After receiving a $220 million capital infusion, the developers of a 27-acre waterfront redevelopment proposal in Washington D.C. will break ground on the long-awaited project on March 19.
Jonathan O’Connell updates the status of the redevelopment plans for the Southwest Waterfront in Washington D.C. The project was awarded to developer Monty Hoffman by the city in 2006. The project languished in recession purgatory since then.
The $2 billion project includes “four blocks of new buildings, 150 boat slips, three piers and 20 restaurants, bars and cafes on 27 acres of land and 50 acres of water in the Washington Channel,” writes O’Connell.
The history of the location stretches back to 1890, and the development has raised the specter of economic inequality in the city. There is obvious public interest in the project: the city is providing $198 million in funding for the project, which will create 5,000 permanent jobs and 427 subsidized housing units. But the project also includes a members-only club, and new buildings will block many existing views of the waterfront.
FULL STORY: Southwest Waterfront redevelopment set to break ground, but not without concerns
D.C. Revamps its Vision Zero Plan to Eliminate Traffic Fatalities
Washington, D.C. was an early adopter of Vision Zero in the United States, but eventually it became emblematic of the country's lack of progress in reducing traffic collisions.
D.C. Region Sets Goal to Reduce GHG Emissions From Transportation 50% by 2030
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the D.C. region—and the rest of the country. The D.C. region is committing to drastic actions to change their ways, however.
D.C. Adds New Safety Requirement in Wake of Recent Collapses
A series of incidents including the fatal collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Florida have prompted the District to implement safety enhancements to its building safety review.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie