Street Life Develops Above Pedestrian Tunnels

Developer attempts to turn 1960s anti-urban office development into a trendy town center.

1 minute read

November 8, 2004, 8:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The developer, Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty L.P, has "replaced a two-story parking garage with a strip of street-level, high-end restaurants designed to draw office workers out from the underground. It replaced the cement sidewalk with a broader brick walkway and outdoor seating to encourage pedestrians to browse the new restaurants. And it has revised traffic patterns, turning one-way streets two-way to make it easier for potential customers to come and go.... Brokers argue that the project faces an uphill battle in becoming a regional destination."

Thanks to Steven Greene

Monday, November 8, 2004 in The Washington Post

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