Posts about Preservation
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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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Late night links: familiar battle lines edition
Moran, Oberstar defend transit: Virginia’s Burke Connection covered Monday’s town hall meeting in Tysons. Oberstar, the chair of the House Transportation Committee, got most of the quotes in the article, defending light rail and criticizing the federal funding formula which ignores many factors. And, like all pro-transit officials, he expressed a clear hope that… 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…
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“Mall people” and Montgomery County’s downtowns
Imagine, DC reimagines Langley Park with a stronger street grid, a transit center for the Purple Line and buses. Could Langley Park, like Silver Spring, transform from a depressed, sprawly, and mostly low-income set of strip malls into a desirable and more diverse destination? Keep reading…
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Brunch links: times they are a-changin’ edition
Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of the empty Federal Triangle: The GSA is considering a public-private partnership for the underutilized Old Post Office building. Redevelopment might include restaurants, residences and/or a hotel in place of or in addition to the current government offices (while preserving the building, of course). Eleanor Holmes Norton is pushing a bill to… Keep reading…
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HPRB delays Hilton, landmarks HUD and Tax Court
At the request of the ANC and the property owner, HPRB has delayed consideration of the Washington Hilton for landmark status. They did unanimously landmark the HUD building and Tax Court. Boasberg pointed out that DC’s HPRB has no jurisdiction over federal properties, so adding these buildings to the DC Register is mostly a formality. Keep reading…
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Let’s write a better historic preservation law, part 1
We’ve been discussing historic preservation a lot lately, with many opinions on topics like the HUD building or Chicago. If we were writing the historic preservation law, what should it say? Keep reading…