Major residential project on Wisconsin Ave. reimagines Friendship Heights

A serious challenge to construct 350 residences in Friendship Heights is advancing.

Why it issues: Friendship Heights — traditionally a buying and workplace hub — has misplaced vibrancy after years of outlets shuttering their shops within the Metro-friendly neighborhood. Now it is set for a metamorphosis, between this residential challenge and one other large-scale one on the former Mazza Gallerie mall.

What’s occurring: The 350-apartment challenge would change the declining buying middle at 5333 Wisconsin Avenue NW, at the moment house to Maggiano’s restaurant and a DSW shoe retailer — and would add reasonably priced housing models in an prosperous a part of D.C. 

• The developer, Federal Realty, would demolish the prevailing construction and construct about 10,000 sq. ft of retail house together with the brand new residences.
• Practically 15.5% of them could be designated as reasonably priced.

The plans received the help Thursday night time of the native advisory neighborhood fee, an important vote of confidence for the challenge because the developer seeks closing approval from the District. 

The large image: The District has had little success constructing reasonably priced housing within the neighborhood, regardless of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s pledge three years in the past to take action west of Rock Creek Park.

• “Rock Creek West,” which is essentially composed of rich Ward 3, has produced simply 71 reasonably priced housing models since 2019, drastically lagging behind the remainder of the town, information reveals. 

The intrigue: Lily Bullitt from D.C. Legal professional Normal Karl Racine’s workplace mentioned at Thursday’s ANC assembly that the challenge may have to extend its share of reasonably priced models to 18% with a purpose to meet planning pointers.

What’s subsequent: The D.C. Zoning Fee will maintain a listening to on the challenge subsequent week.