Breakfast links: Empty offices could become housing
Proposal could convert empty office space in DC into housing
A bill by DC At-Large Councilmember Robert White would create a task force to see how vacant office buildings (more and more as the office market softens) might be turned into affordable housing. (Andrew Giambrone / City Paper)
Tenants fighting their landlords in court could get unexpected assistance
DC may pilot a program that extends the right to a lawyer for those that cannot afford one to tenants fighting their landlords in civil court. The DC Council Judiciary Committee has allotted $4.5 million to assist residents that make up to 200% of the poverty line. The proposal will now go to the full council for a vote. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
In Alexandria, a huge office building will become apartments at Eisenhower East
A developer is under contract to turn Alexandria's Hoffman Town Center from offices into apartments, with retail on the ground floor. Alexandria staff is including the new building in plans for Eisenhower East, and is weighing whether to encourage more conversions. (Michael Neibauer / WBJ)
DC’s budget could include more money for students
The DC Council Education Committee voted to increase per pupil funding for students by 2.4%, up from the mayor's proposed 1.5%. The change will now go to the full council for approval. (Nick Ianelli / WTOP)
The last two of the “Seven Houses” are still standing
Since 1796, the “Seven Houses,” a group of federal townhouses on Pennsylvania Avenue, have watched DC change around them. Today, two are still standing. (Douglas Fruehling / Business Journal)
New multimodal transportation center opens in Crystal City
Crystal City just opened a block-long transportation center next to the Metro, and the amenities include bus shelters, wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and a kiss and ride loading space. A combination of local grants and taxes financed the $3.4 million project. (Chris Teale / Arlington Now)
DC home prices are at a ten year peak
DC home prices are the highest they've been in 10 years. While the median sale price is not higher than this time last year, the per square foot cost has risen and inventory has shrunk. Prices may continue to rise over the coming months. (Andy Medici / Business Journal)
These experts have put their street design handbook online. For free.
An international guide to street design, created by experts in 42 countries, is now available online, free of charge. The Global Street Design Guide includes 21 street types, 50 street and intersection designs, and 40 case studies. As of now, the guide is only available in English. (Stephen Miller / Streetsblog)