Zoning Commission

Design Modifications for Harris Teeter Approved

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Parcel 4 - Harris Teeter

Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners’ request for a revision to the proposed design of Parcel 4, which required a modification to the existing PUD Order, has been approved.  The design modification results from Jair Lynch’s signed Letter of Intent with Harris Teeter to activate the building’s ground floor with a full-service 50,000 sf grocery store.

Parcel 4 Harris TeeterParcel 4 Harris Teeter
The most visible modification results from the creation of a café mezzanine space connected to an outdoor patio above the street level at the corner of North Capitol and the North Service Court.  The new public outdoor space offers the ability to experience the North Service Court and its historic structures from the approximate elevation of the existing plinth.  Additional design revisions included additional windows, the storefront entry and the incorporation of Harris Teeter’s signage.

On the Quarter Street frontage, the overall appearance of the residential lobbies was enhanced to by incorporating additional windows and architectural elements.  Harris Teeter’s use of smaller delivery trucks provided the opportunity to decrease the size of the loading dock, which strengthened the appearance of the building on Evarts Street.

None of the proposed modifications effect the number of residential units to be located on the building’s upper floors, which will include 85 affordable units set aside for seniors at 50% of AMI. The overall project aims to kick off construction later this year, with the new Harris Teeter and apartments delivering in 2018.

The hearing before the Zoning Commission took place on March 10, 2016. Email us at info@envisionmcmillan.com if you’d like more information regarding the hearing.

Jair Lynch Real Estate Partner’s Parcel 2 Receives PUD Approval

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Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners garnered initial approval from the Zoning Commission for their Stage Two PUD Application to construct a 7-story mixed use building on Parcel 2 of the McMillan site. The design for Parcel 2, guided by the Master Plan and Stage One PUD approved in 2014, compliments the surrounding historic resources and draws from a consistent design palette in keeping with other new development on the McMillan site.

This mixed-use building will have between 18,000 and 24,000 SF of ground-floor neighborhood serving retail uses. Approximately 236 apartments will be constructed above the retail; 27 of these units will be designated as affordable. The affordability component was enhanced by the addition of two units affordable to households making 50% AMI, while the balance will be available at 80% of AMI. The PUD process also resulted in the design modification of the east-west span connecting the building across Three Quarter Street. That span will be transparent, no longer containing any residential units.

The final draft of the PUD Order was submitted to the Zoning Commission, Office of Planning and three affected ANC’s last Thursday, Mar 2nd and is now pending Final Action.

Parcel 2 flyover animation (prior to the design changes)

MCMILLAN PARCEL 2_2016-02-09

MCMILLAN PARCEL 2_2016-02-09 3

MCMILLAN PARCEL 2_2016-02-09 2

VMP Submits Revised Building Designs

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In preparation for our upcoming hearing on September 29th and in response to questions raised at our last hearing, VMP provided additional information to the Zoning Commission on Monday. During the last hearing, the Commission requested additional information on, or restudy of, the height of the Healthcare Facility; the loading facilities for the multifamily/grocery store; proposed traffic mitigation measures; and additional information on the timing and scope of public benefits and amenities.

As detailed in the images below, revisions to the PUD include a reduction of the western wing building height of the Medical Office Building from 130 feet to 115 feet. To maintain the architectural aesthetic of the overall design, the clearance height of the projecting bay on the north and south facades of the east wing was raised, thereby reducing the size of the eastern building as well. To further sustain the design intent, the building peripheral was also adapted on all sides of the western and eastern wings, which is visible in the second image. The net effect of these changes is an overall reduction of 25,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Revision 2   Revision 1

With regards to the multifamily/grocery, the street level design of Evarts Street was further refined to ensure a safe and attractive experience for pedestrians. One curb cut along the street was eliminated, while combining the trash and service space for the residential and grocery store uses. The two relatively small changes resulted in significant enhancements to the street level elevation. First, new flexible space is now available at the eastern end of the building with new windows spanning approximately 55 feet of the ground floor to further activate the streetscape along Evarts Street. Second, the loading bay opening is now divided into two sections separated by a column, producing a more articulated rhythm to the ground floor façade. Both changes are illustrated in the renderings below.

13085_082014_view_H6e_screen   13085_082014_view_H9_screen

The full submittal is available for download.

WaPo Architecture Critic Roger K. Lewis recommends VMP Plan for the #NewMcMillan

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McMillan plan combines preservation, urban design and inventive architecture

VMP Plan for the New McMillan“The fate of the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant has been the subject of heated controversy ever since the federal government closed the water purification facility in 1986 and sold the 25-acre site to the District of Columbia. During the years, dramatically differing opinions and ideas for transforming McMillan have led to multiple contrasting plans for the site.

But next month the destiny of the historically landmarked McMillan site may be determined and the disputes rendered moot. The D.C. Zoning Commission is reviewing the latest plan (www.envisionmcmillan.com), a well-conceived, pragmatic work of urban design and architecture.”

Read full article here.

Vision McMillan Partners Move Forward in Entitlement Process

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HPRB’s procedural denial of Raze Application for Underground Sand Filtration Cells sets the stage for Mayor’s Agent Hearing.  In response to a raze application for sixteen of the underground sand filtration cells on the McMillan Sand Filtration Site by Vision McMillan Partners (VMP), the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), in a standard response to historic development proposals seeking a permit for demolition, responded by letter today recommending that a permit not be issued.

While the HPRB voted unanimously in October of this year to support VMP’s redevelopment plans, it may not consider whether a project is one of “special merit” and instead routinely finds that demolition of historic structures is inconsistent with the preservation law. The recommendation sets the stage for a hearing before the Mayor’s Agent, who will evaluate the project for special merit and determine if demolition is permissible.

“Vision McMillan Partners is confident that our proposed project and related demolition of some underground cells will be deemed justified in the public interest to allow for a project special merit that provides jobs, affordable housing, the city’s largest new park and other significant benefits to the city and the communities surrounding the Sand Filtration Site.” said Anne Corbett, VMP Project Director.

The HPRB’s unanimous endorsement of the conceptual design plan for the site’s redevelopment will help support the case as one of special merit.

Two for Two

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Plaza_Night

You did it again! Supporters turned out in such great numbers for a second Zoning Hearing in a row! You stayed HOURS so you could present eloquent, thoughtful testimony to the Zoning Commission about this plan. The energy and dedication is humbling for our team and so, so appreciated.

One supporter said to me, “not only will the new McMillan site provide a much needed grocery store, retail and affordable housing, but it will allow me to walk through the fenced off areas to other parts of the community that were only accessible by car before.”  Watching supporters testify from Bloomingdale, Stronghold, Park View and other neighborhoods,  it was clear to me that we are doing just that – reconnecting the community around the site. While we have made it through two hearings, there are still TWO MORE to go. We need you as a committed supporter to show the commission that you stand with the VMP team and support this plan. Please click here to attend at least ONE of the FINAL TWO zoning hearings on May 8th and 13th.

We heard many of our supporters speak last night about why they support the VMP plan, and the benefit that they feel it will bring to the community. If you can not attend a hearing, the Zoning Commission should still hear from you. Please take 2 minutes and click here to write to the Commission and tell them why you Support a New McMillan.

We’ve made it this far together – farther than any other previous plan for the McMillan site – and only with your help and support will we make it to the finish line.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Cheers,
ALC signature

Anne Corbett
Vision McMillan Partners
www.envisionmcmillan.com

Remaining Hearing dates and times:

May 8, 2014 (THIS THURSDAY) 6:00 p.m. – Healthcare Facility (Parcel 1)

May 13, 2014 (Tuesday) 6:00 p.m. – Continuation of Hearing #1, ANC and Personal Testimony

All PUD hearings will be at held at:
Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room
441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 220-South
Washington, D.C. 20001

One down, three to go

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Plaza_Day

Wow. Our supporter turnout on Thursday night was outstanding! Looking back at the audience and seeing the sea of green was extraordinarily inspiring for our full presentation team last night. We can’t thank you enough for your participation and support of a plan that we truly feel is the best opportunity to create a beautiful open space with an 8-acre park, much needed retail and grocery options, multi-function community center with a pool, and thousands of jobs.

The Zoning Commission and those in attendance had an opportunity to see a presentation that included the Master Plan, open park space and the Community Center design.  Due to the complexity of the project, the Commission asked that all individual testimony be held until the final hearing on May 13th.

That’s where you come in. We need you to help us keep the momentum going. One hearing down, three more to go. If you haven’t already, please click here to sign up to attend at least one of the remaining three zoning hearings, on May 5th, 8th and 13th.

Everyone in the community understands that this project is highly contentious. If you’ve been to a community meeting, hearing in the past, and or read a story in the press, you know that many have strong emotions one way or another. We need to keep our positive energy high and continue to push hard through the end of the hearings. Whether or not you can attend any of the hearings, the Zoning Commission still needs to hear from you about why you support the project. Click here to send a letter to the Commission telling them why the Vision McMillan plan will benefit your community!

We are closer now than ever before to making this project a reality. Thank you again for all your support to help us get there.

I look forward to seeing all of that green on Monday night!
ALC signature
Anne Corbett
Vision McMillan Partners
www.envisionmcmillan.com

Remaining Hearing dates and times:

May 5, 2014 (Monday) 6:00 p.m. –   Multi-Family/Retail Building (Parcel 4) and Townhouses (Parcel 5)
May 8, 2014 (Thursday) 6:00 p.m. – Healthcare Facility (Parcel 1)
May 13, 2014 (Tuesday) 6:00 p.m. – Continuation of Hearing #1, ANC and Personal Testimony

All PUD hearings will be at held at:
Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room
441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 220-South
Washington, D.C. 20001

A Message from Anne Corbett

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McMillanLogo_Teal

You’ve probably received a door knock, a phone call, an email, or seen a Facebook post or Tweet about the upcoming Zoning Commission Hearings that begin tonight. We’ve worked with our dedicated supporters to do all of this because these hearings are a MAKE OR BREAK moment for the project.  Tonight’s hearing is the first of four zoning hearings that will help determine whether the VMP plan for McMillan will move forward.

If you haven’t already, please click here to commit to attend at least one of our four Zoning Hearings, starting TONIGHT May 1st and also, May 5th, 8th, and 13th. The Commission will factor the community’s support and presence at the hearings when they make their decision.
Whether or not you can join us tonight or at any of the other hearings, it is also very important that you let the Zoning Commission know you support the VMP plan for McMillan.

Please click here to email the Commission and let them know that you support a plan for a beautiful 8-acre park, much needed grocery store for the community, state of the art community center with a pool and thousands of jobs.

Your work with us over the last 7 years has helped to make this project what it is today. Now we need your help to see it through.

Please join us tonight and on May 5th, 8th, and 13th and make it clear that the VMP plan for McMillan is the community plan for McMillan!

Sincerely,


Anne Corbett
Vision McMillan Partners
www.envisionmcmillan.com

Hearing dates and times:

May 1, 2014 (Thursday) 6:00 p.m. – Stage 1 Master Plan, Open Spaces and Parks, and Community Center (Parcels 6 and 7)

May 5, 2014 (Monday) 6:00 p.m. –   Multi-Family/Retail Building (Parcel 4) and Townhouses (Parcel 5)

May 8, 2014 (Thursday) 6:00 p.m. – Healthcare Facility (Parcel 1)

May 13, 2014 (Tuesday) 6:00 p.m. – Continuation hearing (if needed)

All PUD hearings will be at held at:
Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room
441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 220-South
Washington, D.C. 20001

P.S. If you haven’t seen it, now is a good time to check out the Vision Video.

One week away…

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South Service CourtNorth Service CourtCommunity Center PoolCommunity ParkThis is it.  The time to show up and state your support is now.

The Zoning Commission hearings for McMillan are only one week away. The first will be next Thursday, May 1st, with subsequent hearings May 5th, 8th and 13th.  Fenced off and closed to the public since the 1940’s, the approval of VMP’s master plan by the zoning commission is a pivotal step in transforming the 25-acre McMillan site into a neighborhood asset, sustainably integrated into the surrounding community

The final master plan for McMillan has been a long time in the making.  Through a collaborative engagement process starting in the fall of 2007, the plan has evolved significantly to become a master plan built on community consensus.  Buildings now cover only a third of the site.  Nearly half of the total site area is reserved for large public open spaces, including an 8-acre park, which will be one of the best-designed public spaces in the District.  A 17,000 SF public community center provide recreation and fitness opportunities for all, as well as a 25 meter indoor swimming pool.  All historic buildings on the site will be preserved, with some adapted for new uses – small business incubators, outdoor cafes, water features, art displays, hanging gardens and more.

The master plan will provide much needed neighborhood serving retail, including a 50,000 SF full-service grocery store.  The new McMillan provides housing opportunities for all, with at least 20% of total housing units affordable to families making up to 80% AMI.  In addition to the the built elements, redevelopment of McMillan will result in $1.2 billion in new tax revenue over the next 30 years, while generating 3,200 permanent jobs and 3,000 new construction jobs.

In order for all of these things to come to fruition, we need you to engage now.  It is critical to let the Zoning Commission know how you feel about the project both before and at the hearings.   Please submit a letter of support to the commission and then commit to attending a hearing in support of VMP’s master plan for McMillan.

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