In D.C., Nearby Projects Reveal Advantages of Effective Outreach

Two apartment projects located about a mile apart on a major District of Columbia arterial provide contrasting approaches to residential development.

According to a report by Jonathan O'Connell, the Cafritz Enterprises development farther north has met with neighbor resistance because of a glass facade that does not mesh with the surroundings and because the developer gave the impression of resuming activity on a site surrounded by single-family homes that has been vacant for 23 years rather quietly.

In contrast, the Saul Centers development near Van Ness Metro Station is a TOD on a site that recently housed a shopping center. Neighbors have bought into a vision of a mixed-use hub that could develop into another Dupont Circle or Chevy Chase with round-the-clock activity.