Posts tagged Historic Preservation
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Breakfast links: Special interests edition
Roger Lewis on the Park and Shop: In his latest appearance on Kojo, architect Roger Lewis talks about the role of politics in historic preservation, including the loss of historic neighborhoods in Southwest in the 1960s, the Park and Shop at the Cleveland Park Metro, the MLK Library, and the closing of G Street to build the Verizon Center. Keep reading…
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Let’s write a better historic preservation law, part 3
Yesterday, I suggested some principles for what buildings or aspects of buildings should and should not be preserved. Keep reading…
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Let’s write a better historic preservation law, part 2
In part 1, I laid out five principles for what’s important to preserve. Keep reading…
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Third Church brings civil rights lawsuit
The Third Church of Christ Scientist, which occupies a now-landmarked Brutalist modern building on 16th Street, has brought a civil rights lawsuit against the city after having their raze application denied by HPRB last month. According to the Post article, “the church says the landmark designation violates the First Amendment by limiting its ability to freely practice… Keep reading…
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Good news and bad for Dupont at-risk buildings
Last month, I talked about buildings in the Dupont area in danger of “demolition by neglect,” which is when an owner, intentionally or unintentionally, lets a building rot away until it has to be torn down. That’s always a major loss to our historic building stock. DC has laws to prevent it, but they’re often not enforced very well. Keep reading…
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Parking countdown #2: This is what a neighborhood without minimums looks like
The hearing is tomorrow! Please sign up to testify by calling (202) 727-6311. A brief statement about what you like about your non-overwhelmed-by-parking neighborhood is enough, or feel free to say more. Keep reading…
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HPRB landmarks Hilton because it’s kind of like other landmarks
This morning, HPRB reviewed the landmark nomination for the Washington Hilton. I’ve argued before that this building isn’t worthy of being landmarked. Many people have made respectable arguments on both sides, and I respect those who feel this building is in fact iconic. But one thing worries me: the HPRB members who voted in favor spoke less about this building’s… Keep reading…
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We need better loading and performance parking around the Hilton
Last night, the Dupont Circle ANC passed a thoughtfully crafted resolution on the Hilton proposed development. The ANC opposes the landmarking, and also opposes the project as presented. They objected to the inadequate loading docks, insufficient parking, the mass of the development, and the swimming pool. But as Commissioner Mike Silverstein emphasized, the primary concern… Keep reading…
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ANC, HPRB should reject Hilton landmarking
I’ve been researching the Hilton hotel’s expansion plans and thinking hard about its landmarking. I endorsed landmarking the HUD building, but in contrast, the Hilton’s qualification under the landmark critera is questionable at best. Still, I pondered that perhaps the parking exemption might be a worthwhile tradeoff. After finding out more about the… Keep reading…
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Adams Morgan ANC narrowly endorses less parking at Hilton
The Hilton Hotel is planning an as-of-right expansion to add a condominium tower in their east courtyard. Residents are concerned about loading (the loading docks are right on 19th Street, very close to homes, and with very little space for trucks to turn around), and the possible loss to the community of the pool (which will probably be moved and may become less public) and grounds… Keep reading…