground floor retail, and more importantly, funding the construction and design of a new public park between the two new buildings. Vibrant public spaces will be critical in Arlington’s attempt to turn Rosslyn into a livable neighborhood from the strictly commercial district that exists now. Of note as well, the top floor of the office building will be a free, public observation deck that will allow for outstanding views of the Washington skyline.

Located a ¼ mile from the Takoma Metro station, the SGA Companies “Ecco Park” will redevelop what is now an old gas station and truck rental lot into a residential and retail project that promises to bring new life to what is now a moribund corridor between the Takoma Metro station and Takoma Park’s commercial district. Besides the building itself, investments will be made to ensure that the sidewalks are widened, street trees are planted, and benches are provided. Building a new project within a designated historic neighborhood can present challenges, and the SGA Companies deserves credit for working with city planners, local business associations, neighborhood groups and historic preservation offices to come up with a design that would fit in historically and functionally with the community. Going above what is legally required, the SGA Companies promises to provide 10% of the units as affordable and apply several green building techniques including a green roof.

Located near the Arlington County line along one of the city’s main corridors (Lee Highway), Akridge’s Falls Church Gateway will provide a mix of residential, retail, and commercial uses in an area currently comprised of older office buildings and surface parking lots. In an effort to help the project fit into the context of the neighborhood, the design of the mixed-use project will step down to respect the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The mix of uses, including neighborhood-serving retail, with a pedestrian-friendly mews street and “village green” open to the public will create an active setting throughout the day. The project’s open space will connect to Isaac Crossman Park and Four Mile Run, one of the region’s most heavily used bike trails.

Redeveloping older suburban office parks into walkable business districts and neighborhood centers will be critical as our region continues to grow. Redevelopment efforts in Springfield have been stymied in the past, but KSI’s proposal could provide the much-needed catalyst for the revitalization of the entire area. The proposal will add a mix of office, housing, retail, and hotel uses all connected with wide sidewalks, street trees, and a public park. Various techniques will assist with traffic generation, such as a shuttle to the nearby Metro station. A green roof, which will help handle storm water runoff, will be placed on top of the main parking garage.

Monument Realty’s “Randolph Square” will be an impressive capstone project to the Village at Shirlington, which is one of the most successful suburban, mixed-use districts in the region. The addition of office tenants, ground floor retail space, and a “wrapped” parking garage will add much-needed uses to the neighborhood. Importantly, the garage will share uses between the office tenants and the existing retail and restaurant businesses. Additional transportation demand management techniques will also help with traffic, such as contributions for the new bus shelter, traffic calming, and Smart Trip cards for on-site employees. They are also incorporating several green building techniques into the project.

The redevelopment of Square 54 represents an important opportunity for The George Washington University, the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods, and the entire city to bring quality development to a prime location across the street from the Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro station. The joint project between Boston Properties, Inc., KSI Services, Inc., and the University, will bring a vibrant, mixed-use development to the 2.6 acre vacant parcel - the former site of the GWU hospital. In addition to the Class A office space and market and affordable apartment housing options, the proposed project will provide much-needed neighborhood-serving retail, including a proposed grocery store. The project also incorporates an interior courtyard that will provide a better and more direct pedestrian connection across the site and an inviting, open public space.

Falkland North Apartments
Silver Spring, Maryland
Home Properties

Located just a block from the Silver Spring Metro station, Home Properties is proposing a mixed-use development of residences and neighborhood-serving retail, including a much-needed grocery store. This project is consistent with the Silver Spring Sector Plan that strives to create a more vibrant and walkable downtown Silver Spring. In addition to the new buildings, a large public plaza is included along East-West Highway that will be open to residents and non-residents alike. This is important as accessible and open public space will be critical to the livability of redeveloping Silver Spring, and the developers should be commended for providing such an amenity. In keeping with Montgomery County’s emphasis on green building techniques, a green roof will be created above the underground parking garage. The development will also provide all of their required affordable housing units (12.5%) onsite and scattered throughout the development ensuring that housing opportunities will be available to a diverse mix of the public.

Mid-City Urban and A&R Development are proposing a mix of apartments and retail stores atop what is now a surface parking lot adjacent to the Rhode Island Metro station. The “main street” running through the project will have wide sidewalks and street trees, and will provide a welcoming entrance for Metro riders and an improved amenity for existing residents around the station. The current parking lot which serves WMATA riders will be replaced with a parking garage that will be accessed primarily along a commuter serving road so as not affect the pedestrian scale of the project. To ensure that this project benefits different types of families and residents, 20% of the units will be designated as affordable and 10% of the retail will be reserved for local businesses. Residents of the eastern part of Washington, D.C. have not benefited as much from the region’s current economic growth, and the developers deserve significant credit and recognition for working with the surrounding neighborhood and the City to build such a first-class project.

Reusing older shopping centers is a key smart growth strategy, and one sought by jurisdictions all over our region. Abbey Road Property Group is proposing just such a project in Arlington County near Fort Myer. In place of what is now a decaying old strip center, they are proposing a mixed-used development comprised of apartments and new retail. It is located just ¾ mile from the Clarendon Metro, and along some major bus routes. To create a more pedestrian-oriented experience for the new residents and the surrounding neighborhood, the major intersection will be redesigned as a more urban “hard” corner providing increased sidewalk capacity. To better encourage alternative transportation, 86 bicycle parking spaces are being provided, which is far more than similar developments. They will also be seeking green building certification (LEED).

KB Home and Centex Homes are proposing the redevelopment of approximately 180 acres, strategically located along Interstate-270 and along the proposed Corridor City Transitway (CCT) alignment. The developers deserve credit for incorporating the right mix of housing types – single-family, townhouses, and larger multi-family buildings –, office buildings, shopping opportunities, and significant set asides for parks and open space. These are all scattered throughout six distinct neighborhoods. Until the future Transitway is built, a shuttle bus is planned to provide public transportation to the Shady Grove Metro station, which is within 4 miles of the site. Green building techniques are also anticipated in several of the buildings further limiting the site’s environmental footprint. Proving their commitment to the community, the project details were born from a public involvement process, referred to as a “charette,” that was sponsored by the development team.

Redeveloping older suburban roads like Rockville Pike into walkable business districts and neighborhood centers will be critical as our region continues to grow. In the same vein, the Holladay Corporation is proposing a redevelopment of an auto-oriented strip development into a mixed-use center across the Pike from the White Flint Metro station. To encourage a more pedestrian-friendly environment, the buildings will be brought up to the sidewalk edge as opposed to the typical pattern of Rockville Pike, which sets buildings back far away from the street for surface parking. All of the parking for Metro Pike will be provided underground. New sidewalks will be built, and some of the existing sidewalks will be improved to 25 feet. This is all in keeping with the County’s plan for the White Flint station area, and the good news is that there are several nearby development proposals in the pipeline that share this vision. Finally, Holladay will incorporate green roof technology into Metro Pike, and create a new public park at the intersection of Woodglen Avenue and Nicholson Lane.

Immediately adjacent to the Rosslyn Metro, 1812 North Moore Street will seek to make major contributions to the quality and vitality of the Central Place redevelopment district in Rosslyn , Virginia . The building will include a first-class ground level restaurant, internalized parking, and 593,000 square feet of office space. The scope of development extends to the north with the adaptive reuse of an operating Dominion Power substation. To the south, the design team is working with the WMATA to make significant improvements to the Metro station. The 1812 team proposes to transform Moore Street into a destination street that can facilitate the coexistence of pedestrians, buses, and cars creating a new attractive urban space. Working with architects from Davis, Carter Scott Ltd., they will seek LEED gold certification for green building design, incorporate on-site renewable energy generation, and promote these concepts through a Knowledge Center for Sustainability.

The Washington Gateway will bring revitalization and a human scale to this NoMa neighborhood by replacing an abandoned lot and an out-of-business gas station on the southeast corner of New York and Florida Avenues NE, and by creating a new interconnected environment of urban amenities. The project will involve construction of two office buildings and a T-shaped structure with residential units and a hotel, all with retail on the ground floor and a public plaza. For bicyclists on the Metropolitan Branch Trail, it will feature an atrium with benches, bicycle racks, a pump station and information about the trail and historic DC neighborhoods. Pedestrians going to and from the New York Avenue Metro station nearby will be pleased with the improved streetscape, the direct link between Florida and New York Avenues through the plaza, and walking to the metro stop without crossing Florida Avenue

St. Paul's College
Washington, D.C.
EYA Associates

This infill project will develop ten acres of under-utilized land on the St. Paul's College campus on Fourth Street NE, within a half mile of the Brookland-CUA metro station. The development will include 250 single-family townhouses architecturally designed to be compatible with both the college and existing townhouses in the area. By providing additional housing at an increased density in close proximity to the Metro station, the development will help support transit as well as enhance the mix of uses in the area, which is expecting substantial new retail development, for example at the Catholic University South Campus site only three blocks away. The development will also improve pedestrian connectivity and access to transit for existing residents of the area, by extending the surrounding public streets (Hamlin, Jackson, 5th and 6th Streets) into the development and opening them to public use. The remaining green open space on the site will be enhanced by a new 9,000 square-foot park consisting of open lawn surrounded by shade trees, masonry seat walls, retaining walls and benches. A paved plaza in the southeast corner will serve as a community gathering place, with stadium-style seating. Installation of new storm water management facilities, including innovative use of a bioswale and rain gardens, will improve the level of water quality protection even as the site is developed at a higher density. As proposed the development will provide at least 10 percent affordable units targeting income levels of 50-80 percent of the area median.