Empty Offices on 16th Street NW in DC by Victoria Pickering licensed under Creative Commons.

Over 4 million square feet of office-to-residential conversions proposed in downtown DC

The District government is offering tax incentives to developers and owners who want to turn vacant office buildings into residential ones. They join buildings throughout the metro area, namely in Alexandria and Reston, that have already successfully made the conversion (several before the pandemic), and are attracting renters and buyers who are looking for live-work options.  (Marisa M. Kashino / Washingtonian)  

New WMATA head says increasing rail service is highest priority, safety a given

In his first public remarks in front of the WMATA board Thursday, Randy Clarke said that service frequency, fare policy, and communications were riders’ chief complaints. Clarke’s predecessor heavily emphasized safety but resigned in May after a series of compounding safety issues. (Editor’s note: WMATA board member Tracy Hadden Loh, also GGWash’s board chair, is quoted in this article. She has no editorial input.)  (Justin George / Post)  

Union Station issues abound, but solutions are also present

While Starbucks joins the ranks of businesses closing at the train station, citing safety concerns and lack of foot traffic, several District agencies and Amtrak are working together to revitalize and shift the narative of the regional transit hub.  (Post)  

MoCo considers requiring new buildings be electric-only

If a bill moving through the Montgomery County Council passes, natural gas, heating oil, and propane infrastructure would not be allowed in most new buildings and additions. Though all-electric buildings are costlier to build, they are cheaper to maintain and safer for residents and the environment.  (Nene Narh-Mensah / Maryland Matters)  

Pedestrian bridge over Beltway in Tysons delayed until fall

Once open, the bridge will allow pedestrians and cyclists to go between Tysons Corner Center and Old Meadow Road, connecting them with the McLean Metro station. The project has been underway for over a decade and much of its structure is completed.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)  

Disruptions affect all Metro lines this weekend

Several stations on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines remain closed, and the Red, Yellow, and Green lines will be single tracking. There will be repairs to leaks on the Red line, cable installations on the Green and Yellow line, and work to replace platforms on the Orange line continues.  (Aja Drain / DCist)  

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