Posts Tagged ‘Redevelopment

17
Dec
12

Is Woodridge Part of the “Up and Coming”?

photo by DC Urban Turf

photo by DC Urban Turf

DC Urban Turf has listed their “Best Use of a Magic 8-Ball” on the best upcoming neighborhoods in the City.

 two years ago UrbanTurf reached out to a selection of bloggers, journalists, real estate agents and developers to get their thoughts on what DC neighborhoods would be attracting homebuyers in 2015. Earlier this year, we decided to check in with the same group to see if they still agreed with the choices they originally made.

Woodridge wasn’t singled out as an up and coming neighborhood, although the same blog did write about RIA NE as recent as Octoberof this year, we are encouraged by the immediate surrounding communities’ designation as such. But being located between Brookland, Fort Lincoln, and Fort Totten, plus having one of the most promising “Main Streets” in the area and large single family homes, Woodridge is, by default, a part of these up and coming neighborhoods that you should keep an eye on. The Friends of RIA (FoRIA) are making huge strides with this area and the addition of over $1 million being slated for improvements along RIA NE, we plan to see the area transforming for the better.

As Urban Turf noted:

That whole part of NE — including Brookland, Woodridge, Michigan Park, Fort Lincoln — is seeing a lot of new developments come out of the ground that are going to transform the area.

What are your thoughts? Is the entire area going to surge or are parts of it going to be left behind?

About these ads
28
Aug
12

Woodridge Library Meeting on New Design

Last night, the Friends of the Woodridge Library held a meeting to review the draft model of the new Woodridge Library design and solicit feedback. Nolan Treadway, candidate for ANC, FoRIA Boardmember, and contributor to the Insider, was present and kept some good notes and pictures via his Twitter feed of the meeting… check out his notes here.

08
Aug
12

In Case You Missed It: New Apartment Plan for RIA

Photo from City Paper

In case you missed it, the City Paper reported that Douglas Development has released its plan to construct a 240 unit apartment building behind the Great Mount Calvary School, immediately across the street from Rhode Island Row and the RIA Metro Station. In order to construct the complex, Douglas will need to change part of the property from Industrial to Commercial and has started this process by asking ANC 5B for their approval. Although the ANC’s decision will not be a binding decision, their opinion is considered with great weight by the Zoning Commission.

The City Paper speculated that Douglas Development was spurred into action on these properties that it has owned for nearly 10 years by the pending tax rate increase that has been overlooked by DCRA for some time. Thus far, Douglas does not have a partner on the project.

Good news for a neglected area of RIA especially since it is in prime location by the Metro and the new mixed use development near there.

****UPDATE: According to Insider reader, Woodie, the ANC has already received the presentation for a zoning change: “ANC 5B-04 in May approved the zoning change for this Douglas Development. There was a rep from Douglas Development that gave a presentation requesting the change. The meeting was held at La Luz Del Mundo at 12th & RIA”.

15
Jul
12

Ward 5 Heroes and a “Rhode Trip”

The Friends of RIA not only became Ward 5 Heroes this past Saturday, they were also filmed by DC Office of Planning to showcase how residents are taking it upon themselves to help revitalize their neighborhood. Members of FoRIA were joined by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and Council candidate David Grosso for their monthly RIA NE Cleanup. The Friends were given “Ward 5 Hero” buttons to show how their hard work does not go unnoticed.

In addition, Deborah Crain Kemp, Ward 5 Planner, was on hand to take pictures and film FoRIA’s efforts to turn around the Avenue and show businesses that the residents in Ward 5 care about their neighborhood enough to spend their Saturday picking up the trash and beautifying the street.

In addition to thanking Friends for their help, FoRIA President, Kyle Todd, announced an effort to lure at least one business to RIA that will take place on Wednesday evening. Calling it a “Rhode Trip“, members of FoRIA will all head to Boundary Stone on Rhode Island Ave NW at 1st Street NW to tell the owners that if they come further up to RIA NE, residents will come. Boundary Stone is rumored to be considering an expansion of their hit neighborhood restaurant/bar. So, if you are around and want to see more businesses along our section of RIA NE, show up to Boundary Stone between 5:30 pm and 8 pm, have a pint and a bite to eat and let the owners know that you are with FoRIA and you want them up on the NE side of RIA (even if you cannot stay, just stop by and tell them to come to us). FoRIA will most likely have a small slip of paper for you to hand to the owners saying this point. See everyone on Wednesday!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

22
Jun
12

Rhode Island Row Grand Opening

The new mixed use development called Rhode Island Row had its grand opening yesterday (Thursday, June 21) and the neighborhood turned out to enjoy some great food from Carolina Kitchen, great locally brewed beer from DC Brau, and even greater company (the Friends of RIA were well represented in their t-shirts).  The new development, already with an open CVS, will also include a Carolina Kitchen, a Chipotle, and many other retailers. Residents are already living in the residential units above the retail spaces and many could be seen enjoying the live music of the grand opening party from their balconies all around the pool area.

Below are some pictures from the event that we found on Twitter…if you attended and have more, send them to the Insider so we can include them!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

13
Jun
12

Big News or Big Let Down

According to this snippet from DCMud, Big Lots has been announced for the Forman Mills shopping center.

Big Lots, the close out/overstock retailer, is coming to Brookland.  Construction is starting shortly on a 37,000 s.f. shell located at 514 Rhode Island, Ave., NE.

Back in January, the Insider reported that Save-A-Lot was moving into the space. No word yet if this is in addition or to replace.

Until then, what do you think? Big news? Or a big let down for our area?

 




Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 946 other followers