SOUTHWEST

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Government of the
District of Columbia
Muriel Bowser, Mayor
DC Office of Planning
Draft Final Plan
March 27, 2015

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

CONTENTS
Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 1

01

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 9

02

EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................. 21

03

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | PROCESS TO VISION ................................................................................. 53

04

CONCEPT MODEL COMMUNITY ................................................................................................................. 69

05

CONCEPT MODERNIST GEM ....................................................................................................................... 77

06

CONCEPT GREEN OASIS .............................................................................................................................. 85

07

CONCEPT ARTS & CULTURAL DESTINATION ............................................................................................... 93

08

CONCEPT THRIVING TOWN CENTER .......................................................................................................... 99

09

CONCEPT OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS .................................................................................................105

10

CONCEPT VIBRANT CONNECTIONS ...........................................................................................................111

11

IMPLEMENTATION .....................................................................................................................................119

12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..............................................................................................................................141

iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ILLUSTRATIVE OF 4TH STREET SW AS TOWN CENTER

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A VIBRANT, ATTRACTIVE, AND CONNECTED PLACE

For nearly 50 years, the Southwest neighborhood has been a quiet,
tucked-away, stable neighborhood to almost 12,000 residents. The
product of Urban Renewal interventions of the 1950s and 1960s,
this predominantly residential enclave is quite unlike any other
neighborhood in the District of Columbia. Reflective of Modernist
architecture, large swaths of green open space, and a variety of
residential development including market rate and public housing,
the neighborhoods unique built environment is a source of pride
for many Southwest residents. Southwests people are its other
great asset, celebrating a rich diversity of residents in terms of
income, race, ethnicity, and age.
However, as the District of Columbia experiences historic population
growth and development pressures surrounding Southwest
continue to mount, neighborhood residents are adamant that
Southwest be a place that retains its integrity while positioning the
neighborhood to be a vibrant, attractive, and connected place with
a shared vision to guide growth. Southwest today is the product
of successive waves of change building on what existed to create
new forms and new communities. Preservation and growth can
be compatible as exemplified in the stunning Arena Stage Theater.
This nationally recognized theater created a magnificent expanded
facility by transforming the existing structure. It is the perfect mix
of historic and new construction to better accommodate growth
and demand. The community can play a critical role in shaping how
development occurs and what amenities it can bring to balance
growth with livability achieving an even stronger Southwest
neighborhood.

The Plan
The Southwest Neighborhood Plan (the Plan) is a Small Area Plan to
shape the future of the neighborhood. It focuses on a Planning Area
that extends from South Capitol Street, west to Maine Avenue SW;
from P Street SW, north to the I-395 Freeway. It reflects community
aspirations, District-wide goals and market opportunities. It is a
community-based plan to enhance parks, pedestrian and street
connections, bolster retail, integrate community amenities, enhance
transportation choices, and accommodate and guide the direction
of future growth in the Southwest neighborhood. The Plan aims to
provide residents and property owners with assurances of what
future development may look like, including recommendations to
preserve and enhance existing assets and ensure that Southwest
retains social and economic diversity.

Pressures for Change

In the past 10 years, the Southwest neighborhood has been
undergoing significant change. Beginning with the Anacostia
Waterfront Initiative in 2002, renewed interest in Washington, DCs
waterfront communities along the Southwest Channel and the
Anacostia River began to grow quickly. Since then, major changes
have already taken shape in Southwest such as the removal of the
Waterside Mall to allow for the reopening of 4th Street and the
addition of new offices, retail and planned residential developments
to form a town center. Additional developments and proposals in
and around Southwest include:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Wharf This project, currently under construction

on the Southwest waterfront, will create an entirely
new waterfront destination of approximately 3.2
million square feet of development that will form
a
major
entertainment
and
retail
destination.

Nationals Park at the Navy Yard Metro This ballpark

now brings an average of 31,000 fans to each game as well
as to additional concerts and events throughout the year.
This influx of people has created demand for additional
amenities in the area but has also strained the transit
network. Thanks to public investments in the balpark,
transit system and parks, the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront
neighborhood is one of the fastest growing in the District.

Buzzard Point There is a current proposal to construct a

22-25,000-seat soccer stadium in the Buzzard Point area
of Southwest. This area has generally accommodated
industrial uses with a few residential units on the edge.
Buzzard Point is one of the last large swaths of riverfront
property in the District. The potential new soccer stadium
in Buzzard Point will contribute to the transformation of the
broader Southwest area as a center for events and activity.
Greenleaf Public Housing The District of Columbia Housing
Authority (DCHA) owns four large parcels of land adjacent and
close to M Street, near the Waterfront Metro Station. DCHA has
begun discussions with the Greenleaf residents about potential
redevelopment of the properties into a mixed-income and
mixed-use community with additional housing and amenities.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

District Properties The neighborhood also contains an

abundance of District and federally owned parcels, many of
which are currently underutilized and/or underdeveloped with
low-scale buildings and expansive surface parking, clustered
on M Street near South Capitol Street. As technology changes
and service needs grow and evolve, the District is interested
in optimizing its properties as well as finding opportunities to
utilize these assets to best serve residents and contribute to
local neighborhoods through improved design and function.

All of these changes and existing opportunity areas served as a

catalyst for studying and analyzing the Southwest neighborhood
and developing a Small Area Plan to enhance existing neighborhood
assets, guide future growth, and direct investment priorities.

The Planning Process

The planning process was community-based, drawing on the strong
social infrastructure in Southwest and allowing for multiple
opportunities to provide feedback. The Plan was also shaped by
neighborhood leadership through an Advisory Committee comprised
of former Councilmember Tommy Wells, affected Advisory
Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs), and representatives from
civic organizations, homeowner and tenant associations, community
groups, and the business community who provided insight and
guidance to the Project Team throughout the process (see the full
list of Advisory Committee members on page 142). The community
engagement process included four community-wide meetings,
seven Advisory Committee meetings, three focus groups (seniors/
age-friendly, schools, historic preservation), a joint Jefferson/Amidon
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting, and two meetings
for Greenleaf residents. In addition to a project website

(swneighborhoodplan.org), opportunities to provide input were

also available through an interactive online forum (engage.
swneighborhoodplan.org), which enabled stakeholders to map
issues and opportunities and engage in dialogue about ideas and
recommendations for the neighborhood.

Some key concerns and opportunities that arose at the

outset of the planning process included:
Varied Housing Choices Since 2000, home values in the Planning
Area have appreciated at a lower rate than the DC average, and
home sales prices and rents are lower than the DC average. However,
this trend is starting to change, and the apartment communities
that are currently leasing are catering toward a higher-income
demographic. Community residents want to see affordable housing
preserved and new units created. They also want new housing
developments to offer varied products, especially units sized for
families. Development pressures and potential gentrification were
specifically considered a threat to the most economically vulnerable
residents.
Enhanced Neighborhood Serving Retail Retail development along
4th Street SW was of particular concern for most residents. Many
expressed frustration at the length of time it has taken to lease up
existing retail spaces and the lack of a full range of neighborhoodserving retail amenities and businesses.
Park-like Neighborhood Character Residents also highlighted
characteristics that make Southwest special. The neighborhood was
often described as green with a network of open spaces and parks
as well as the full growth tree canopy lining many neighborhood

streets. Reinforcing this green character and enhancing parks

were key priorities. There was also support to improve parks and
recreation facilities.
New Development Residents also expressed civic pride in the
neighborhoods Modernist architecture and were concerned that
new development could compromise the neighborhoods unique
character. They also expressed reservations about the impacts
of surrounding major developments like The Wharf and Capitol
Riverfront on the quality of life in the Southwest neighborhood.
Diverse Community Southwests most defining characteristic
is its people. Residents overwhelmingly expressed their desire
to maintain the economic and racial diversity that makes the
community so strong and vibrant.
Community Facilities There was near universal support in
the community to see a new library in the neighborhood, with
considerable discussion surrounding whether to leave it at the
current location or move it to 4th Street SW.
Through the planning process, a Vision for the Plan was developed:
to create a thriving, active environment that preserves and
enhances the Southwest neighborhoods culture and character.
The Guiding Principles, which are listed on pages 67 and 68,
serve as the core, community-based underpinnings of the Plan
and provide direction and values to build the Plan concepts and
recommendations. The following pages summarize seven core
concepts and the visions for each, around which the Plan goals and
recommendations are framed.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Concept

MODEL COMMUNITY

Concept

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

Vision

Vision

Southwest will remain an exemplary model of equity and inclusion

- a welcoming and engaged community that celebrates and retains
a mix of races, ages and income levels and enhances well-being for
all amidst neighborhood growth and change.

Southwest will promote the preservation of its unique architectural

legacy and support new development that reflects the form and
rhythm of the mid-20th century, reinforcing the neighborhood
design as a Modernist Gem.

Goals

Goals

MODERNIST GEM

Support the responsible redevelopment of the Greenleaf

complex to benefit existing Greenleaf residents and realize a
well-designed development and mixed-income community.
Maintain a mix of affordable and market-rate residential units
that better serve community needs.
Update public realm and transit infrastructure to enhance
accessibility for all.
Promote healthy living and food access for the entire
community.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Celebrate the distinctive character of Southwest and promote

preservation of its outstanding Modernist architecture,
landscape architecture, and urban design.
Retain and enhance the character of the LEnfant Plan in
Southwest including associated vistas and reservations.
Ensure that future development is compatible with the
existing design of the community.

Concept

GREEN OASIS

Concept

ARTS + CULTURAL DESTINATION

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

Vision

Vision

Southwest will thrive as a green oasis in the city, with lush tree
canopy and vegetation, landscaped building edges, thriving parks
and robust connections between green spaces, while attaining
new levels of neighborhood sustainability and environmental
performance.

Southwest will flourish as a premier arts and cultural destination,

creating synergies between existing cultural assets and attracting
new creative uses and arts-related activities.

Goals

Goals

Ensure Lansburgh Park evolves into a central park that will

become a center of activity for the Southwest neighborhood.
Improve connectivity through greenways, improved
pedestrian and bicycle facilities, wayfinding signage, and
coordinated programming throughout all Southwest parks.
Adopt Sustainable DC goals to showcase the Southwest
neighborhood as a steward of green, sustainable practices
targeting stormwater management, healthy living, and energy
efficiency.

Build on and market existing cultural assets and institutions to

reinforce the concept of an arts and cultural destination.
Strengthen I Street as a cultural corridor.
Grow the presence of the arts throughout the Southwest
neighborhood.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Concept

THRIVING TOWN CENTER

Concept

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

Vision

Vision

Southwest will enjoy 4th Street SW as a thriving town center

and commercial heart of the community, with a range of
neighborhood-serving retail options, an active street atmosphere,
a high quality public realm, quality new development and easily
accessible transit.

Southwest will be prepared for the future redevelopment of the

neighborhoods outdated public facilities and underused publicly
owned land, allowing for the use of public resources in a way
that benefits everyone and ensures that development aligns with
neighborhood expectations for high-quality design and community
benefits.

Goals

OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

Establish a strategic marketing approach to attract a unique

and tailored retail mix to promote 4th Street as Southwests
neighborhood main street.
Promote key corner parcels to serve as anchors and create
a vibrant mix of neighborhood town center uses along 4th
Street SW.
Celebrate 4th Streets envisioned vibrancy as a neighborhood
main street, through temporary urbanism practices and
through the burgeoning local arts movement and the citys
creative economy.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Goals

Address the future potential for District-controlled parcels

that comprise Southwests Government Cluster to reflect
opportunities to accommodate improved services, allow a mix
of uses, and optimize government operations and assets.
Provide new and improved state of the art public facilities.

Concept

VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

PLAN FRAMEWORK
The remainder of the Plan is organized as follows:
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the Planning Area
and the Small Area Planning process and plan methodology.
Chapter 2 presents the key findings regarding existing
conditions and technical analysis.

ILLUSTRATIVE BY ED ESTES

Chapter 3 provides an overview of the community

engagement process and presents the community-based
vision and guiding principles for the Plan.

Vision
The Southwest neighborhood will feature vibrant connections that
support an active community and attractive environment, accommodate
multiple transportation modes, increase mobility and safety within the
community and provide ease of access to adjacent neighborhoods and
the waterfront.

Goals

Enhance pedestrian connections and safety throughout the

neighborhood.
Improve neighborhood bicycle infrastructure and safety.
Establish M Street as a multimodal neighborhood boulevard linking
Southwest to adjacent neighborhoods and the waterfront.
Ensure that Maine Avenue provides an attractive transition from the
Southwest neighborhood to The Wharf development.
Support the transformation of South Capitol Street into a high
density, urban boulevard that establishes a robust pedestrian realm.
Restore LEnfant Streets on redevelopment sites, including public
properties.
Improve the underpasses connecting the Southwest neighborhood
to areas to the north.

Chapters 4 through 10 are framed around seven core

concepts and the vision and recommendations for each:

Chapter 4:
Model Community

Chapter 5:
Modernist Gem

Chapter 6:
Green Oasis

Chapter 7:
Arts and Cultural Destination

Chapter 8:
Thriving Town Center

Chapter: 9:
Optimized District Parcels

Chapter 10:
Vibrant Connections
Chapter 11 provides a plan to serve as a roadmap for
implementing Plan recommendations, including projected
timeframe and lead and partner entities.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

01 INTRODUCTION

PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY NEAR FORT MCNAIR | SOUTHWESTS MATURE TREE CANOPIES CREATE AN ENJOYABLE PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

INTRODUCTION: THE TIME TO PLAN IS NOW

Overview

ve
eA

S Capitol Street

4 Street

I Street

ain

The planning process was centered on robust community

engagement and participation from residents, Advisory
Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC), neighborhood and civic
organizations, former Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells,
property owners, institutions and government agencies. The
DC Office of Planning (OP) formed an Advisory Committee
comprised of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to guide
the process. The Plan documents the community-based process
and records the shared vision and guiding principles that were
collectively developed to serve as the foundation for its key
opportunity areas and recommendations. The Plan includes an
implementation strategy for transforming the Plan into reality.

I-395

This Southwest Neighborhood Plan (the Plan) is a Small Area

Plan, a community-based strategy developed for the purpose
of creating an urban design, land use, and neighborhood
preservation framework to enhance parks, pedestrian and
street connections, integrate community amenities, enhance
transportation choices and guide the direction of future growth
in the Southwest neighborhood. The Plan also explores the
potential for development to have a positive impact and provides
land use guidance for multiple, underutilized District-controlled
properties where government uses are currently located. The
Plan provides residents, property owners, city officials and
District agencies with a blueprint for informing future capital
funding priorities, shaping growth and preserving neighborhood
character.

M Street

P Street

PLANNING AREA
FOCUS AREA
METRO
WALKING RADIUS
BARRIERS

FIGURE 1.1 | SOUTHWEST PLANNING AREA

1 INTRODUCTION

10

Planning Area
The Planning Area extends from South Capitol Street to Maine
Avenue SW and from P Street SW north to the I-395 Freeway (see
Figure 1.2). The Focus Area, highlighted in red on Figure 1.3, contains
the Plans development opportunity sites, primary urban design
issues and new development context. The areas highlighted in blue
in Figure 1.4 represent the Secondary Area, where neighborhood
conservation, neighborhood connectivity and sustainability are
the principal focus. To better understand the dynamics of the real
estate market, a market analysis was conducted with a broader
boundary than the Planning Area to include Buzzard Point and
Capitol Riverfront to better reflect real estate market dynamics.
FIGURE 1.2 | SOUTHWEST PLANNING AREA IN CONTEXT OF THE RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY

FOCUS AREA
PLANNING AREA

11

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

FIGURE 1.3 | SOUTHWEST FOCUS AREA

SECONDARY AREA
PLANNING AREA

FIGURE 1.4 | SOUTHWEST SECONDARY AREA

Why Plan Now

adjacent to both the Potomac River and the Washington Channel,
the neighborhood will continue to be a magnet for residential
development. The appeal is only likely to magnify with the
increase in local retail amenities and the build-out of surrounding
developments like The Wharf and potential soccer stadium, which
will boost citywide recognition of the neighborhood. The time to
plan is now, to ensure that the characteristics that the community
cherishes about Southwest will be protected and enhanced while
accommodating growth, change and new residents moving into the
community.

After decades of population decline and disinvestment, the District

is experiencing a resurgence, with sustained population growth of
approximately 13,000 residents annually over the past few years
and current estimates depicting growth of more than 800 residents
a month. The demand for housing and other community amenities
is strong and likely to continue not only in Southwest but in all
quadrants and neighborhoods in the city.
New residents are demonstrating transit preferences that value
Metro accessibility and other alternatives to private auto use, as
well as neighborhood walkability. They are seeking centrally located
neighborhoods with the amenities of city living and easy access
to downtown. Given the plentiful transit options and locational
advantages of Southwest, just steps from the National Mall and

2000

Similar to the city as a whole, the Planning Area comprises a diverse

community that is growing and is expected to continue to grow into
the foreseeable future. The Planning Area population is expected

2014

660,000
640,000
620,000
600,000
580,000
560,000
540,000

86,834
of post-2000 growth occurred
66% in the past 4 years
520,000
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Population growth since 2000

DCs population grew from 605,210 in 2010 to 658,893 in 2014

FIGURE 1.6 | DISTRICT POPULATION GROWTH
1 INTRODUCTION

12

to increase from approximately 12,000 residents in 2013 to more

than 15,000 residents in 2023, a number of which are likely to be
young professionals, a growing segment of the population citywide.
Currently, Southwest is unique in part because there are higher
proportions of low-income households and senior households
than the citywide average, reflecting the neighborhoods supply
of income-restricted and senior-oriented housing, and the
neighborhoods appeal for aging in place. However, there are many
households within all income levels, age brackets and family types
and it is precisely this diversity that is a treasured and defining
aspect of the Southwest neighborhood. Planning is needed to
address community concerns regarding the future of affordable
and quality housing options in the neighborhood for a variety of
incomes, family sizes, ages and for people with disabilities.
A significant amount of change has happened to the areas
surrounding the core of the Southwest neighborhood since the
adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 2006, which set the stage

THE WHARF MASTER PLAN PN HOFFMAN

13

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

for development in the city over a 20-year timeframe. On the

Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf has begun active construction.
This catalytic development will bring approximately 3.2 million
square feet of new development, including destination-type
entertainment and retail experiences.
To the east of the neighborhood and beyond South Capitol Street
are ongoing and significant changes in the Capitol Riverfront/Navy
Yard Area. This burgeoning district is anchored by the Nationals
baseball stadium, which averages 31,000 fans per game. New
offices, restaurants, high-rise residential buildings and destination
parks have been built in the last ten years with more development
to follow. To the South of the planning area, the District is
currently negotiating with DC United to build a soccer stadium for
approximately 22,000-25,000 fans, which could dramatically change
the character of Buzzard Point (not within the Planning Area) which
is currently an isolated, industrial area.

CAPITOL RIVERFRONT DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT FOREST CITY

EcoDistrict
I-395

4T H

E
AV

O L ST.

ST.

NE

arf
eW

I ST. S W

SO U TH C A P IT

AI

SW

Th

Waterfront
Station

M ST. S W

Ballpark

P ST. S W

Capitol
Riverfron
t

Buzzard P
o

int

PLANNING AREA
CURRENT / FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

FIGURE 1.7 | MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN AND AROUND THE SOUTHWEST PLANNING AREA

1 INTRODUCTION

14

RENDERING OF PROPOSED SOCCER STADIUM AT BUZZARD POINT DC UNITED

There is also a significant amount of change planned or underway

within the Planning Area itself. Approved development at the
Waterfront Station has been partially completed with two new,
office towers flanking a restored 4th Street SW creating a main
street environment. Additionally, the recently renovated Sky House
residential towers reinforce the town center. Full build out of the
remaining four buildings will bring a total of 1.1 million square feet
of new development to Waterfront Station. Along M Street, the DC
Housing Authority has stated its intention to redevelop the aging
Greenleaf Housing complex, which consists of four large parcels
straddling M Street, into a larger mixed-income development that
incorporates housing for existing residents as well as market rate
housing. In addition, there is an abundance of District and federally
owned parcels, many of which are currently underutilized and/or
underdeveloped, with low-scale buildings and expansive surface
parking, particularly clustered near M Street closer to South Capitol
Street. There is a need to take a closer look at this cluster of Districtcontrolled parcels to more judiciously utilize these assets as the city
grows, allowing for consolidation and co-location of municipal uses
or for private disposition to raise revenue or achieve citywide goals
like affordable housing.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is now in
the process of determining the routing of a proposed streetcar
network through SW on either M or I Streets SW. Opportunities
for a premium transit mode in Southwest will likely bring additional
market demand for development to the community. In short, there
is a large swath of land in the vicinity of M Street SW that will likely
be targeted for development in the next five to ten years. The time
to plan in the Southwest is now.

WATERFRONT STATION PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN FOREST CITY

15

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

The community can play a critical role in

shaping just how development occurs and
what amenities it can bring to balance growth
with livability achieving an even stronger
Southwest neighborhood. Residents have
expressed concerns about the significant
changes happening around the Southwest
neighborhood and wonder what the longer
term impacts might be on their close-knit
community.

I ST. SW

While it is possible for private and government

property owners to move forward with
development without the guidance of a Small
Area Plan, the Plan allows for the community
to consider all of the potential development
as a whole and create predictability for the
neighborhood regarding future change. By
thinking holistically about the neighborhood
through the planning process, there is an
opportunity to better understand future
housing and retail needs, provide guidance
on the design of new development to meet
those needs, preserve essential aspects of
neighborhood character, and identify needed
improvements to amenities such as parks and
open spaces.

AI
NE
E
AV
M ST. SW

SOUTH CAPITOL ST.

4TH ST. SW

I-395

P ST. SW

STREETCAR ROUTES
PLANNING AREA
METRO
BUS ROUTES

FIGURE 1.8 | POTENTIAL STREETCAR ALIGNMENT MAP

1 INTRODUCTION

16

The 2006 Comprehensive Plan is the Districts foundational planning

document which provides general policy and overall guidance for
future planning and development of the city for a 20-year period.
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan were made in 2011.
While the Comprehensive Plan establishes broad policy goals for
the entire city, Small Area Plans (SAP) address planning needs and
goals at the neighborhood level to supplement the Comprehensive
Plan. The SAP provides detailed direction for the development
of city blocks, corridors, parks and neighborhoods, providing
supplemental guidance to the Comprehensive Plan. The Southwest
Neighborhood Plan is a SAP.
Since 2006, many of the Comprehensive Plan recommendations for
the Southwest neighborhood have been completed or are currently
underway, such as restoration of the 4th Street SW connection,
replacement of the Waterside Mall with new buildings to anchor
4th Street SW, transit-oriented development at Waterfront Station,
and the ongoing construction of The Wharf development on
the Southwest Waterfront. Much of Southwest was designated a
Neighborhood Conservation Area. For the established residential
portions of the neighborhood, this conservation focus has been
realized through designation of historic landmarks and additional
conservation measures that are contemplated as part of the Plan.
At the time of the Comprehensive Plan in 2006 and subsequent
amendments, DCHA was not yet considering the possible
redevelopment of the Greenleaf Housing complex and the city was
not considering a reevaluation of its public assets and operations
in Southwest, making the Small Area Plan a timely and necessary
supplement to the Comprehensive Plan.

Another critical planning foundation for the Plan is the Sustainable

DC Plan, an ambitious 20-year plan to make DC the healthiest,
greenest and most livable city in the United States. Sustainable DC
provides a framework of recommendations, big and small, related
to energy, the built environment, food, nature, transportation,
public health, community equity and climate, to showcase the
District as a leader in innovative sustainability policy. Many of
these recommendations can be implemented through Small Area
Plans, Comprehensive Plan amendments, future developments
and also at the block and individual building level. The Southwest
Neighborhood Plan incorporates recommendations where
applicable from Sustainable DC and includes sustainability as a
guiding principle for the Plan.
DDOT has also undertaken transportation planning work for the
Southwest neighborhood which informed the Plan. In December
2012, DDOT completed the M Street SE/SW Transportation Study.

THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, 2006

17

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

SUSTAINABLE DC PLAN, 2012

The M Street SE/SW Transportation Study identified existing and

future transportation challenges and ways to address them within a
roughly 1.7 -square-mile area along M Street SE/SW, encompassing
the Southwest waterfront from 12th Street SE to 14th Street SW
and from the Southwest/Southeast Freeway south to the Anacostia
River/Washington Channel. The study analyzed how to integrate
transit, bicycling and walking with motor vehicle traffic in order to
best serve neighborhoods in this burgeoning section of the city.
In addition, the study sought ways to most safely and effectively
balance the travel needs of residents with those of visitors and
workers in the area.
DDOT also completed the Southeast-Southwest Special Events
Transportation Analysis which evaluates transportation pressures as
a result of the numerous large-scale event venues in Southeast and
SouthwestNationals Park, Arena Stage, The Wharf, (proposed)
DC United Stadium, and (proposed) Theater at the Yards. This

analysis affects both pedestrian and transit components of the

Southwest Neighborhood Plan. DDOTs MoveDC Plan, a citywide
transportation plan, which was concurrently completed with the
Southwest planning process, also helped guide the Southwest
Neighborhood Plan.
Another basis for the Plan recommendations was the 2015 Play
DC Master Plan, a long-range plan for the District of Columbias
parks and recreation resources. The Department of Parks and
Recreation (DPR) vision framework was released in the spring of
2014, concurrent with the planning process for the Southwest
Neighborhood Plan. The Plan builds upon the Districts unique parks
legacy and charts a course to improve DCs parks and recreation
system by creating equitable access, great spaces and world-class
experiences to District residents.
Also concurrent with the process for the Plan was the development
of the Buzzard Point Urban Design Framework, for which a draft
was released in December 2014 and which informs development
just outside the Planning Area boundaries to the South. This
Framework design concept seeks to improve the public realm and
physical environment of Buzzard Point and connect it with the
emerging Capitol Riverfront area to the east while protecting the
low scale residential areas of the Southwest neighborhood to the
north. It builds on existing and proposed plans and initiatives, like
the South Capitol Street and Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
improvements, which will create three acres of open space and
transform traffic circulation as well as a potential new stadium
for professional soccer. The urban design concept is intended to
create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, improve pedestrian
circulation, provide continuous public access to the water, identify

M STREET / SOUTHWEST TRANSPORTATION STUDY, 2012

1 INTRODUCTION

18

COMMUNITY MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN A MODELING EXERCISE AT THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP, JANUARY 2014

19

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

new development opportunities that could increase the inventory

of mixed-use development and affordable housing through
inclusionary zoning, suggest ways to improve the environmental
health of Buzzard Point, and enhance the physical connections to
the surrounding community.

Process and Methodology

Community-Based Process
OP developed the Plan using an extensive community outreach and
engagement process, including four community-wide meetings,
seven Advisory Committee meetings, three focus groups, a joint
Jefferson / Amidon PTA meeting, and two meetings held specifically
for Greenleaf residents on site at the Family Center. In addition to
utilizing a project website (www.swneighborhoodplan.org) to share
planning information, an interactive online engagement forum,
Engage Southwest (http://engage.swneighborhoodplan.org), was
created to initiate a neighborhood dialogue and solicit feedback
on ideas and concerns. Over 1,100 users registered at Engage
Southwest to post comments, answer questions, map opportunities
and share ideas. The goal of the community outreach methodology
was to ensure that the community had multiple ways to interact
and provide feedback on the Plan throughout the entire process.
Community input informed the Plan vision, guiding principles, and
recommendations to ensure local stakeholder desires help shape
and influence future change in the neighborhood.

range of technical analyses to understand the existing conditions

and opportunities in land use, housing, retail, urban design and
public realm, planning, historic preservation, architecture, open
space, landscape architecture, transportation and sustainability.
The overall consultant team included an interdisciplinary group of
experts, further complemented by the guidance and direction of a
District Inter-Agency working group.
A comprehensive market analysis was also completed. By analyzing
neighborhood demographics, real estate conditions and trends,
and planned development projects, market studies aim to better
understand constituencies being served, as well as opportunities
and limitations for real estate development in a given area with
a special focus on retail demand. The Plans market analysis
offers a framework to inform policy, design, and development
recommendations for the Southwest neighborhood.

Technical Approach
In addition to reviewing all relevant planning documents prepared
by OP and other District agencies that pertain to Southwest as a
planning foundation, the consultant team also completed a full

1 INTRODUCTION

20

02 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANLYSIS

ARENA STAGE | A MAJOR CULTURAL ANCHOR IN SOUTHWEST

21

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

Overview
This chapter presents the summary and key findings of existing
conditions and technical analyses of the Southwest Neighborhood
Planning Area. It also provides highlights from the Market Analysis
to better understand the demand for future housing, office and
retail uses in the neighborhood. The findings provide a baseline for
building the Plan recommendations which appear in subsequent
chapters.

History and Neighborhood Context

The Southwest neighborhood has a rich history and a defining
character that is derived from buildings, urban design and open
space. French engineer Pierre Charles LEnfant, completed a plan for
the capital city in 1791. Reminiscent of Europes great cities, the Plan
featured radiating avenues connecting a network of public squares
and circles and formed four quadrants, of which the Southwest
quadrant was the smallest and earliest to develop. As the citys
population moved north and west in the early 1800s, Southwest
came to be regarded as outmoded and neglected. The Washington
City Canal, which opened in 1815, effectively cut Southwest off
from commerce and construction to the north. In 1846, the land
west of the Potomac River was retroceded to Virginia, further
distancing Southwest from its Washington neighbors, and creating
a self-contained community, both physically and culturally.

Despite its isolation, Southwest was a bustling community with a

diverse population and building stock. Industrial areas developed,
particularly around the waterfront, and active commercial
corridors were established along Fourth and Seventh Streets.
The neighborhood was notable for its large African American,
Jewish and immigrant populations. Between 1870 and 1900, the
population of Southwest doubled, largely as a result of these
growing communities. To accommodate the new residents, the
Syphax, Cardozo, and Randall Schools were constructed in the
first decade of the twentieth century. For a brief time, Southwest
became a fashionable residential neighborhood, with speculative
developers such as James Greenleaf building prominent masonry

AERIAL OVER THE CAPITOL FACING SOUTHWEST, 1862

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

22

1791 LEnfant Plan for DC and Fort McNair established

1800

1793-1794 Wheat Row townhomes and Thomas Law House built

1808 Long Bridge rst built
1815 City Canal opened connecting downtown Washington with the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers
1850s-1860s B&O Railroad constructed along Maryland and Virginia Avenues
1862 Horse-drawn street railway began operation on 7th Street
1870s City Canal paved over

1900
1900s In 1902 and 1906, respectively, the Syphax and Randall (then Cardozo) Schools opened to students
1905 Southwest population peaked at 35,000

1907 Sanitary Houses constructed

1918 Municipal Wharf and Fish Market opened

1940 Jeerson High School constructed

1954 Redevelopment Land Agency began to clear land for large-scale urban renewal
1957-1959 Capitol Park Apartments (now Potomac Place), the rst urban renewal apartment building constructed in SW
1960 Arena Stage constructed; Kreeger Theater added in 1969-70
1963 Southwest portion of I-395 opened to cars

1970 Waterside Towers, last urban renewal-era residential complex, completed

1991 Waterfront Metro Station opened

2000
2008 Nationals Park opens
2010 Waterfront Station Safeway reopens

HISTORIC TIMELINE | SOUTHWEST

23

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

buildings near the water. Around 1905, the population of Southwest

peaked at about 35,000 residents. During this period, a number
of changesincluding pressure from federal development to the
north, pollution and noise from commercial and industrial activity,
and an aging building stockcaused Southwest to be characterized
as a blighted neighborhood. Despite the best efforts of residents
and community organizations, the neighborhood was unable to
shake its image as a slum.
Beginning in the 1940s, reformers, planners and legislators targeted
Southwest to become a testing ground for large-scale urban renewal.
The practice of using government-funded development to address
issues of urban blight was not a new one, but during this period the
scope and vision of urban renewal projects expanded enormously,
largely empowered by federal legislation and funding. Southwest
was deemed to meet the criteria for a blighted neighborhood
andin the literal and figurative shadow of the Capitolit became
a laboratory for urban renewal.

Urban Design and Neighborhood Character

In the 1950s , the Southwest neighborhood could be experienced in
two very distinct ways; one with a thriving commercial district and
active entertainment, including a movie theater and a few elaborate
homes; the other as a shantytown of tenements, shacks and even
tents. Under the direction of the US Congress, the Redevelopment
Land Agency implemented a plan to completely rebuild Southwest
into a New Town in the City. This radical new development
incorporated modern high rises, townhouses, and landscapes.
Later phases of the development used modern style residential
complexes, like townhomes or high-rises, closely situated around
open spaces and separated from each other by green space and
surface parking. A product of comprehensive urban renewal of this
magnitude, Southwests urban design can be defined as a museum
of mid-century modern architecture.

The redevelopment of Southwest between 1945 and the early

1970s was the most ambitious and comprehensive urban
renewal effort undertaken in the nation during that time. It
brought dramatic changes to the architectural, political and
social landscape of Washington, and particularly for the residents
of Old Southwest. For many these changes were traumatic.
Neighborhoods and communities were dismantled to make way
for renewal. Approximately 23,000 residents and 1,500 businesses
were displaced to allow for a massive redevelopment program for
Southwest. Starting from a now clean slate, the new character of
Southwest included Modernist high-rise buildings and townhouses,
government buildings, a suburban-type mall and a revitalized
waterfront.
SKETCH OF RIVER PARK BY CHARLES GOODMAN, 1961

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

24

Today, the urban, architectural, and historic character of this new

town still embodies a unique and very distinct neighborhood
character and serves as home to a diversity of cultures, incomes,
and nationalities.
Defined by Modernist architecture, Southwests large urban blocks
with limited through streets and a blend of public and private open
spaces delineate a character unique to Southwest, in the city and
nationally. Its high-rise and low-rise building heights, evident in the
1960s Tiber Island development, exemplifies another defining urban
design feature of Southwest that contributes to the neighborhoods
physical character. Still unabashedly modern in look and feel,
Southwest is a candidate for historic preservation. Today, its stock
of Modernist architecture and landscapes are reaching maturity.
Planners and historians have begun to evaluate the historic
significance of Southwest. In addition to structures predating urban
renewal, several of the Modernist buildings in Southwest have
been listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. Other resources,
less immediately recognizable as historiclike the neighborhoods
collection of sanitary, public and municipal housingalso merit
investigation into their potential significance.

BLIND WHINO | ART EVENT SPACE

The community embraces and celebrates this unique character

and has made strides to preserve individual buildings and open
spaces of high historic value. Older buildings have also seen new
life, such as the expanded Arena Stage and the Friendship Baptist
Church, home to the arts non-profit, Blind Whino. It is important
that buildings and landscapes continue to be revitalized as they add
vitality and renewed purpose to the neighborhood.

HISTORIC ARENA STAGE

25

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

The following properties within the Planning Area

have been listed in the DC Inventory and National
Register of Historic Sites:
1. Tiber Island, 429 N St, SW

13

2. Thomas Law (Honeymoon) House, 1252 6th

St, SW
3. Harbour Square, 500 N St, SW *

12

4. Edward Simon Lewis House, 456 N St, SW

11

14

5. Duncanson-Cranch House (Barney

Neighborhood House), 468-470 N St, SW
6. Wheat Row, 1315-1321 4th St, SW
7. Town Center East, 1001-1101 3rd St, SW

8. Arena Stage, 1101 6th St, SW *

9. Capitol Park Apartments, 800 4th St, SW *
10. William Syphax School (1360 Half St, SW)

1
2

11. Randall School (65 I St, SW)

4 5
3 6

12. Friendship Baptist Church (734 First St, SW)

13. Capitol Park Towers (301 G St, SW)

10

14. Randall Recreation Center -the former District

pound and stable- (820 South Capitol St, SW)
* In DC Inventory Only
HERITAGE TRAIL
HERITAGE TRAIL SIGNS
HISTORIC LANDMARKS

FIGURE 2.1 | HISTORIC LANDMARKS MAP

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

26

4TH ST. SW

I-395

I ST. SW

AI
NE

Beyond landmark applications, the neighborhood is also a potential

candidate for designation as a historic district or conservation district
(that is, if Council were to adopt legislation to create conservations
districts which are recommended in the Comprehensive Plan).
There is support among existing community-based organizations in
the neighborhood such as the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly
(SWNA) to create and adopt an historic district, though some
property owners have expressed hesitation about the level of
regulation involved with such a district.

E
AV

Several community members have expressed concern about

the design of new development and whether it will threaten the
treasured Modernist neighborhood character. Given that planned
development and neighborhood growth are underway, how
development is shaped becomes integral to evolving character in
a direction that can be embraced as complementary and enriching.
Arena Stage, Sky House, and Randall School have been identified
by the community as examples of new development more in line
with the neighborhoods characteristics. The Plan outlines Design
Guidelines to be applied to new development achieved through the
Planned Unit Development process to ensure future development
is compatible with the existing built environment and contributes
positively to the neighborhood form and rhythm that many
Southwest residents appreciate.
Other preservation initiatives implemented in the neighborhood
include the Southwest Heritage Trail, which tells the story of the
development of Southwest from the eighteenth to twentieth
centuries. Through seventeen illustrated panels, the trail leads
visitors through the neighborhood, passing landmarks both lost
and preserved. The panels use both interpretive text and historic
photographs to tell stories of old and new Southwest.

27

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

M ST. SW

P ST. SW
FIGURE 2.2 | SOUTHWEST HERITAGE TRAIL (CULTURAL TOURISM DC)

MA INE AV E
I-3

95

I S

MS

T.

T. S

SO

UT

CA

PI

TO

PS

T. S
W

LS

TH

.S
ST

T. S
W

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

N
FIGURE 2.3 | HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIAGRAM

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

28

Existing Land Use

The Southwest neighborhood features a blend of residential and
commercial land uses as well as a number of public amenities and
municipal facilities. The neighborhood is predominately residential
in character with an eclectic mix of high and low density residential
housing typologies, from single family townhomes to apartment
towers. Commercial uses are focused on 4th Street between I and
M Streets and also on South Capitol Street. The neighborhood values
its commercial center along 4th Street between I and M Streets
and in recent years has leveraged public and private investment to
attract improved retail and active uses. South Capitol Street serves
as the Planning Areas most eastern boundary, and has the viability
to function as an active, mixed-use corridor in the future. Parks and
community facilities are also interspersed throughout the Planning
Area and are valuable assets that enhance the neighborhoods
amenities.

TIBER ISLAND | PREDOMINATE CHARACTER OF SOUTHWEST IS RESIDENTIAL

29

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

There are 21 publicly-owned (federal and local) properties in the

Planning Area a very high number given the neighborhoods size.
Aside from parks and the library, public land is concentrated north
of M Street SW near South Capitol Street. Several sites feature
low-density single use buildings that house city services and are
surrounded by surface parking that render them underused and
contribute to stormwater runoff.
The 2006 DC Comprehensive Plan designated future land use in most
of the neighborhood as moderate to medium density residential
with scattered high density parcels throughout the planning area.
Neighborhood commercial uses are also strategically targeted along
the 4th Street SW and South Capitol Street commercial corridors.
The Comprehensive Plan identifies a number of city-owned parcels
along M Street as local public land uses, such as the Department
of Motor Vehicles and Metropolitan Police Department buildings.
This Government Cluster is being evaluated, given that the Districts
municipal services and facility needs are increasing with population
growth, and there is recognition of the importance of responsible
management of public assets. Future opportunities exist for the
District to consolidate these properties and optimize municipal
uses or to release them through a competitive bidding process
to the private sector for redevelopment that can best meet the
communitys needs.

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV) SITE

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV) INSPECTION STATION SITE

FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE SITE

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

30

FIGURE 2.4 | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP, 2006

31

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MODERATE DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (1-3 STORIES)

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4-7 STORIES)
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (8+ STORIES)
LOW DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MODERATE DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MEDIUM DENSITY COMMERCIAL
HIGH DENSITY COMMERCIAL
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
LOCAL PUBLIC
PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL
STRIPING INDICATES A MIX OF USES

Recreational and Arts Uses

These sites can enable new populations to move into the
neighborhood, while striving to meet neighborhood goals for
preserving income and family diversity and physical character.
The Comprehensive Plan future land use designations were based
on market expectations from 2004-2006, which had not fully
anticipated the robust population growth or developments such as
the proposed soccer stadium. The Plan proposes revised land use
designation for targeted opportunity sites, where future demand,
community interest and the market analysis completed during this
planning process provides improved development opportunities for
the Southwest neighborhood.
Additionally, the plan recognizes an ongoing community need
to preserve and enhance existing green space. In addition to
the government uses identified above, the Planning Area is
home to the following local schools, all of which add to the
livability of the Planning Area: Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
and Jefferson Middle School Academy. The Appletree Early
Learning Public Charter School, located temporarily within the
Jefferson campus, is focused on early childhood education for
pre-kindergarten levels. The Southwest Public Library Branch
provides a valuable educational amenity and also hosts a variety
of community programs including family and kids programs,
educational activities, yoga and meditation, job readiness
preparation, author talks, and more. For more on the library, please
see the summary box on page 107.

Arena Stage and Nationals Park are two entertainment venues

that draw visitors from the metropolitan region. Arena Stage is a
leading producer and presenter of theater and other performing
arts, bringing audiences totaling over 300,000 people to the
neighborhood each year. Located at the intersection of Maine
Avenue and 6th Street SW, it is two blocks from the Waterfront
Metro Station and adjacent to The Wharf development. Nationals
Park is the stadium for Washington DCs baseball team, the
Nationals, and also hosts a variety of concerts and other activities
throughout the year. Located on the border of the Planning Area
along South Capitol Street, the venue attracts four million visitors
each year.
The Planning Area also has a variety of neighborhood serving
facilities. Numerous parks provide green space, playgrounds,
athletic fields and courts, and an outdoor pool. The Randall
Recreation Center and King Greenleaf Recreation Center provide
indoor spaces for community education, fitness, and recreational
activities for all age groups. The Anacostia Riverwalk is a pedestrian
and bicycle trail, which will provide a continuous path from the
National Arboretum to Georgetown once completed. These
facilities play a role in making Southwest a family-friendly, livable
neighborhood.

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

32

Existing Zoning
A variety of high and low building heights
is unique to Southwest, an intentional mix
of townhouses and high-rise towers. Most
buildings in the area are under four stories
or over eight stories. This defining feature
of Southwest is valued by the community;
however, most of the current land use and
zoning designations call for densities that
would not permit new buildings as tall as the
existing towers in Southwest and some zoning
would permit construction of new buildings
in green space.
For example, a medium density residential
land use with an R-5-B zone allows, by right,
a maximum height of 50 feet with a 1.8 floor
area ratio (FAR). Under this designation,
any new development on that parcel would
not be able to achieve the current high-low

C-2-C
C-3-A
C-3-C
R-3
R-4
R-5-A
R-5-B
R-5-C
R-5-D
R-5-E
W-1
FIGURE 2.5 | ZONING MAP

33

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

mix as reflected in the existing Southwest

area because the zoning height restrictions
prevent constructing a building over five
floors. Although this model may be desirable
in other neighborhoods, in Southwest, it
would discourage developers from varying
building heights or building upwards to free
up more room for open space.
The Plan recommends some changes to
the Comprehensive Plan future land use
designations in targeted areas to both
accommodate growth and reinforce
the neighborhood pattern of high and
low scale development. Corresponding
Design Guidelines will ensure that future
developments going through the Planned
Unit Development process will further
reinforce the neighborhoods esthetic.

DC OWNED
DCHA OWNED
FEDERALLY OWNED
PRIVATELY OWNED
RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES
* The DC Housing Authority
(DCHA) is an independent
authority serving the District of
Columbia

FIGURE 2.6 | PROPERTY OWNERSHIP MAP

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

34

Transportation
Southwest has a unique set of challenges when it comes to
circulation and transportation. With limited street grid connections
across I-395 and South Capitol Street, Southwest ties into the city
fabric of DC at just a few key locations. The neighborhood has good
access to Metrorail, bus and bicycle facilities, giving residents a wide
range of transit alternatives. These options will be vital to improving
sustainability and serving the community as the neighborhood and
surrounding areas experience growth in years to come.
The great irony of Old Southwest was that transportation and
infrastructure improvements, designed to speed the movement
of people and goods across Washington, DC, isolated the small
community from the city as a whole. Southwest became an island,
defined by its watery edges (including the Washington and James
Creek Canals and Potomac River) and by railroad tracks along
Maryland and Virginia Avenues. These factors fostered commercial
and industrial activity, which contributed to the Southwests diverse
urban mix and vitality.
Urban renewal erased much of the industrial and commercial
legacy of Southwest, yet did little to improve its connectivity with
the rest of urban Washington. Certain elements, like the Southwest
Freeway (Interstate 395) and the dead-end cul-de-sacs created by
new residential superblocks, served to underscore Southwests
sense of seclusion and impeded vehicular circulation within the
neighborhood.

35

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Recent developments and current planning efforts, however,

attempt to reverse the planning missteps of earlier generations. The
Waterfront Metrorail Station, opened in 1991, connects Southwest
with the rapidly developing Green Line corridor. Two streetcar
routes are being explored, which could connect Southwest with its
neighbors to the east and north. These new transportation options
are being supplemented by smaller efforts, such as a Bikeshare
station, bicycle lanes and improved pedestrian safety, as well as the
DC Circulator which are targeted at improving transportation both
within and across Southwest.
Metrorail
The Planning Area has one centrally located Metrorail station,
Waterfront Station, which anchors the main street core on 4th
Street and supports transit-oriented development. The station
offers quick access to other stations. Within a five-minute walk of
the Planning Area boundaries are the LEnfant Plaza, Federal Center
Southwest and Navy Yard-Ballpark stations. These locations provide
direct access to four of the five Metrorail lines: Green, Yellow, Blue
and Orange.
Bus
Southwest has seven major bus routes that traverse the Planning
Area. These routes connect to the north to the Rhode Island
Metrorail Station and Farragut Square; to the south to Buzzard
Point, Congress Heights and Fort Washington; and to the East to
Anacostia and Benning Heights.

TO: RHODE ISLAND

AVE. STATION

TO: ARCHIVES STATION,

FARRAGUT SQUARE

TO: RHODE ISLAND

AVE. STATION

TO: FARRAGUT SQUARE

TO: LIVINGSTON &

FORT WASHINGTON

BUS LINES
BUS STOPS

FIGURE 2.7 | BUS SERVICE MAP

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

36

37

CARS ON M STREET

BICYCLE LANE ALONG 4TH STREET SW

Car
The Planning Area is bounded by a two major arterialsI-395
and South Capitol Street. Due to the fragmented street grid in
Southwest, much of the neighborhoods traffic is channeled onto
just a few key streets. Only I, M and P Streets connect to South
Capitol, and only 4th, 6th and 7th Streets connect under I-395
to the street grid to the north. Most streets are collector or local
serving, and reinforce the internally focused structure of the urban
renewal developments in Southwest. However, channeling traffic
onto a small number of through streets also means that a tie-up on
one arterial can quickly create gridlock.

Bicycle
The neighborhood has one Capitol Bikeshare station which is
centrally located across from the Waterfront Station on 4th Street at
M Street SW. Other stations are located just outside of the Planning
Area at the Federal Center Metrorail station and Navy Yard. The
bicycle network in Southwest is continuing to evolve with recent
striping of bicycle lanes along I Street and 4th Street as well as
signed routes along P Street and Half Street.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MA INE AV E
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95

I S

MS

T. S

UT

SO

BICYCLE LANES AND SIGNED ROUTES

MAJOR CORRIDORS

CA

PI

TO

PS

T. S
W

T.

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ST

LS

TH

T. S
W

FIGURE 2.8 | MAJOR CORRIDORS AND BICYCLE LANES DIAGRAM

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

38

Corridors and Public Realm

Southwest has a well-established public realm with mature trees
lining streets, landscaped frontages along private buildings and
varied building setbacks that collectively establish a sense of
greenery along many corridors. The public realm is part of what
makes Southwest distinctive, and it is important to retain and
improve upon this character in the future.
The mid-twentieth-century urban renewal of Southwest also
changed the design and perception of public space within the
neighborhood. To allow for the creation of residential superblocks,
some of the original LEnfant street grid was closed. These closures
dictate the pattern today of more limited pedestrian and vehicular
connectivity throughout neighborhood. Some (although not
all) former streets remained in the public right-of-way and were
converted to pedestrian walkways lined with shady tree canopies.
The orientation of buildings around these superblocks was carefully
considered to create transitions between public (parks, streets,
and sidewalks), semi-public (setbacks, cul-de-sacs, parking lots and
lawns), and private (inner plazas, gardens, and swimming pools)
spaces.
Public space in Southwest has remained fluid. Some residential
communities have sought to assert the privacy of their properties
by adding fences, signage and other visual indicators. In other
cases, LEnfant streets have been restored, including 4th Street,
rendering them back to full public use. As the urban character of
Southwest relies on this interplay of public and private spaces, it is
important to strike a balance in preserving that relationship while
also providing for twenty-first century needs.

39

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

I Street
The I Street corridor has a dense, mature tree canopy with large
setbacks and a number of civic buildings along the street. This
cultural corridor has four churches, two schools, three parks and a
diverse range of housing scales and styles.
M Street
The M Street corridor is one of Southwests key connections to
Southeast. This street is bordered by a number of underutilized,
publicly-owned parcels. With heavy traffic and sporadic tree canopy,
M Street is not an ideal corridor for pedestrians. Fortunately, this
corridor has the highest capacity for growth and opportunity to
create a desirable boulevard within the community. In December
2012, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) completed
the M Street SE/SW Transportation Study which identified existing
and future transportation challenges and ways to address them
within a 1.7-square-mile area along M Street SE/SW, and the
Southwest waterfront from 12th Street SE to 14th Street SW and
from the Southwest/Southeast Freeway south to the Anacostia
River/Washington Channel. It provides direction for integrating
multiple modes - transit, bicycling and walking with motor vehicle
traffic in-order to best serve neighborhoods in this burgeoning
section of the city. In addition, the study sought ways to most safely
and effectively balance the travel needs of residents with those of
visitors and workers in the area.

4th Street
The central portion of the 4th Street corridor
North of M Street is gradually becoming a
neighborhood retail hub for the community.
With the Waterfront Metrorail station and
surrounding Planned Unit Development,
many public realm improvements have
been completed in this section of the street,
creating a pleasant urban environment.
North and south segments of 4th Street
have mature tree canopies and large
building setbacks, creating a distinctive
experience entering Southwest from the
north under I-395.
South Capitol Street
Currently, South Capitol Street has an
uninviting public realm for pedestrians.
Heavy traffic moves along this corridor
and the street lacks trees or buffers so
pedestrians have little protection from
moving vehicles. Fortunately, the District
sees great opportunity for South Capitol
Street and envisions it as a walkable
boulevard with ground floor retail and
mixed-uses in years to come.

VEGETATION IN THE PUBLIC REALM

VEGETATION IN COURTYARD SPACES

FIGURE 2.9 | VEGETATION AND GREENSPACE MAP

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

40

Maine Avenue SW
This is a major thoroughfare for commuters
through the neighborhood seeking access
to downtown and also to points outside
of the city. With the build-out of The
Wharf development, the street will be
reconstructed and serve as more of a
gateway and urban boulevard for not only
cars but also bicycles and pedestrians.
The improvements will better connect
Southwest with the new amenities and
destinations on the Waterfront.

A
IN
E
E
AV
.

4TH ST. SW

SOUTH CAPITOL ST.

I-395

M ST. SW

P ST. SW

STREETS
FIGURE 2.10 | ROAD NETWORKS MAP

41

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Parks and Open Space Existing Conditions

Residents in Southwest take pride in the verdant landscapes
enveloping the neighborhood. A large number of parks and open
spaces, in addition to some of the Districts most established tree
canopies, provide places to stroll, exercise, play and gather. Pursuant
to the tree canopy analysis by Casey Trees, the tree canopy in the
Southwest Planning Area is currently 25 percent of land area.

I Street SW

Dela
ware
Aven
ue

SW

Yet many of Southwests parks do not meet the programmatic

needs of the community. In some cases, residents have formed
groups such as the Neighbors of the Southwest Duck Pond to lead
maintenance and programmatic improvements. The following key
parks and open spaces have helped build community pride and are
revered as community gems:
Lansburgh Park
This multi-use park is home to a community garden, basketball
courts, pavilion, and dog park. Lansburgh Park is important
to residents and serves a number of needs. Although existing
conditions identify underutilized amenities that are essentially
hidden from plain view within the neighborhood, efforts to improve
the use of the park and publicly-owned parcels surrounding its
open space provide the unique opportunity to recast this park as
Southwests central park.

M Street SW
N

AERIAL IMAGE OF LANSBURGH PARK

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

42

Randall Recreation Center

The recreation center is home to an outdoor pool as well as
recreational fields and a couple of aging buildings. The community
desires renovations and improvements to make this park more
accessible and visible. Both existing buildings are in dire need of
repair. Community sentiments regarding future improvements
include more robust arts-centered programming to meet the
demand of an expanding art culture within the neighborhood.
Additionally, both buildings exhibit unique historic character and
are likely to be considered historic should a landmark application
be considered. Overall, Randall Recreation Center is considered by
neighborhood residents of high historic value.
King Greenleaf Recreation Center
This large venue in the center of the study area offers both indoor
and outdoor facilities. Its fields are frequented by sports groups,
and the indoor recreation center has a gymnasium, meeting rooms
and other facilities for the community. Recent investments in the
park and surrounding recreation center offer improved services and
amenities for all Southwest residents.
Southwest Duck Pond
The Neighbors of the Southwest Duck Pond community group has
taken on programming and fundraising for this beloved and historic
park. With its central location in Southwest and proximity to nearby
elementary schools, Arena Stage and 4th Street, the Southwest
Duck Pond is a great community gathering venue.

43

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

FROM TOP LEFT TO BOTTOM RIGHT AERIAL IMAGES OF RANDALL RECREATION

CENTER, KING GREENLEAF RECREATION CENTER, SOUTHWEST DUCK POND,
LIBRARY PARK, JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY FIELDS AND AMIDONBOWEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIELDS

Library Park
Library Park recently completed major
improvements including the addition of a
playground. This park complements the
Southwest Library and serves as a small
oasis in the heart of the community.
Jefferson Middle and Amidon-Bowen
Elementary School Fields
The recreation fields located at the local
schools are both gated and typically not
open for public use during school hours.
These facilities provide space for student
recreation during school hours and are
sometimes used for external events.

PARKS
RECREATION FIELDS

FIGURE 2.11 | PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAP

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

44

ARENA STAGE
PLACES OF WORSHIP
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LIBRARY
RECREATION CENTERS
BLIND WHINO
FIGURE 2.12 | ARTS AND CULTURAL AMENITIES MAP

45

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Arts, Culture and Community Facilities

Over time, Southwest has developed and upheld a vibrant art
and cultural scene. Residents take pride in the unique identity
established in Southwest over the years. Although Southwest
is located only a few blocks from the National Mall, Smithsonian
museums and downtown Washington, its residents have a
longstanding tradition of fostering art and culture within their own
neighborhood. To instill a sense of community after the wholesale
redevelopment of Southwest in the 1960s, residents inaugurated
an annual Festival of the Arts, featuring craft demonstrations, folk
music, modern dance, film screenings and art exhibitions. Murals
and sculptural installations were carefully integrated throughout
the neighborhood, reflecting the high value placed on public art and
good designboth by the planners of Southwest and the residents
themselves. Enduring institutions like the Arena Stage have broken
the mold of a neighborhood arts venue, staging productions of a
national caliber within an intimate, community setting.

Local schools, nearby places of worship, and a neighborhood library

add to the livability of the Planning Area. There are eight churches
of varying denominations, many in beautiful buildings that also
serve as a venue for various community uses. The Amidon-Bowen
Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School Academy are within
walking distance for those living within the Planning Area. The
Southwest Public Library Branch provides a valuable educational
amenity and also hosts a variety of community programs including
family and kids programs, educational programs, yoga and
meditation, job readiness preparation, author talks, and more.

In the recent past, neighborhood art amenities have diversified,

engaging the unique venues and talents latent in the community. The
expansion of the historic Arena Stage Theater has truly transformed
Southwest into a beacon for locally produced art and cultural
activities. The vividly imaginative reuse of the former Friendship
Baptist Church to house the non-profit arts venture Blind Whino
testifies to the tradition of engaging arts and culture in Southwest.
Approved PUDs for the historic Randall School and The Wharf
combined with recent interest in the redeveloping Southeastern
University, demonstrate the huge potential of Southwest to become
an even more dynamic center for art and culture in Washington DC.

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

46

Market Analysis Summary and Outlook

Future development in the neighborhood should support the needs

of current and future residents while helping to retain the character
and diversity of the Planning Areas population. The Planning Area
has a particularly diverse population. The senior population is larger
than the city-wide average (22 percent of residents are over 65 as
opposed to 19.7 percent across DC), which reflects the supply of
senior-oriented housing and the fact that many residents have
lived in the neighborhood for a long period of time. The Planning
Area has a much smaller proportion of families with children (11
percent) than DC does as a whole (17 percent). Overall, the average

14%

The Planning Area saw very little real estate development between
2000 and 2010, and correspondingly, the neighborhood population
gained only 745 residents between 2000 and 2013 a 0.5 percent
annual rate of growth (DCs annual growth rate during these years,
by comparison, was 1.01 percent).

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

ve

rty Ra

SW

Po

47

DC

Po

Development has since increased quite dramatically with two new

apartment communities currently leasing and more than 2,600
housing units proposed in the neighborhood over the next 5-10
years. This sudden surge in real estate development likely stems
from the recovery after the recent economic downturn. Developers
and residents across the city are starting to pay attention to
Southwest an often overlooked residential neighborhood in the
past.

19%

P O V E R T Y R AT E

ve

te

Demographics
The market analysis projects neighborhood population growth from
11,929 in 2013 to approximately 15,500 people in 2023 and more
than 20,100 people in 2033. Many people moving into the planning
area for the first time are young professionals in their 20s and 30s a
growing segment of the population citywide. Community residents
have expressed support for seeing real estate development that
retains the neighborhoods balance and diversity.

While historically families have tended to move out of the District

when children reach school age, there is indication that this trend
is starting to reverse. The DC Public School system notes that more
families with young children are remaining in the District and
projects that the number of children in the city will start to increase.

te

A market analysis was conducted to assess neighborhood

demographics, real estate conditions and trends, infrastructure
and planned development projects to better understand potential
opportunities and limitations for real estate development in the
Southwest Planning Area. The Plans market analysis offers findings
to inform policy, design and development recommendations for the
Southwest neighborhood.

rty Ra

FIGURE 2.13 | HOUSEHOLD COMPARISONS - DC VS PLANNING AREA

age in the Planning Area is 39.1 while the average age in DC is 33.8.
However, in 2000, 20 percent of households in DC had children; in
2010, the number had declined to 17 percent of households. The
Planning Area has historically had fewer households with children
than the DC average and has experienced a similar decline in family
households, from 13 percent in 2000 to 11 percent in 2013. Over
this period, DCs average age has declined slightly between 2000
and 2010 (34.6 to 33.8) while the average age in the Planning Area
has increased slightly from 38.8 to 39.1.
Housing
The neighborhood housing market is anticipated to continue to
be strong and absorb a significant number of units in the near and
long term.
Southwest is largely tucked away from the rest of the city by the
Potomac River, Anacostia River and Interstate 395. It lacks the
large supply of retail sought by many of DCs new residents who
are drawn to neighborhoods with those amenities. Until recently,
it was unclear whether sufficient rents could be collected in
Southwest to cover construction costs for new development.
So far, both actively-leasing apartment developments in the
neighborhood Sky House and Camden South Capitol have
absorbed units quickly and at high lease rates, a sign that the
Planning Area is becoming a viable location for new residential
development.

Much of the new construction that is currently leasing and that

is in the development pipeline for the Planning Area are higherend apartment complexes with in-building amenities such as
pools and fitness centers, and with units ranging from studios
to two-bedrooms. This housing typology is oriented towards
young professionals and can be unaffordable for households with
moderate or lower incomes or households with multiple children.
Despite an expected increase in young professional households,
the population of elderly individuals and families is not expected
to decline.
Since 2000, home prices in the Planning Area have appreciated at
a much lower rate (3.9 percent per year) than the DC average (6.3
percent per year), and home sales prices and rents are considerably
lower than the DC average. This situation is starting to change as
the apartment communities that are currently leasing cater to a
higher-income demographic.
The Planning Area is also home to a diverse community. The senior
population is larger than the city wide average. Approximately 775
households with children live in the Planning Area, many of whom
live in subsidized apartment buildings. The neighborhood also has a
larger proportion of low-income households (19 percent) than the
citywide figure (13 percent). However, there are many households
within all income levels, age brackets and family types.

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

48

In all, the average household size is projected to remain

approximately the same in the near future, staying around 1.69
per household. DC, meanwhile, has 2.23 people per household
on average. Housing sizes in the Planning Area reflect the fact that
most units are located in multifamily buildings. There are fewer
three-, four-, and five-bedroom units than the DC average, and a
greater concentration of studios and one-bedrooms.
There is likely to be an increase in housing demand in the Planning
Area for most income brackets and family types. The greatest
increase in demand is expected to come from the young professional
demographic. However, if the proportion of families below the
poverty level (19 percent), families with children (11 percent), or
households with elderly residents 65 or older (22 percent) are to
be retained, new housing must cater to these populations as well.
Income, Poverty, and Employment
Approximately 19 percent of the units in the planning area are
subsidizeda nearly 50 percent higher proportion than the citywide average, where 13 percent of units are subsidized. The
planning area also has 19 percent of household units below the
poverty rate (DCs overall poverty rate is 14 percent). Despite this,
the median household income in the SW planning area is slightly
higher than the DC average ($67,750), at $68,106. However,
the average household income for the city of Washington, DC,
($103,429), exceeds that of the planning area, $93,096. Also, when
compared to the city, Southwest has quite a diversity of household
incomes, with a lower percentage of households either making

49

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

under $25,000 a year in income (approximately 10 percent) or

making over $250,000 a year in income (less than 10 percent). A
greater proportion of households (approximately 30 percent) make
between $50,000 -$100,000.
It is estimated that approximately 243 new housing units are
needed each year to satisfy the expected demand for new housing,
or a total of approximately 2,429 new housing units combined over
the next ten years. The demand projection also accounts for two
additional factors: first, that limited recent supply means a level of
pent-up demand that should result in higher housing demand over
the next few years; and second, that The Wharf development will
draw a sizeable portion of households that would otherwise not
move to the Planning Area. The Market Analysis projected annual
new housing demand from 2014 through 2034. In all, it is estimated
that a total of 2,255 new housing units can be sold or leased up at
a healthy absorption pace between the year 2014 and 2023, and
5,517 new housing units can be sold or leased by 2034.
Retail
The retail market is somewhat limited in scale and opportunity, but
can be bolstered through branding and tenant attraction, growth
in the residential population, and the increased recognition that
nearby entertainment destinations will generate.

ready spaces, small day-time population, and local-serving retail

market limit the overall retail opportunity. However, The Wharf, a
large redevelopment on the waterfront, will bring a wide variety
of retail uses within walking distance of the Planning Area, and will
generate enough pedestrian traffic at the Waterfront Metrorail
station to allow for additional local-serving retail at that location.
Successful retail development on 4th Street could promote the
corridor as the Planning Areas retail main street, better serve the
community and provide a pedestrian-oriented gateway from the
Waterfront Metrorail station to The Wharf.
Additionally, with the recent creation of a Southwest Business
Improvement District (BID), there is a potential to bolster market
positions and perception by marketing the corridor to future tenants
and retailers. This is an expected and necessary action to help foster
visibility and attractiveness of this main street corridor. The BID and
other District Agency partners should also establish temporary
urbanism activities, such as pop-up retail and creative placemaking
activities to incite interest and viability to existing vacant space. This
collaborative approach to changing the market perception is a vital
step to achieving a successful, vibrant, neighborhood serving town
center.

Residents within the Planning Area want to see more local-serving

retail such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, a hardware store, a
laundromat, a hair salon, a bank and a bakery. Over the last few
years, a Safeway, CVS drug store and multiple new restaurants have
opened on 4th Street. However, the Planning Areas lack of retail-

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

50

SUBWAY
DRY CLEANERS
RESTAURANTS

CVS
SAFEWAY
STARBUCKS

The Market Analysis finds that there will be

demand for between 11 and 20 additional
stores within the Planning Area by 2023,
totaling between 75,000 and 110,000 square
feet of retail. It is important to note that these
figures reflect the amount of retail space
that could potentially be supported within
the Planning Area under ideal conditions,
not the amount that is likely to be built.
For example, the analysis demonstrates
that there is demand for as many as three
automotive stores and two gas stations.
Despite the necessary market demand to
make these uses viable, there are numerous
reasons why these uses are unlikely: there
are not an abundance of parcels that are
large enough and have the type of vehicular
access necessary to support these uses, the
community may not support one or more
auto-centric uses, and it is unlikely that three
of the same uses would decide to locate in
such close proximity.

CAPITOL
SKYLINE
HOTEL

7-ELEVEN
GRAND
CHINA
CAP
LIQUOR

GROUND FLOOR RETAIL

FIGURE 2.15 | RETAIL AMENITIES

51

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Office
The Planning Areas office market is weak, although it may continue
to attract future government office uses given the concentration of
public land. In the first phase of the Waterfront Metrorail Station
development, two new office towers were built totaling 640,000
square feet of space leased by DC government agencies. While
this land use helps diversify the activity around the station, it did
not establish a private sector office market in the Planning Area.
In fact, office real estate trends indicate that the Planning Area is a
challenged market for office development. New office construction
in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood to the east is marked
by high vacancies and lease rates that are too low to justify new
construction. In addition, upcoming office supply at The Wharf,
Capitol Riverfront and Southwest EcoDistrict to the north make
developing office space in the Planning Area a difficult proposition
over the next 10 to 20 years.

Summary
There is a significant amount of development planned for the
Planning Area, and the type and quantity of land use supply
generally aligns well with projected neighborhood need. The
market analysis projects market demand for approximately 2,330
new residential units in the Planning Area over the next ten years.
There are currently 2,690 units proposed some of which will likely
come on line close to ten years in the future. In addition, the 55,000
square feet of proposed retail space also fits demand projections
relatively well. One incongruity between projected future land use
needs and proposed supply is office space. The 440,000 square feet
of new office space planned for Waterfront Station may be difficult
to lease. As a result, the developer should have the flexibility to
request a modification to the approved Planned Unit Development
to incorporate residential uses within the buildings.

There are two planned projects in the Planning Area that call for
office development. The Waterfront Station development calls for
two additional office towers to be constructed, totaling 440,000
square feet, and has been approved by the city as a Planned Unit
Development. As a result, these proposed office developments could
prove less viable in the near term than residential developments
with ground-floor retail uses. The second planned office project in
the Planning Area, a vacant parcel on the corner of L Street SW and
South Capitol Street owned by the Ruben Companies, would be
more viable if it included a mix of retail and residential uses as well.

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

52

03 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | PROCESS TO VISION

COMMUNITY MEETING 1 | MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHARED THE STRENGTHS AND ISSUES IN SOUTHWEST

53

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: PROCESS TO VISION

Overview
The Southwest Neighborhood Plan is a community-based Small
Area Plan. The document is envisioned as a framework that
balances growth with the communitys values and neighborhood
culture. A robust community engagement process was carried out
to learn about community preferences, build a collective vision,
identify guiding principles, and receive feedback on proposed
recommendations.
The community engagement approach for the Southwest
Neighborhood Plan included community meetings, an Advisory
committee, focus groups, consultation with other District agencies,
input from neighborhood groups, an extensive review of existing
plans, and a thorough site and market analysis. This level of
engagement was critical to building a comprehensive neighborhood
plan with input from all stakeholders.

COMMUNITY MEETING 2

COMMUNITY MEETING 3

COMMUNITY MEETING 4

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

54

Project Timeline
The community engagement plan was implemented over the
course of more than a year.

May 22, 2013 Advisory Committee Meeting

July 24, 2013 Advisory Committee Meeting
September 3, 2013 Greenleaf Residents Meeting
September 11, 2013 Public Meeting: Plan Kick-off
October 16, 2013 Advisory Committee Meeting
October 22, 2013 Greenleaf Residents Meeting
November 20, 2013 Advisory Committee Meeting
December 3, 2013 Education Focus Group
December 11, 2013 Public Meeting: Existing Conditions &
Market Analysis
December 18, 2013 Age Friendly DC Focus Group
January 14, 2014 Amidon/Jefferson PTA Presentation
January 23, 2014 Historic Preservation Focus Group
January 25, 2014 Public Meeting: Community Workshop
February 26, 2014 Advisory Committee Meeting
March 11, 2014 Advisory Committee Meeting
May 7, 2014 Advisory Committee Meeting
June 25, 2014 Public Meeting: Draft Recommendations
July 13, 2014 Southwest Library Community Meeting
January 28, 2015 Mayoral Hearing

COMMUNITY MEETING 1: MAP EXERCISE

55

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MAY
2013
JUNE
2013
JULY
2013
AUG
2013
SEPT
2013
OCT
2013

Advisory Committee Meetings

Focus Groups

Community Meetings
Draft Report

NOV
2013
DEC
2013
JAN
2014
FEB
2014
MARCH
2014
APRIL
2014
MAY
2014
JUNE
2014
JULY
2014
AUG
2014
SEPT
2014
OCT
2014
NOV
2014
DEC
2014

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PROJECT TIMELINE

JAN
2015

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

56

Advisory Committee
An Advisory Committee composed of over 35 Southwest neighborhood
members was convened to advise the Project Team. Then Ward 6
Councilmember Tommy Wells and his staff played an integral role on
the Advisory Committee (ANC) and regularly attended public meetings.
The Advisory Committee was also comprised of Commissioners
from the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and leadership from
the Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC), Southwest
Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA), resident organizations and
homeowner associations, Neighbors of the Southwest Duck Pond, and
others representing a cross section of the Southwest neighborhood .
The Advisory Committee represented the interests of the community
and engaged in a robust dialogue with the Office of Planning through
seven Advisory Committee meetings.

57

May 22, 2013 Kick-off meeting, Purpose/Goals of Advisory

Committee and the Small Area Plan, Breakout Group Discussions
July 24, 2013 Discussion of the Planning Process, Format and
Goals of the Kick-off Meeting
October 16, 2013 Recap/Discussion of the Kick-off Meeting,
Finalizing the Vision Statement, Preview and Discussion of Existing
Land-use/Planning Conditions
November 20, 2013 Discussion and Edits to Guiding Principles,
Further Review of Existing Conditions Analysis
February 26, 2014 Recap of January 25 Community Workshop,
Beginning of Land Use Designation Recommendations Discussion
March 11, 2014 Review of Roles and Responsibilities of
Advisory Committee Members, Discussion on Historic Character
and Continuation of Land Use Discussion
May 7, 2014 Open House with Draft Recommendation Boards,
Discussion, Notes and Edits from Advisory Committee.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

SUSTAINABILITY

COMMUNITY

EAT

CHILL

COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESSIBILITY RESIDENTS

PLACES OPPORTUNITIES JOBS CONSERVATION CHARACTER

PEOPLE

BUILDING

BUSINESS FAMILIES CULTURE DIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS

BUSINESSES GREEN DEVELOPMENT HISTORY AMENITIES

PARKS
HISTORIC

LANDSCAPE

WELLNESS

PLAY

PEDESTRIAN

ACCESSIBILITY

BIKE

TRANSIT

CONNECTIONS
VEHICULAR

WATERFRONT

HISTORIC

LANDSCAPE

PUBLIC KICK-OFF | STATION TOPIC AREAS

STRENGTHS

ISSUES

STRENGTHS

ISSUES

STRENGTHS

ISSUES

STRENGTHS

ISSUES

Tennis courts
Old growth trees
Community run parks e.g. Duck Pond, community gardens
Preserve community recreation at Randall space to go along with ball park + soccer stadium
Our Greatest Asset is the view of the water we need to preserve open water
Green Space
Gardening! SW Gardens etc.
Sand-filtration system for Duck Pond will approve, enhance public health (physical + mental)
Keep Waterfront access to all
There is a lot of green space with lots of potential
Enough green space for everyone to share
There are many areas that function as parks that are private keep them!
Duck Pond and other green spaces signature of our neighborhood
Really liked master plan for Randall Site Lets do it!
Many grass-roots citizen led projects support them. Dog park, garden, playground, Randall
We have lots of Waterfront!
Need more seating and water features in west part of study area
Long Waterfront open to walkways public access
Tennis courts are accessible. Duck Pond is great.
Underground utilities great place for trees
Tai Chi in the parks daily
Great access to Metro from anywhere
Keep public housing
DC Sail
Duck Pond is nice
Duck Pond. Needs some maintenance
Street Trees
Duck Pond needs more maintenance
Lots of Green Space
Fiskars SW Gardens
Duck Pond helps keep the neighborhood unique
Tree-lined streets
Retain current green space
Lots of park benches but they need to be repaired
Regular maintenance of all parks esp. 3rd + I St + Duck Pond
Duck Pond. Library Park. Landsburgh Park. Keep green.

Splash park for kids needed

More neighborhood access for Jefferson Field. Water feature would be welcome
Splash park
Flower pots on street lights
Trees need pruning (not topping) in 3rd & I Street park
Need to connect to Riverfront Park by Nats Stadium
Maintenance is needed for paths. Uneven sidewalks
Park safety/cleanliness: 1. Remove tents at Randall 2. Lighting 3. More regular trash pickup
395. Duck pond cleaner
Duck pond not well maintained
More dog friendly. Follow through on dog park at Lansburgh
Encourage even more use of parks beyond school hours
Randall and other athletic fields mostly used by non-Southwesterners
Randall Pool looks so unwelcoming from the street
Street tree maintenance. Lets take care of em
New Amidon playground good for families, community. Parents in my apartment building tend to avoid the duck pond;
the Library park is dark/overgrown/unwelcoming
Corp of Engineers creating flood wall at 17th Street to stop flood! Crazy!
Mosquitos any new parks/landscaping should have mosquito-repelling plants, gator bags instead of open trays
around new trees, and no standing water
Nicer landscaping, mixture of tree types
Need more public access to channel for kayaking and other activities
Remove golf course from E. Potomac Park connect with rest of Southwest
Maintain duck pond as a habitat, not a swimming pool (use of chem.)
Could area in front of Safeway be more park-like?
Too many mosquitos in 3rd & I Street park
More green space for gardening! Tons of demand!
Better upkeep, lighting
Not enough waterway available for evacuation. Piers should not be extended so far out
Could temporary parks be made at trampled green space at 4th St Metro?
Keep grass on fields No artificial turf
Encourage connections with community center
We have a lot of green space we need more facilities
More green sustainable parks like Canal Park
Green space usage is limited in areas due to safety concerns
Flooding in 3rd & I Street park
Need childrens playground. Randall unacceptable, set too far off the street
Finish implementing Randall Park rejuvenation for improved curb appeal and increased use
Preserve green space (especially on M Street)
More parks and green space
Make sure there is affordable housing available
Could use more playgrounds
Bring the circulation back to original route on Water Street
Lansburgh Park must stay at its current location
Lots of park space but not much to do there need to adapt to changed park uses
Need more of them! Preserve our green space!
Maintain Waterfront Station parcels on M St as open space
Better connections between existing parks in the neighborhood
Link the parks from the Fish Market to Eastern Market The Riverfront Commons Trail maybe down K Street
Better access to the riverfront
Maintenance of existing parkland
Lansburgh Park needs to stay at current location
Renovation needed of Randall Rec & School. Need to bring more activation
Commit to mayors $1 million rehab of play space in front of Randall
Keep our trees and the 4th Street & G Street pocket park
Original folks from SW being displaced because of unaffordability
Natatorium
Poor maintenance compared to other parts of the city!
Preservation of green space. Green space disappears (i.e.. 3rd St & I St) but is never created
Dog park
More park areas on waterfront not development
Indoor pool
Increase public safety
Make sure all residents know where parks are
Follow through on DPR commitment to Library Park playground
Recreational opportunities and planning for increasing number of seniors in Southwest
Preserve low density scale on M Street
Do not develop Randall Field for anything other than recreation This burgeoning community needs it
Remodel King-Greenleaf playground
Underutilization
Safety
Safety
Its too dangerous to walk from the I St corridor to Nationals Park
Safety
SW is a short walk from Navy Yard/Ballpark but feels cut off, less vibrant. I could walk there but personally am apprehensive of going through the in between area
Finishing paving path between library & 4th St and add picnic tables
The Wharf plan fills in too much of the channel with piers. We need water to be a waterfront
Park facilities are hidden dont know they are there
Too many mosquitos
More garbage cans
Finalize dog park at Lansburgh
The neighborhood needs a track
Need more playgrounds! (Fix Randall, build 3rd & I St 3-5 year old playground)
Sand filtration system for the duck pond
Need water fountains at new Lansburgh basketball courts
Need pool
Decking 395 would be great for noise abatement
Too many ramps at 395 gridlock
No gathering place for music/art social services
Need more police presence for safety especially in late afternoon and evening
Splash park
Small outdoor amphitheater
Randall pool needs to be upgraded to make it more appealing to sit around the pool
Small kids park
Space for more programming. Indoor pool. Indoor spaces for community, seniors
Will need a dog park once the waterfront is developed and more tourists
Senior programming at Greenleaf Rec Center is inconsistent
Deck 395 like Boston
Need an indoor pool in Southwest! For Seniors!
Less concrete at Lansburgh
Dont block access to waterfront
Lots of dangerous electric boxes around the duck pond. Clearly not well thought out.
Preserve channel no development in channel
Sand filtration system for the duck pond
Promote more parks; a wall to practice tennis
More green space for picnics near the river Bocce, Frisbee, etc.
Combine and expand duck pond and AYA farmers markets (more vendors, longer hours)
SW 3rd & I Street Park finish the plan to improve/fix stormwater management mosquitos West Nile Playground
Indoor pool
Randall Recreation Center needs funding outside area needs to be redone
Earlier pool hours at Randall in the summer
Better funding/programming at Randall Rec. Center
Part of SW is in a floodplain Is city building a moveable dam that will cause more flooding?
Keep developers from using open spaces from the original urban renewal plan because of zoning ability
Need a park that can accommodate various activities. Passive and active uses. Vendors
Duck pond is too dark!
Community Benefits Coordinating Council advocates for Randall Community Center improvements, new stand-alone
library at current location, playground at 3rd & I Street, mixed income housing and neighborhood serving retail,
Jefferson as a public community school, Navy Yard Circulator to SW and North

New /accessible green spaces

Duck Pond
Diversity, age, socioeconomic, ethnic long & new residents
Diversity
Great, socio-economic, diversity keep it!
Diversity of all income
Transportation is good for the 72k people here
Library services
Music events & festivals
Waterfront Park area
Close to Metro
Metro, can walk to Mall, etc.
Duck pond, Library Park, open spaces, near Safeway, Metro
Everyone takes advantage of outdoor/green spaces
Diversity
Open feeling
Farmers market, make it bigger!
Zoned for Wilson High School
Current access to Waterfront, dont block access w/housing
Westminsters Community Outreach
Choice of churches
Diversity, income and racial mix
Trees, greenery, open spaces
Low income housing
Jazz & Blues, Westminster Church gathering place
Cantina Marina, has a total non-DC feel which is nice
Long-term residents
Diversity
Pastors of Westminster Church are a great community asset
Diversity
Gardening options (SW Gardens, etc.)
Love along Washington Chanel behind Tiber Island but require more investment for improvements
Quiet neighborhood, should be preserved
Diverse & long term residents
History (walking tours)
Work, live & play
Close to water, diversity of people, diversity of ages, close to culture, close to sports, close to Metro, close to public
trails, historic
Love the diversity of neighborhood culture, ages, income, etc.!
Keep affordable housing options the same # as now
Heterogeneity (economically) of SW, preserve it
Diversity
Love the diversity
Farmers market at 4th & I
Suburban feel, urban living!
Green space, trees and water
Diversity
Mixed income, mixed race
Churches, library, parks
Strong sense of memory
Many more young people (20 35) seem to be moving here
New development should be more pedestrian friendly

Affordable housing, want to stay here

Traffic from soccer stadium, already too much from Nats Park
Hardware Store and non-tourist shops
Movie Theater
Better public housing
Presidio-ize Fort McNair
Need more retail, mixture across economic buying power, more street level surface public transportation, more high
quality restaurants
More retail, barber shop, hardware, gas station, more cafes for snacking & breakfast
Transportation, bring back Circulator
Transportation is good but with a doubling of people, we need more buses, trolley cars & rental cars
Satellite dish size
Dont want too tall buildings, high rent, high rises & condos (dont want this)
Gas station, South Capitol Street, at least one, empty store fronts, ?? to rent, loss to city in jobs & revenue when ?? rented
Need more workforce housing
Greenleaf Gardens is terrible and an eyesore in the neighborhood, Library Park needs more lights!
SE University! Reopen it and use it for local education classes and programs!
Need a Synagogue
Need a Community Center (different than a Rec Center)
Dog park
Concern: Keeping the views of the Capitol with tall buildings, Zoning does not listen to citizens
Used to have computer store, card shop, liquor store, pizza parlor
More shops and restaurants
Family restaurants, retail for neighborhood & not Government agencies
Full use of Historic Jefferson as public school & community school
Need a hardware store
Need a hardware store
Great public schools
How about forming a village for aging in place with support of community?
Need more educational opportunities for seniors
We need a hardware store
Composting at all SW buildings to feed into local compost needs such as local gardens
This community needs another grocery store, restaurants, retail stores
Not enough restaurants, no retail
Need more activities for retirees, daytime classes
Need community, cultural & recreation center
We need a gas station in SW!
Quality children & youth services
We need a new free standing library just like every other neighborhood!
More restaurants & retail built in to walkable areas
More restaurants
Preserve & improve all DCHA housing units
No real focal attraction at 4th & G, SW 395 Bridge, by Federal Government building after 5 when workers leave
Properly fix all units in public housing with proper materials
Community & arts center for all residents
Making sure public housing residents arent displaced
Movie theatre
Movie theatre
Greenleaf Gardens needs to be addressed
Get rid of Greenleaf Gardens
More training programs for the youth and adults for jobs and computer training for that have lost their job and have
multiple skills in the work force Donald Hines
Community center programming
Preservation of public housing
Displacement of public housing residents
Upgrade library
Upgrade library
Waterfront development on flood plan, think Sandy in New York when there was inland flooding
Coffee Shop!
Need a gas station
Local amenities, hardware, hair salon, movie, better & bigger library
Health care
Movie theatre, more household retail & services stores (e.g. hardware store, shoe repair, dry cleaner, ice cream shops)
Maintaining residence in SW for those who live here now
Better view corridors to Waterfront
Attractive health center & mental health services
Add a 24/7 health clinic
Please lets not forget about the low and moderate income during SE and SW Redevelopment such as affordable
housingAlbert
Sense of security when walking at night
More public lands to expand space for gardening, due to large demand
Green and clean - for the residents that live and want to work in the community with guidance and training.Torrance
M
Graduated senior living apartments
More promised retail serving the SW community not tourist
We need more higher education possibilities, community college, local university outposts
Need more retail mom & pop, not chains
Draw younger people here with restaurants and bars
Properly fix public housing with proper good quality material
Increase health wellness options, aquatics center @ Randall Park, track & football @Jefferson Field
Need to have decent affordable housing for all, not to bulldoze the place like urban renewal did for rental property
Housing too expensive, increase supply! Also add corner stores, restaurants & retail, make South Capitol more walkable!
Limit development
Affordable housing
DCHA Executive need to be at community meetings
Affordable retail
Keep public housing in place!!
Homeownership, home owner for all
Displacement
Affordable housing for all
Community Arts Center @ old SEU (even pop-up temp space)
Keep and expand socioeconomic & racial diversity
Make sure long standing business owners are not pushed out (Channel Inn)
Dislike, no eyes on street by the existing Community Gardens on M Street
Make sure public housing residents arent displaced
Issues, setbacks, ensure compatibility with existing character particularly on M Street, church on M Street is a poor
example
Interstate highway as a barrier, separates the neighborhood
No high density buildings, Carrollsburg & Tiber Island
Pedestrian connections along M Street are an issue
More retail!
Crumbling infrastructure
Support & encourage DC United Stadium plans
Car break-ins, shoplifting at CVS & Safeway so other stores dont want to come, muggings, shooting
Need more cultural institutions, small museums etc.
Lack of stores, lack of restaurants
Would be nice to have a walk-bike bridge to East Potomac Park
Maintain economic and racial diversity
More retail, more restaurants!
The economic history of slavery geared toward tourism (transported on these waters)
Make sure housing stock includes affordable units (family + single)
All new developments should include affordable units at 30% AMI
Slowness of plan implementation, lived here 22 years with tons of plans
Non-ghettoized arts experience for locals
Coffee shop & pub
Make it easier to be part of neighborhood and city committees
No K Street in SW, dont extend SE development to SW
People not invested in good schools, elementary school has terrible test scores, parents are unruly & curse at their kids,
many families choose charters.
No connection between Navy Yard & SW
More retail and restaurants
Poor park maintenance
Improve safety via more police patrolling of neighborhoods
SW as arts district, Randall Rubella Arena Westminster
Spaces for pop-up art galleries
Create friendlier street crossings
A SW community meeting is needed for residents to be heard
When planning development, please include every SW resident no matter what their income is
Need Circulator buses
Many residents living in past, not considering future
Do not displace people who live here! We need homes that people really can afford
Monotonous building heights all same
Economic integration across Delaware & S. Capitol
Need to have decent affordable housing for all. Not to bulldoze the place like urban renewal did for rental property
Urgent car/immediate care clinic in our community
All new development is not geared to families which SW has a lot of

Without Greenleaf Redevelopment all is for naught

Green space!
Designated other PEI buildings
Waterfront retain local character
Farm mullets/gardens
Arts
Keep parks, feeling of openness, less density
Keep library park
Keep library park
Open spaces
Mid century modern architecture
Keep Channel Inn restaurant in wharf development
Lots of choices for church attendance
Modernist architecture
Arena Stage
Arena! Beautiful design
Buildings designed by some of the most famous architects
Walkable neighborhood
Mid-Century modern architecture, Pei-symmetry
Blind Whino
Low income housing
Metro access
Southwest neighborhood assembly
Modern architecture, historic arena
Mix of rental and owned property
Mix of apartment and townhouse style homes
Mix of towers and townhouses: mixed UMT sizes
Keep the library
Opportunity for re-open and re-activate the Randall Rec. Center
Arena stage arts
Taller buildings behind & shorter townhouses by sidewalks
Arena stage!
Restaurant options
Preserve I.M. PEI architecture
Address Greenleaf
More townhomes and fewer high-rises and condos
Nice mix
We want permanent programming at Randall Rec. Center
Invested residents are involved in community gardens, arts, direct development
Churches need to be part of the process. They are being approached for development
The new Art Whino building is a good use of an old building
Randall Center
Long term residents
Why is there a hop-scotch of the historic landmarks? Carrollsburg condo and Tiber Island
were both built at the same time. One has historic landmarks (Tiber) the other does not
(Carrollsburg condo).
Arena Stage
Redevelop post office and Capitol police properties. Develop warehouse next to school
and US Dept of Agriculture property
Keep the library
Save the library
Quiet oasis so far
Historic (although ugly) buildings
Waterfront access, low rise
Green scale more intense along main arteries (like M St/Main)
Low rise in neighborhoods
Keep library freestanding. One person moving it ok.
Keep the SW library as free-standing do not move inside a building.
I LOVE the idea of a mixed-use development on the library site that includes a new
library. Area will be more vibrant and DC will get more tax $.

This plan appears to be driven by economics at the exclusion of other, more legitimate interests.
Save the library
Save the library
Greenleaf gardens either refurbish it or tear it down. It is an eyesore as it currently exists.
Greenleaf gardens either refurbish it or tear it down. It is an eyesore as it currently exists.
High rise buildings need to stop. We do not need to be boxed in.
More restaurants/retail
The neighborhood needs a high school
Increased entertainment options
Would like to see more stores, restaurants in the area
Would also welcome single homes in the area- there are condos, apts, town - homes, office buildings, etc. but no single
family homes diversity.
Property fix all units in public housing with good quality materials
Concerns with neighborhood transforming into something too urban
DCs restrictive regulations/process in renting a condo for the condo owners
Need more small SF storefronts for specialty shops instead of chain stores and restaurants.
Maintain our green space.
Retiree activity center
Make sure public housing residents are not displaced
Busboy Poets- (gathering places for culture, food, books, poetry etc.
I like that this neighborhood is affordable for people to live. The Greenleaf redevelopment should retain affordable units.
Greenleaf- add restaurants
Activate/develop SE University site
Developer preferences for current residents
Dont block current views
More retail everywhere. Corner shops can be great
Maintain the green space dont build on all remaining spaces.
Maintain green space
Activate SEU buildings
Im concerned with Southeastern units. What will happen there? I dont want to live across from an empty building.
Buzzard Point. More entertainment or community use.
We need more restaurants/retail.
We want a movie theater
Stop blocking the view with high rises.
No development on E. Potomac Park southwest DC (remove golf course)
Greenleaf replacement MUST have an equal number of units for the very low income. Im not talking about 60 80% of
AMI. Im talking about TANF, minimum wage, SSI, etc.
Too much concrete
More neighborhood retail , BANK, Hair dresser, gas station
Not enough retail options
Restaurants create nice atmosphere.
No building near water over 5 stories. We want to see river!
Build the soccer stadium
Grow nightlife while respecting family-friendly nature of neighborhood. (Restaurants, outdoor activities).
The Safeway needs competition - preferably an up scale store like Whole Foods or Harris Teeter
We need more spaces for small businesses (more pop/startups) perhaps a flea market type space.
Retail, restaurant, nightlife on waterfront
When will the wharf job begin? Need to assess impact on other plans
Im concerned about increasing density
Community Center for seniors, retirees
Build a river park commons down K Street from Fish Market to Eastern Market turn up 8th St SE
We need banks, services gas station, retail, barber, hang-out restaurants.
Add a 24/7 medical clinic
Add a 24/7 medical clinic
Yoga studio
We dont want tall buildings, especially at the wharf. I want to retain my water views.
Must maintain small scale of main arteries.
Lack of neighborhood development ideas for low income housing.
The Southwest certainly needs more retail because it stimulates growth and investment and it creates jobs for the youth
of SW.
Be more like London. Embrace different styles. Stop imitating the past (DC wide issue)
Need education at Randall Rec Center. Dovetail with school. Involve community artists.
Homeownership for all.
Affordable housing for all.
Hulks of SE University and Millennium building must be dealt with.
Dont sacrifice parks must keep SW Green (Randall, Lansburgh)
All involved should work hard together to preserve mixed income housing, and also to preserve the few remaining green
areas.
Limit the height of future development.
SE University empty building.
Need more entertainment options. Bars/ restaurants.
Encourage DC united stadium plan
Mixed use development library longer hours! More books! + Rec Center, housing and retail.
Coffee shop with outdoor seating
Covering the four town center east/west buildings with taller buildings is a threat.
Focus density on Maine Ave dead spots between 7th Arena Stage.
Cultural activities. Art classes. Busboys Poets, Community Center.
Guarantees for all Section 8 to return not like Arthur Capper.
More restaurants.
Need banks. Return a P.S
Include P to Q and 2nd to S.C. in planning. Its all the same neighborhood and has lots of residential units.
Do something at SEU site. Charter school (apple tree?) housing, office space, new library.
Preserve setbacks for new hi-rise construction.
SEU is nestled in a small neighborhood with short buildings and neighbors are concerned with future development, esp.
height and usage.
Need greener population to attract retail and services.
Need any new development fit in to modern and historic SW architecture.
Keep water visible.
Make the new buildings handicap accessible.
Buildings that provide eyes on the street for safety.
Art gallery space.
Require more parking with any new building.
The rent is too high.
Con side EYH Hope 6 like project in high rise James Creek units on P Street and 1st, limited use, same number of mixed
income residential units. The EYH project was a success, build on it.
More schools and day care options.
Need more walking routes between community buildings. Too hard to walk from one side to the other M Street is the
only option.
Prevent more Capitol Park I type infill.
Arts at SEU
Whole Foods
More healthy green establishments Whole Foods, yoga, juice bars etc.
Keep buildings in scale no hi-rise to block water views.
Does SW really need a new stadium, more traffic, less parking, more pollution, smog, congestion. The taxpayers have
spent millions of dollars to renovate RFK to provide for sports.
Consider giving some James Creek residents options to buy their units with sabbatical loans. A mix of owners and rent is
good. Only available to current tenants.
Need more restaurants, entertainment, night clubs, bars.
More parking for visitors and residents.
Adding nightlife will attract younger professionals and increase property values for existing owners.
More Inspection Station, too congested.
High concentration of public housing.
Move the Inspection Station from SW.
Opportunities could include restaurants (not fast food) fitness centers or hardware store.
Capitol Park Police and inspection station should move out.
Need more retail.
Too few exceptions to the height limit for creative and interesting design/uses.
Market rate. Senior housing (for us still active retirees)
Increase public safety.
Library and playground park at 3rd St should stay together.
Building on the natural flood plain is ridiculous. Fix flood control at 17th St NW so Capitol Park IV wont be in a flood zone.
Preserve economic and racial diversity.
Too many tall buildings new construction doesnt fit SW plan.
More 3+4 bedroom units (not public housing but not $750K!) for families.
Gas stations.
Opportunity sites should be relocated: Hinders traffic flow along I street, unrelated to neighborhood layout and park
planning.
Fast food. Family food i.e. chicken.
No increase in heights and floors.
What is it with Southeasterns empty buildings?
Plan for rising sea level.
Historic preservation.
Preservation.
We need a post office in SW.
No larger private developments beside the park. Ruins the natural flow.
The library and park should remain on the same I street.
An evolving, changing, living neighborhood, not a museum. Welcome change like Arena Stage
Walk-up restaurants
Dog accessible eating establishments
Senior dwelling for a wide range of incomes
SE University needs to be torn down
We need a boathouse
Street wall of building, not parking lots & empty lots
Half street parking lots: change to add affordable housing
Better parking for home owners
Naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) issues
As long as present residents are accommodated new residents should be heartedly welcomed!
Activate the ground floors of high rises
Restaurants
Mix of building ages + styles (architectural & urbanism) needed not a time warp!
How do we maintain current and older housing property values with incoming new developments?
Conservation of neighborhood character
Think SoHo NYC
SW Community Solar Power Co-op
Yes M St = Green Street
Opportunities in M St should be residential with retail on ground floor

Access to 4 metro lines

Riverfront Commons connect SW with Waterfront at Fish Market with trail/park path (alternative to M street) to
yards in SE along I-K-L Streets to Canal Park & Eastern Market around Library
Affordability
P St bike lane
Safeway Retail Baseball amenities
Underground waterside metro access George Washington Hospital
SW Library
Low buildings
Need 24 hour food business. Like Dennys or Pancake House
Green space
Park
Water access
Central location to metro, roads, interstates, ACA
Great community spirit and desire to integrate different socio-economic cultures
Metro center = hub of area
Open space = fundamental to DC planning need to preserve
Uber
Family neighborhood tight knit small scale
Diversity
Bike-able
Quieter neighborhood, same faces
Very walkable, 3rd+4th to capitol
Overpass bird droppings
Walkable, not too smoggy
Good dog walking area
Easy access to 4 metro lines and I-395
Walkable I-395 Drive Community
P6 Bus
Diversity
Attractive Public Transportation
Metro
Bikeshare
Some buses
Walkable
6 + 8 blocks around metro
Park day
Affordability
House availability
Access water
Walking to job
Proximity to rest of city is great
Waterfront is best view in city
Feel safe at waterfront metro
Lots of people mixed-use vibrant area (M street) eyes on street
Open spaces
Safeway
Pedestrian well lit
Duck park
Keep library
Bike share
Maine Ave not wide enough for new additional traffic
Metro (4 lines)!
Green Line
Access to metro
The most metro accessible in all of DC (after Silver Line)
SW EcoDistrict great idea to connect LEnfant Plaza to Fish Market (add bike share at LEnfant)
Like circulation
Transit many options
Bikeshare great
Lots of Zipcars!
Great bus + metro-rail connections!
SW EcoDistrict good plan
Public + low income housing
Trails along rivers
Street car will facilitate transportation
Street car - great
A lot of park benches out, they need to be fixed
Great for walking on sidewalks to all kinds of services + museums etc.
Love bike lanes. Bikeshare
What will happen to traffic on Maine Ave with the new construction?
Bike lanes
I St & 4th St Bike Lanes

Show actual plans Streetcar plans

Extend Circulator to/from SE & to/from NW
No parking unless zone 6: 7am-midnight 365 days try having guests!
South Capitol need connect to SE + Downtown
Concerns from route to Stadium/the yards not clearly marked
S. Capitol is a major commuting street; wont the proposed traffic circles be an obstacle?
Parking is very limited. Perhaps, underground
Filthy underpasses on 3rd St, 4th + 7th Streets SW
Jogging paths
Streetcar
Want more connections
More bike lanes
4th St between I & M St too tight with middle lane used for parking
Regular connection to NW A9 is good during rush hour but would be nice to have something similar full time. Especially
to DuPont area or Foggy Bottom
Greenleaf Gardens cuts SW in half. Everyone is afraid to walk in that part of the neighborhood
Dont like walking East of 3rd St Dangerous. Heard shooting.
Need more free parking for SW visitors (not just the theater)
Uneven sidewalks, tree roots unwelcoming + risky for pedestrians
Improve compliance with snow shoveling/cheering
Roads/infrastructure already stressed need plan for added traffic
SW Circulator was shut down because of low ridership, but: - Tourmobile means certain streets off limits. Tourmobile no
longer operating. Ride often cut short by Mall events. But many riders would have paid for full trip unwanted ridership
turned away.
Biking on streets = unsafe
Bring back the Circulator Bus takes too long
Pedestrian, bicycle to Hains Point. Now no direct access from SW
Circulator across Maine/M from SW to SE
Better street lighting
Stadium to Waterfront central connection (bring $$ to local businesses! Capture visitor market (bars/restaurants) after
games)
Better pedestrian paths
Walk from LEnfant to SW at nights is scary no people on street so desolate. More mixed use
Need greater transit connectivity to/from SE (Eastern Market, The Yards, etc.)
Increase/Improve bike lanes
More bikes
Need pocket parks
M Street = wider sidewalks would be great for stadium traffic people use Waterfront to avoid stadium traffic
Cover I-395. Its an eyesore!
More buses? Circulator
No Walking connection to Navy Yard
Circulators needed: route now #74 E-W route to Navy Yard, park, etc.
Bring back the Circulator and make 74 no more often and further north than 7th + Mass (its not really Convention
Center)
Circulator is needed again
Circulator bus
Bring back Circulator
Disrupted Street Grid G St, 3rd St Del Ave
Need Blvd more connected to SE
More North South access
South of 19 Street access problematic from S. Capitol Bridge because no left turns into SW neighborhood
In emergency, the channel would be an evacuation route (as 9/11, NYC) The Wharf adds new obstructions. We need a plan
What is the plan for getting people to the new soccer stadium? A Streetcar stop probably will not suffice.
One cannot walk too many blocks in SW, without tripping on uneven sidewalk or passing a tree that needs care
No more high rises: too many cars, underground parking, views destroyed
Buses left idling: huge pollution issue. Eyesore
Limited bus connections at Waterfront station. Only 1-2 blocks away
Connectivity: Cant get there from here
No more high rise buildings. We do not want to be boxed in.
Walled off from rest of city by highway
Retail starved
Dont plant trees unless a plan in place to take care for them
Lack of police patrols on side streets
Bikeshare not for special needs
Bring the Circulator back
Circulator need it if you will increase density
We need 3 to 5 more Bikeshare stations!
Add bump outs & protected parking lanes to make pedestrian crossing easier
Need more Bikeshare stations
Dont bring more tour buses
Parking for Arena Stage overflow to neighborhood & makes parking worse
More shopping
Bike paths
More bike lanes (G St, 7th St, M St)
Not enough bike lanes
More places for Bikeshare
Area between 3rd St and S. Capitol for safer walking
More green line trains
More (often) green line trains
Green line trains run very infrequently during off-peak hours (10-20 mins between trains)
Path between 4th + Library is terrible the gravel is so rough you cant walk on it!
More Cabs (Arena Stage, 4th & I, I & S. Capital)
Extend bike/walking to other side to 7th St
SW to NW clean up underpasses
Surface level public transit need more buses, Streetcar, Circulator
More buses to NW
Better connections to/near SE (i.e. Circulator to Union Station)
Sidewalks are in poor shape
Clean up dangerous intersection of G St and S. Capitol
Need more bike lanes, bike paths
Navy Yard Circulator to SW to increase North + South egress
Highways too congested
M St gets busy during National games and future soccer games!?
Fix wrench on pavements uprooted by trees
Limited guest parking
Excess of I-395 ramps
Better connection to/near SE
Finish the 3rd & I St playground + park rehab that connects neighborhood
Connectivity to waterfront walking paths in SE (Navy Yard)
Poor bus connection: Circulator bus servicing Half St thru 7th St
Make SW Freeway on underpass, build on top to connect community to Mall
Concerns - traffic reduced, Maine Ave connect to S of M St
Parking with new development get worse already very limited
Walk everywhere, feel safe N not S Residential
Need bus connection SE Waterfront to Navy Yard
6th + 4th St not connected-need through street
Make sure public housing residents arent displaced
4th St need more connection from H St to metro
Connection to I-395 needed
Bring the Circulator bus back to SW!
Connect SW+SE M St with Circulator
Too much emissions from buses + taxis in SW
The traffic coming out of Waterfront Tower & nearby converted Skyhouse into M St will be a pain. Should there be a traffic
light or some sort of control point?
Better access to rest of city North
9th St is an unattractive tunnel
Circulator. Need it back
For crying out loud figure out if were getting a Streetcar system on M St
Reinstitute the Circulator bus
S. Capitol divides SW from South, better crossing locations needed!
Need more parking for visitors and residents
With more developments to be in the area and the number of people coming in to line & work here, the traffic pressure
would only get worse if not well thought & manned. (M St -Maine Ave access to 395)
SW cut off from Mall
SW cut off from NW/Mall during events (political or sports, etc.)
Bad fall-out from losing Water St, which helped relieve Maine Ave
Need more Bikeshare stations
Want Streetcar!
More buses bus/Circulator or Streetcar to Union Station
More parking for influx of new workers + residents
More bike stations
Green space can be connected (Lansburgh to Randall)
Need more Capital Bikeshare docks close to the metro
Connect I St through to 7th or 8th St SE (now it stops at NJ Ave)
If people dont walk the mile to Redskins Park in MD, how do you expect them to walk to the new soccer stadium? Its the
same distance!
Restore pedestrian access between 3rd St North & South of 395 existing walkway
$? Easement to enable connection for residents in North and Eastern part of SW to get to a more safe metro
There needs to be a pedestrian plan for crossing S. Capitol during Nats games
395 ramps as barriers
Under 395 dark and scary
Limited connections
K,L,N,O: East West linkages
Transit issues associated with soccer stadium
Buzzard Point future plans
Street connectivity (I street continuing into NE)
Additional Bikeshare stations at SW Library
Fed Ctr SW Metro & Arena Stage
CBS definitely underserves SW!
Bikeshares = more!
Ferry at waterfront to Georgetown: - to Georgetown, - to Alexandria Nats Park
More Bikeshare stations especially during the summer. They do a great job trying to redistribute the bikes but since
December the wait for an empty dock has increased.
There is a physical (they dont exist) bus connection between Navy Yard and Metro & Waterfront Metro
Superblocks and locked gates
South Capitol is stressful to cross
4th St terrible street to bike on too bumpy
More buses esp. weekend + Circulator
Bring back the DC Circulator
S. Capital is totally pedestrian unfriendly. The light is barely long enough to cross safely.
M Street 4th St No left turn sign but everyone turns left needs enforcement
Need pedestrian. footbridge to Hains Point
Need more affordable housing
Going to make Streetcar on M St - No streetcar
I St connection is poor. Fed Center Metro need new Bikeshare
Circulator and buses to E. Market & Georgetown
Access across 395 & train tracks especially no link right now except at 4th or S. Capitol means a lot of backtracking
Lights timed for fast cars, not slow buses
Getting outside of SW is hard
LEnfant Plaza can improve D St entrance on weekends
Safer way to walk to Navy Yard across S. Capitol
Fix G Street dead ends
Taxi stand
SW feeling of openness part of character.
Parks = HUGE
Large scale (tall buildings) not appropriate for SW (reduce views/connections)
Anacostia Trail connection is critical. Consider neighborhood difficult to cut through?
Preservation of existing character is critical. P street?
2 parcels on either side of 4th street concerns for lights
Lights are not timed
Library
Arena Stage + SW Bike Stadium
DC 74 bus discontinuing huge issue
Better emergency evacuation plan
Service cores, AMI for DC
Gas station
Respect to all SW residents
Need better street connections- have to walk around whole block (i.e.. H St should be open)
Pedestrian walkway Across 395 connecting 6th N & S of 395
Improve pedestrian experience in underpasses under 395
Tell the residents the truth about the small area plan & how it will affect every resident in SW
4th St bike lane need new roads, only ways to N
Regular taxi service
Beautify/improve the underpasses that lead to the rest of the city
No additional gov building keep neighborhood community
Too many tourist buses parked in SW congestion. Move them!
Pedestrian access between Delaware Avenue and G St SW
Strong lighting around K St & between 4th & 3rd, I St & L St
Need pedestrian bridge on 6th St
I Street lights are not timed properly. Improve flow of traffic by recalibrating
Retain street parking for residents
More connections, transit on weekends
I-395 convenient also issue pedestrian
Need through streets- no turn around dead ends
Taxi cabs
Bike lane needs to go all way up 4th St to Pennsylvania Ave
Transportation not great for those with no cars. Narrower streets, slower traffic, more Bikeshare is a must. M St/Maine esp.
bad
More bike lanes too
More landscape connections
Lack of parking for visitors. Need visitor parking permits
Bikeshare station. Need more stations!
Proposed width of waterway dangerous for evacuation
Need interactive map on website - shows what stuff is and people can make comments on it
Define the project - what is the vision, what action are you taking? Process unclear
Clarify purpose and scope of plan so that it is legible for all people

Interagency Coordination

Throughout the planning process, the Project Team held coordination

meetings with an Interagency Working Group comprised of District
agencies, as well as one-on-one meetings with key agencies. The
purpose of inter-agency meetings was to brief agencies on the
planning process, solicit information on agency initiatives and
priorities in the Planning Area, gather feedback on proposed
recommendations and most importantly, coordinate the future
work effort of each agency to ensure that all recommendations are
actionable and can be implemented. Agencies consulted during
swof
neHousing
this process include: DC Department
ighborhand Community
oodRecreation
plan.or
Development (DHCD); DC Department of Parks and
g
OR
(DPR); DC Public Library (DCPL); DCThDepartment of Public Works
e South
westState
(DPW); District Department of Transportation (DDOT);
LibrHistoric
ary
Preservation Office (SHPO); District Department of the Environment
(DDOE); Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic
Development (DMPED); the Department of General Services
(DGS); and the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA).
Non-government organizations consulted included the Washington
Project for the Arts and the Southwest Business Improvement
District.

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0 c ive
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To read
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comme
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go to:
ts!

COMMUNITY MEETING 1

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

58

KICK-OFF

#1

Community
Meeting

The planning process began with a Kick-off public meeting on

September 11, 2013 at Arena Stage which approximately 250
people attended. This initial meeting included a presentation from
Harriet Tregoning, the DC Director of Planning at the time, as well
as several engagement stations where stakeholders were able to
provide input regarding what the final plan needed to accomplish.
Four main categoriesbuildings, connections, parks and people
were used to guide feedback and organize comments. The
meeting generated over 825 comments that were categorized and
grouped into themes. These key themes were adapted into guiding
principles that were instrumental to the planning process and the
development of Plan recommendations.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS REVIEW MATERIAL AND PROVIDE COMMENTS

GRAPHIC RECORDING STATION

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR A BRIEF PRESENTATION

EXIS
TIN
G

N
CO

DITIONS

#2

Community
Meeting

Following the Kick-off meeting, the Project Team began a thorough

analysis of the Southwest Planning Area. Physical analysis of the
Planning Area and market analysis of existing and future economic
forces were researched and documented. These findings were
presented to the community for feedback at a December 11,
2013 public meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Market
analysis revealed a strong market for residential development, a
small market for increased retail, and little to no market for office
space.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS PROVIDE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

COMMUNITY REVIEWS THE EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

60

RKSHOP
WO

#3

Community
Meeting

The Project Team recognized the high level of participation

from community stakeholders, as well as the desire for further
engagement. Therefore, the third community meeting was
organized as a community workshop utilizing a design charrette
model to give attendees the opportunity to roll-up their sleeves
and directly wrestle with the planning issues. On January 25,
2014, approximately 120 residents gathered at the Capitol Skyline
Hotel to talk through their concerns in Southwest and discuss
goals and values for future change and development in the area.
Specific details were discussed through conversation, model
building and visual exercises to map improvements and amenities.
Participants were divided into five groups and paired with a set of
facilitators who led the discussions. Note-takers carefully captured
participants comments, which were used to further guide plan
recommendations.

SPECIFIC FEEDBACK WAS GATHERED FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

BREAKOUT GROUPS DISCUSS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN DESIGN

A MODEL OF THE FOCUS AREA GAVE THE COMMUNITY A DIFFERENT VIEW OF SOUTHWEST

M
GOALS + RECO

DATIONS
EN

#4

Community
Meeting

Following the third public meeting, the Project Team began to craft
recommendations for the Plan that were generated directly from
public comments and feedback, findings of technical analyses,
and District agency priorities. A draft of these recommendations
was presented at the fourth public meeting on June 25, 2014.
At this meeting, the community was able to identify the ten
recommendations that were most important to them and provide
specific feedback on recommendations about which they had
concerns or questions. The comments from this meeting, combined
with feedback from the Advisory Committee and District agencies,
helped to modify and craft Plan recommendations.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS DISCUSS DESIGN GUIDELINES

COMMUNITY MEMBERS REVIEW A DRAFT OF THE PLANS RECOMMENDATIONS

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

62

Focus Group Meetings

In addition to these four well-attended community meetings,
the Project Team held focus groups to dig deeper into issues
and opportunities for neighborhood schools, serving the senior
population, and historic preservation.
The first focus group, held on December 3, 2013, discussed local
schools and the student population related to access, enrollment
and safety. Seven local stakeholders participated in this focus
group, which was held at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School.
Representatives participated from Amidon-Bowen, Jefferson Middle
School Academy, and Appletree Early Learning Center. Community
members said the schools are considered community anchors
that are important to family life in the neighborhood. During these
meetings community members expressed concern over rising
housing costs, the need for more family-sized units of housing to
allow more families to stay in the neighborhood, and maintaining
the diversity of local school enrollment. Additionally, community
members wanted to see an emphasis on safe transportation
corridors and on the continued public use of playground equipment
and recreation fields at local schools. As a follow up to the focus
group, the Project Team also presented information on the plan at
a joint Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting between Jefferson
Middle School Academy and Amidon-Bowen Elementary on January
14, 2014.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

As part of the District-wide Age Friendly DC initiative, the Project

Team held a focus group for seniors in the Southwest neighborhood
on December 18, 2013. Approximately 15 residents were in
attendance for this focus group. A facilitator trained by the District
Office of Aging led the residents through a discussion related to
aging in place, access to transportation and amenities, safety
concerns and health care facilities. Additional topics included ways
to make day-to-day livability easier such as more benches in public
spaces, better lighting on the streets, real-time bus information at
bus shelters and more affordable food options in the neighborhood.
The third focus group on January 23, 2014, brought together ten
stakeholders to discuss the historic preservation and neighborhood
character in Southwest. Community members expressed concern
that where developers and planners see large, open, and
underutilized spaces, community members see green space,
which helped draw them to Southwest in the first place. Additionally,
community members said they believe development and change is
acceptable and expected, but not at the expense of Southwests
unique character. Participants said development can be compatible
with local character and pointed to developments like the Arena
Stage, Sky House, and Randall School as examples.

Online Engagement
From the beginning, the Project Team deployed online engagement
tools to supplement the community outreach and provide a path
of engagement for residents unable to attend meetings. Meeting
materials, presentations and announcements were made available
at www.swneighborhoodplan.org. To augment outreach and
connect with additional populations, an interactive online forum,
http://engage.swneighborhoodplan.org, supplemented the inperson meetings. The Engage Southwest portal allowed the Project
Team to ask specific questions and gave community members the
opportunity to submit ideas, ask questions, engage in the planning
process alongside their neighbors, and provide feedback regarding
different proposals. Overall, 156 registered users participated in
the online engagement site where they responded to questions,
assessed recommendations and generated their own ideas for peer
review. Of the 156 users, 118 reside in the Southwest zip code of
20024, and the average age was 41. Users also had the ability to
post their own photos and map areas of interest or concern via the
Engage Southwest portal.

ONLINE ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET HELP WITH ONLINE TOOLS

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

64

Vision and Goals

Community input, gathered from the over 800 comments received
at the September 11, 2013 Kick-off meeting as well as input from
initial Advisory Committee meetings, informed the Vision and
Guiding Principles for the Southwest Neighborhood Plan. The
Vision and Guiding Principles were developed in the Fall of 2013
and presented at the December 11, 2013 Community Meeting,
and again at the January 25, 2014 Community Workshop. The
Vision and Guiding Principles serve as the core, community-based
underpinnings of the Plan and provide direction and values upon
which to frame the Plan Opportunities and Recommendations.
The Vision for Southwest is further supported by the Guiding
Principles listed on the following pages. These principles reflect
the communitys values and aspirations for their neighborhood.
An implementation plan in Chapter 11 illustrates how each plan
recommendation supports a guiding principle.

Building on the overarching Vision and the Guiding Principles, the

remainder of the Plan organizes recommendations around the
following Concepts for Southwests Future listed below.

Model Community
Modernist Gem
Green Oasis
Arts & Cultural Destination
Thriving Town Center
Optimized District Parcels
Vibrant Connections

Vision Statement

"To create a thriving, active environment that preserves

and enhances the Southwest neighborhood's culture and
character."

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GRAPHIC INTERPRETATION OF VISION FOR SOUTHWEST

3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS TO VISION

66

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

01 SOUTHWEST CULTURE

Foster an environment that encourages and embraces cultural and economic diversity.

02 NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER

Preserve the varied scale and green character of the neighborhood.

03 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Design buildings, connections and sidewalks to improve safety, security and pedestrian circulation.

04

RETAIL

Support, enhance and expand neighborhood retail amenities.

05 PARKS

67

Enhance, connect and better utilize parks both active and passive as open space.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

06 COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Invest in community, arts and education uses that serve resident needs.

07 HOUSING

Preserve and develop a range of housing for a mix of income, age and family size, and encourage quality
design and architecture.

08 TRANSPORTATION

Strengthen multimodal transportation and improve street connections, parking and safety.

09 HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Remember the history and legacy of the Southwest neighborhood while planning for change in the future.

10 NEW DEVELOPMENT

Develop a strategy for height, density and open space that enhances, acknowledges and complements
the character of the neighborhood.

11 SUSTAINABILITY

Incorporate goals and targets from the Sustainable DC Plan to protect our environment and conserve
resources to foster a vibrant, healthy neighborhood.

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

68

04 CONCEPT | MODEL COMMUNITY

MODEL COMMUNITY ILLUSTRATIVE | THE SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD IS A CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY AND PERSEVERANCE

69

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MODEL COMMUNITY VISION

Southwest will remain an exemplary model of equity and inclusion - a welcoming and engaged community
that celebrates and retains a mix of races, ages and income levels and enhances well-being for all amidst
neighborhood growth and change.
Today
While the Southwest neighborhood has been wrought by a
complex history of urban renewal and displacement, the planned
community that formed since the 1960s is remarkable not only for
its legacy of Modernist architecture, but perhaps more importantly
for its idealism and inclusion. Southwest celebrates the diversity of
its residents a model mix of intergenerational, racial, religious,
and socioeconomic levels. The plentiful neighborhood churches
and community-based organizations are a further foundation for a
strong sense of neighborhood identity, tolerance and commitment
to justice. Southwest is a rarity in what it has accomplished as a
community, evidencing very high civic participation with strong
turnout at community meetings and a conviction about the
importance of diversity to community identity. In many ways,
todays Southwest is not unlike the community that thrived before
urban renewal where different races and ethnicities intersected,
community bonds flourished, and social capital was high.
YOUNG FAMILY ENJOYING THE AMENITIES IN SOUTHWEST

4 CONCEPT MODEL COMMUNITY

70

Opportunity
The Southwest neighborhood can remain a model community
celebrating its diversity, pursuing engagement and advocacy, and
creating a welcoming cultural and physical environment for all.
The addition of preschool and prekindergarten at Amidon-Bowen
Elementary school is attracting more families to the school, and the
student population has been growing over the last five years. This is
an example of just one of many positive changes the community can
embrace. Even with new residents and additional development, the
community can remain balancedgrowing families, retaining public
housing, supporting affordability, and improving the accessibility of
infrastructure.
Affordable and Diverse Housing Choices. Neighborhood residents
support the responsible redevelopment of the Greenleaf public
housing community (see figure 4.1) to ensure that all current
qualifying residents have the option to remain in Southwest and
receive workforce and education tools and programs to prosper
into the future. The community supports transparency and clarity
in communications throughout the process as the DC Housing
Authority (DCHA) embarks on planning and redevelopment. The
community seeks to provide guidelines and expectations for new
development, like the replacement of all subsidized units and the
contextual design and massing of new buildings. The community
voiced a desire to see emphasis on the human capital portion of
the transition, with residents receiving all the support and capacitybuilding measures needed to ease transition and succeed in
employment, education, and other matters.

PEOPLE IN SOUTHWEST ENJOY WALKING ALONG STREETS UNDER MATURE TREE CANOPIES

SOUTHWEST PRIDES ITSELF IN THE DIVERSITY OF ITS RESIDENTS

71

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Also of importance to residents are the availability of affordable

housing, family-sized units in new development, and a mix of
housing types, including townhouses and apartments. The
Southwest neighborhood already exceeds the District in its share
of subsidized and affordable housing units. This is one of the
important building blocks of housing and community diversity. The
neighborhood will look to preserve existing affordable housing units
and add affordable units in new development through Planned Unit
Developments (PUDs), Inclusionary Zoning, and the disposition of
District-controlled land.
Economic Development and Access to Jobs. The community seeks
to benefit and grow economic opportunities from the development
occurring adjacent to the neighborhood, such as The Wharf,
Capitol Riverfront, and the proposed soccer stadium. There are vast
opportunities for residents to connect to the Districts workforce
development, education and entrepreneurship programs and
resources to best leverage and access these nearby development
opportunities.
A Healthy Community, Accessible to All. Residents envision an
age-friendly neighborhood, where senior residents can thrive
as they age in the place they have called home for many years.
The Southwest neighborhood can be responsive to this trend by
improving the accessibility of transportation and open spaces.
Improved bus shelters and new bus services like the Circulator will
enhance mobility for seniors. Introducing benches where feasible
into the street network will ease distances the elderly travel by foot.
Open spaces can showcase universal design and intergenerational
programming to ensure active lifestyles for seniors.

SOUTHWEST SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL RESIDENTS

Southwest residents visualize a neighborhood that is welcoming

for all, where the disabled and anyone with mobility issues can
comfortably navigate the neighborhood. Improved sidewalks,
redesigned park entrances, and a potential new library will open
up new opportunities to enjoy the neighborhoods many amenities.
Community members also desire to prioritize healthy living and fresh
food access for all residents. There is an opportunity to demonstrate
the potential of urban agriculture in the neighborhoods parks and
connect residents, particularly the student population, to fresh
foods through their participation and care for orchards and gardens.
Additionally, farmers markets can be expanded in the neighborhood
to ensure all residents have access to fresh produce, enabling them
to adopt sound eating habits to support healthy living.

4 CONCEPT MODEL COMMUNITY

72

PARCEL
A

PARCEL
B

PARCEL
C

KEY SITES
FIGURE 4.1 | DCHA OWNED GREENLEAF PUBLIC HOUSING PROPERTIES MAP

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Support the responsible redevelopment of
the Greenleaf complex to benefit existing Greenleaf
residents and realize a well-designed development and
mixed-income community.
MC.1 Develop a strategy during the DCHA Greenleaf Master
Planning process for keeping current residents in the
community during and after construction/redevelopment
of the site.

MC.2 Develop an Interagency Working Group for DCHA to

coordinate with District agencies to identify, through the
DCHA Master Planning process, the potential to utilize
District-controlled properties in the vicinity to support a
potential build first strategy for keeping current qualifying
Greenleaf residents in the Southwest neighborhood.

Any development under the new land use designations

must be achieved through a Planned Unit Development
and meet the following criteria:
Conform to the Design Guidelines for each parcel
as outlined in the Plan (pages 81-83).
Provide replacement housing for all the existing
affordable units within the project or immediate
Southwest Neighborhood Planning Area.
Encourage a mixed-income community through
the inclusion of market rate units and to the extent
practicable, workforce housing.
Achieve a significant level of green design in terms
of both site and building design to contribute
to healthy living and improved environmental
performance.

MC.3 Change the future land use designations at Greenleaf to

promote mixed-income redevelopment and replacement
housing for existing Greenleaf residents (see figure 4.1):
a. Change northernmost Greenleaf parcels (Parcel A)
between I and L Streets from Moderate Density
Residential to Medium Density Residential.
b. Change Greenleaf parcel on the north side of M
Street (Parcel B) from Moderate Density Residential
to Mixed-use: High Density Residential/Low Density
Commercial.
c. Change the Greenleaf parcel on the south side of M
Street (Parcel C), from Medium Density Residential
to Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Low Density
Commercial.

GREENLEAF HOUSING

4 CONCEPT MODEL COMMUNITY

74

GREENLEAF PUBLIC HOUSING

Greenleaf Public Housing is comprised of four sites on both the north
and south sides of M Street SW between 3rd and Delaware Streets, and
extends northward to I Street. The development is comprised of twostory low-rise garden apartment buildings, as well as a mid-rise family
building and high-rise seniors building. At the outset of the planning
process for the Southwest Neighborhood Plan, DCHA announced
its interest in exploring the potential redevelopment of the current
Greenleaf properties to create a new mixed-income and mixed-use
development. DCHA had submitted an application to the Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a Choice Neighborhood
planning grant which was not awarded. DCHA initiated meetings with
Greenleaf residents to discuss potential redevelopment in late 2014. A
formal process with the Greenleaf residents and the broader Southwest
neighborhood to develop a Master Plan began in 2015. Proximity to
transit and other amenities in Southwest, as well as the size of the
parcels, make this an ideal location for such a development.
Southwest residents were very clear about the desire to ensure that the
needs and interests of existing residents at Greenleaf are a priority in
any redevelopment scenario and that transparency with the community
is maximized. The Plan encourages DCHA to prioritize ways to replace
all existing affordable housing (almost 900 units) on the current sites
to accommodate existing qualifying Greenleaf residents while adding in
additional market-rate residential units. Improvements to green spaces,
walking paths, lighting and public realm must also be included in the
Master Plan. The Plan recommends increasing the land use designations
of the Greenleaf parcels to provide enough development rights to
accommodate the replacement of all affordable units with enough
cross-subsidy from market-rate units and to promote a mix of high and
low building heights and a mix of densities spread across the four sites in
keeping with the current style prevalent throughout Southwest.

Goal: Maintain a mix of affordable and market-rate

residential units that better serve community needs.
MC.4 Retain the neighborhoods 19 percent of subsidized units
by establishing targets that exceed current Inclusionary
Zoning thresholds for future development on publicly
owned land and in future Planned Unit Developments.

MC.5 Future redevelopment of District-controlled sites should,

at a minimum, require at least 20 percent of the units be
affordable at varying levels of the area median income
(AMI), preferably for longer than 20 years. Determine
if a subject site meets the requirements for additional
affordable units per the Disposition of District Land Act
of 2014.

MC.6 As part of a community benefits package through the

PUD process for new construction, prioritize affordable
units above the Inclusionary Zoning requirement or fewer
affordable units, but larger in size (e.g., three bedrooms)
to better serve families.

JAMES CREEK HOMES

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Goal: Update public realm and transit infrastructure to

enhance accessibility for all.

Goal: Promote healthy living and food access for the

entire community.

MC.7 Improve lighting, seating and maintenance at bus shelters

MC.12 Promote community gardens at local schools, Amidon-

throughout Southwest.

MC.8 Pilot bus time monitors at bus shelters at locations that

serve a high number of seniors, such as stops near the
Greenleaf Senior Center.

MC.9 Increase the number of signage for disabled parking

spaces on 4th Street along the commercial blocks.

MC.10 Prioritize funding to bring the Southwest Duck Pond into

ADA compliance.
MC.11 Increase the number of benches along sidewalks
throughout the Southwest neighborhood to better serve
residents of all ages and abilities.

Bowen and Jefferson, both for student use/educational

purposes as well as for resident use. Expand community
gardens already in Southwest.

MC.13 Allow for pop up agricultural landscapes, temporary

food installations, community gardens, and recreation on
underutilized sites such as the sites on the corner of 4th
and M Streets SW.

MC.14 Strengthen and extend access to the Southwest Farmers

Market, by connecting and marketing it to schools,
public housing, and seniors and providing recipes and
other information and demonstrations on healthy food
preparation.

COMMUNITY GARDENS IN LANSBURGH PARK

4 CONCEPT MODEL COMMUNITY

76

05 CONCEPT | MODERNIST GEM

MODERNIST GEM ILLUSTRATIVE | SOUTHWEST IS A MUSEUM OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MODERNIST GEM VISION

Southwest will promote the preservation of its unique architectural legacy and support new
development that reflects the form and rhythm of the mid-20th century, reinforcing the neighborhood
design as a Modernist Gem.

Today
Southwest is like no other neighborhood in the District of Columbia,
where buildings, urban design, streets and open space combine
to form an urban neighborhood of quintessential mid-century
modern design. The neighborhood is a product of urban renewal
and comprehensive redesign that occurred from the 1940s through
the 1970s. The more residential portions of the neighborhood
are defined largely by Modernist architecture, large urban blocks
with limited through-streets, a blend of public and private open
spaces and mature trees. Today, the unique physical character
of the neighborhood is a major source of pride and identity for
residents, who appreciate the sensibilities and social values behind
this design and the sunlight, building variety, and sense of microcommunities it affords. The neighborhood is dotted with historic
landmarks. Preservation of historic structures and making sure that
new development features high quality design are key goals for the
Southwest neighborhood .
ARCHITECT CHLOETHIEL WOODARD SMITH WITH MODEL OF HARBOUR SQUARE,
CIRCA 1960 (LIBRARY OF CONGRESS)

5 CONCEPT MODERNIST GEM

78

Opportunity
Southwest residents can promote the neighborhood as a Modernist
Gem, celebrating its character and promoting preservation of the
outstanding collection of Modernist architecture and urban design.
Conservation of Neighborhood Character. There are a variety of
options to preserve the integrity of existing design and encourage
compatible design in new development. These include drafting
applications to designate additional historic landmarks, creation
of a historic district, or designation as a conservation district (if
the Council adopts legislation to permit them). The Southwest
neighborhood has a strong neighborhood conservancy group,
the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA), which can help
organize and steer the community conversation around preservation
opportunities.

positively to the neighborhoods identity. This concept is perhaps

best exemplified through the rehabilitation of Arena Stage, the
neighborhoods shining cultural anchor, that mixes a historic
design with new architecture in ways that delight and advance the
neighborhoods character, not detract from it.

Southwest can also pay homage to its roots and the rich history
of the neighborhood prior to urban renewal. Although it already
boasts a heritage trail with interpretative signage, the community
can identify ways to continue to showcase its history through
events, exhibits and more permanent installations.
Design Expectations for New Development. In addition to the
preservation of existing residential housing units, Southwest still
has the potential to evolve and dynamically change in certain areas,
as it has done in recent years with the redevelopment around 4th
Street SW. Given the sentiment of many Southwesters regarding
the importance of conserving current neighborhood character,
the Plan translates that sentiment into guidelines. The goal is to
ensure that new construction and adaptive reuse will contribute
RIVER PARK HOMES

79

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Celebrate the distinctive character of Southwest
and promote preservation of its outstanding Modernist
architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.

Goal: Retain and enhance the character of the LEnfant

Plan in Southwest including associated vistas and
historic open spaces.

MG.1Continue the community-led process of engagement to

MG.5Retain existing streets and open spaces that contribute to

garner support for preserving Modernist properties in the

Planning Area. The community, including property owners,
neighborhood groups and the Advisory Neighborhood
Commission should determine a preferred preservation
strategy: Historic District, Conservation District (if
approved by Council), or the continued designation of
individual landmarks.

MG.2Provide the community with information and tools

that outline the pros and cons associated with various
preservation strategies.

MG.3Support infill development and adaptive reuse of existing

buildings in Southwest to promote the preservation of the
communitys architectural character.

the LEnfant Plan.

MG.6Ensure future development and improvements reinforce

the LEnfant Plan as an important historic feature tying
Southwest to its greater urban context.

Goal: Ensure that future development is compatible

with the existing design of the community.
MG.7Apply the Design Guidelines contained in the Plan (pages 81
-83) to all new development achieved through the Planned
Unit Development process. Matter of right development is
also strongly encouraged to apply the Design Guidelines.

MG.4Renovate and restore Amidon Park along G Street SW

between 4th and 6th Streets to celebrate its original
historic design as a linear park adjacent to the right-ofway. Repair or replace benches and lighting. Include game
tables or other recreational uses appropriate for the space
and Modernist landscape.

WHEAT ROW TOWNHOMES

5 CONCEPT MODERNIST GEM

80

DESIGN GUIDELINES
In keeping with the unique character of the Southwest neighborhood,
new development, including development undergoing a Planned
Unit Development (PUD) or other design review process, should
adhere to the following principles:

Principle 1: Encourage a mix of building heights.

Provide a massing and mix of defined building heights which
complement and uphold the current mixture of high-rise and lowrise buildings. Particularly on large sites, this mix should include the
provision of rowhouses and high-rise buildings, and avoidance of
mid-rise building forms.

Principle 2: Achieve design excellence for high quality

and timeless development.
Achieve high quality development and the creation of attractive
buildings and landscapes through design excellence by using
distinguished architecture, durable high quality materials and
detailing, and advanced sustainable design.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Principle 3: Promote variation in building frontages

along streets with continuous massing.
Promote cohesive building forms and design, while incorporating
articulation in the building and landscape design. This will ensure a
pedestrian-scale of development and lessen the perceived length
of high-rise buildings or rowhouse groupings. Blank, unarticulated
walls should be avoided, particularly along streets and pedestrian
ways.

Principle 4: Enhance green space through landscaped

perimeters and internal green or amenity spaces.
Support Southwests vibrant green character through the provision
of publicly visible landscaped perimeters; internal green or amenity
spaces; and landscaped setbacks appropriate to the streetscape,
particularly for high-rise structures.

Principle 5: Incorporate sustainable building and site

design.
Employ a range of innovative sustainable design strategies and
building standards to promote a high performing environment
that encourages healthy living, energy efficiency, and stormwater
management.
GREEN ROOF AT 1100 4TH STREET SW

9 CONECPT MODERNIST GEM

82

Principle 6: Ensure parking is not a detractor.

Locate vehicle parking underground, or in above-grade structures
that are visually buffered from the street and adjacent properties.
Services such as parking and loading access should avoid the
interruption of street-facing building fronts or communal open
space.

Principle 7: Maximize transparency and viability of

ground floor uses along key commercial corridors.
For high-rise structures, provide vibrant ground-floor uses and
street-level design that promote pedestrian-oriented usage,
particularly on M Street, 4th Street and South Capitol Street.

Principle 8: Encourage connectivity for pedestrians,

bicycles, and vehicular access, including transit where
feasible.
Promote connectivity by re-establishing the street grid where
feasible, as noted in the Plan. (See Page 118)

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

DEVELOPMENT COMPARISON
DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT DESIGN GUIDELINES

DEVELOPMENT WITH DESIGN GUIDELINES

Medium Density | Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - 4.0

Medium Density | Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - 4.0

Lack of green space

Mid-rise structures
Large, bulky buildings
Tall, continuous streetwalls
Less daylight in courtyards and on streets
Monotonous building mass and architecture

Mix of high and low-rise buildings

Variety of architectural character
Views through and around buildings
Greater mix of building and housing types
Reduction of the urban canyon effect along corridors
Public facing open spaces created by setbacks
Private open spaces in the form of courtyards

PUD applications should consider the following Plan recommendations and implement them where applicable.
MC.1, MC.2, MC.3, MC.4, MC.5, MC.6. | MG.1, MG.3, MG.5, MG.6, MG.7 | GO.1, GO.8, GO.10, GO.12, GO.13, GO.14
AC.5 | TC.4, TC.5, TC.6 | DP.1, DP.4 | VC.2, VC.3, VC.5, VC.8, VC.9

9 CONECPT MODERNIST GEM

84

06 CONCEPT | GREEN OASIS

GREEN OASIS ILLUSTRATIVE | PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IN SOUTHWEST HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GREEN OASIS VISION

Southwest will thrive as a green oasis in the city, with lush tree canopy and vegetation, landscaped
building edges, thriving parks and robust connections between green spaces, while attaining new levels
of neighborhood sustainability and environmental performance.

Today
A defining feature of the Southwest neighborhood is its multitude of
strategically located green spaces, from major public open spaces,
walking paths, parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and mature
street trees to the green perimeters and landscaped courtyards of
private development. This landscape creates spaces of visual beauty,
physical respite, community-gathering, nature, play, shade and
stormwater management. Southwests green spaces, both majestic
and minor, offer the community common ground for intersection
and building connections. For a neighborhood just minutes from
downtown, they soften the urban edges and offer relief from
density. This distinguishing green atmosphere is not only a key to
the success of todays Southwest, but an essential ingredient for
retaining Southwests unique character, desirability and quality of
life as it moves into the future.

SOUTHWEST DUCK POND

6 CONCEPT GREEN OASIS

86

Opportunity
Southwest can be a green oasis, an equalizing counterpoint to a growing and thriving residential
neighborhood. Southwest has the potential to become the rival of other DC neighborhoods, striking a
balance between nature and urban building form.
Great and Connected Parks and Open Spaces. It is possible to not only retain the atmosphere of a parks
neighborhood but expand on this concept to realize the enhancement of existing streets, open spaces and
parks, and the delivery of green connective tissue throughout the neighborhood. An open space network
can take shape as an even stronger greenway that links assets, provides visual connectivity, and enhances
bicycle and pedestrian access. Residents would like to see capital investments, design enhancements
and outstanding programming at its signature parks: Randall, King Greenleaf, The Southwest Duck Pond,
and Library Park. Unlike the other parks, Lansburgh Park, located centrally within the Planning Area,
has significant potential to be transformed from a beloved but underperforming park with very limited
transparency or access, into an attractive and active central park for the neighborhood showcasing
design excellence in landscape architecture, increased access and activity, and new eyes on the park.
Collectively, Southwest parks will be called upon to serve a range of populations youth, seniors, dogowners, urban gardeners, athletes, everyone and provide a mix of active and passive recreation
opportunities. Parks can help support active lifestyles and serve as an educational ground for increasing
understanding of the environment and healthy living choices.

FIG. 6-3A Southwest Tree Canopy

EXISTING LANSBURGH PARK

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Courtyard Tree Canopies

Street Trees

Parks
Recreational Feilds

FIG. 6-3B Southwest Parks

LANSBURGH PARK RENDERING
6 CONCEPT GREEN OASIS

88

Outstanding Environmental Performance and Sustainability.

Southwest can celebrate its figurative green through the adoption
of sustainability measures and progressive community actions.
Tree planting and the landscaping of parks and streets provide the
opportunity to serve dual purposes natural beauty and stormwater
management / flood mitigation. This approach will be particularly
important in the context of climate change and rising sea levels.
The adoption of green can go beyond public spaces. Southwest
can support model private development providing attractive, highperforming landscaping, internal recreational and open spaces for
residents, provision of electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle and
shared vehicle parking, and environmentally conscious construction.
Existing residential communities may voluntarily improve their
carbon footprint through green retrofits and increased energy
efficiency, paving removal, composting, and other actions furthering
the goals of Sustainable DC.

COMMUNITY GARDEN AT ST. MATTHEWS CHURCH SITE

basketball
BASKETBALL AT RANDALL RECREATION CENTER

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Ensure Lansburgh Park evolves into a central
park that will become a center of activity for the
Southwest neighborhood.
GO.1Redesign Lansburgh Park to create a true central park for
the Southwest neighborhood . Continue the dog park and
community garden functions but also include improved
walking paths, new landscaping and permeable edges
that invite eyes on the park. Include additional trees,
benches, sustainable vegetation and enhanced signage.
Consider a design competition to create a signature
design and beautiful park space.

GO.2 Consider an orchard feature as a gateway into Lansburgh

Park from I Street, SW. Sustainable DC recommends the
inclusion of food-bearing trees where possible.

GO.3 Remove the two brick walls at the northeast corner of

Lansburgh Park in order to improve visibility from I
Street and apply landscape improvements and low impact
development practices.

Goal: Improve connectivity through greenways,

pedestrian and bicycle facilities, wayfinding signage,
and coordinated programming throughout all
Southwest Parks.
GO.4

Design a green path with signage to provide pedestrians

with visual connections and walking routes between the
Southwest Duck Pond, Library Park, Lansburgh Park and
Randall Recreation Center.

GO.5 Ensure that all park entry points at the Southwest Duck
Pond are clearly marked and visible from the street,
through the use of signage, public art and lighting as
needed.

GO.6 Enhance the presence of King Greenleaf Recreation Center

along M Street through improved signage and landscaping
at First and M Streets.

GO.7Visually extend Canal Street as a sidewalk between N Street

and M Street to better connect pedestrians to the King
Greenleaf Recreation Center.

LANSBURGH PARK

6 CONCEPT GREEN OASIS

90

Goal: Adopt Sustainable DC goals to showcase

the Southwest neighborhood as a steward of
green, sustainable practices targeting stormwater
management, healthy living, and energy efficiency.
GO.8 Increase the tree canopy in the Southwest Planning Area
from 25 percent to 37 percent with the addition of trees
in all new developments, streetscape improvements
and potentially at existing parks, such as Lansburgh. The
creation of larger setbacks for new developments may
allow for more tree planting opportunities. Ensure that any
diseased trees are removed and replaced at appropriate
times.

GO.9 Designate the 100-year flood zone that extends from south
of I-395 to P Street as a Green Zone. In this Green Zone,
prioritize natural stormwater percolation, stormwater
ponds, and general perviousness of public and private
space, parking lots, plazas and courtyards. (See Figure 6.1)

GO.10 Promote low impact development in all future upgrades

along Delaware Avenue and Half Street, which run parallel
to the flood zone, to maximize their capacity to hold storm
and flood water.

GO.11 Reduce stormwater runoff by transforming key areas of

existing impervious surfaces to pervious materials and
encouraging bioretention and landscaping.

GO.12 New Private Development: Meet or exceed current floodproofing requirements (requirements are currently
set for 100-year floods). The Southwest neighborhood
should consider negotiating with developers so that
future PUDs meet flood-proofing for 500-year floods
given the rapidly increasing sea-level rise projections.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

KING GREENLEAF RECREATION CENTER

Any setbacks for new developments should become an

opportunity for stormwater and flood water retention
rather than lawns.

GO.13Maximizeopenspaces,vegetationandsustainable
practices in new developments achieved through Planned
Unit Developments (PUDs). (Also see Design Guidelines on
pages 81-83).

GO.14 Encourage the installation of electric vehicle-charging

stations and set aside electric vehicle-only parking spaces
in the garages of future buildings constructed under
Planned Units Developments (PUDs) as a community
amenity.

GO.15 Partnerwith the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and

District Department of the Environment (DDOE) to organize
follow-up community meetings on energy efficiency. Work
with existing homeowner associations and other citizen
organizations to identify specific project opportunities
and market existing programs and subsidies for energy
efficiency, renewable energy and green roof retrofits.

PLANNING AREA FLOOD MAP

100 YEAR FLOOD LINE

FLOODZONE X - 500 YEAR FLOOD FLOOD (MINIMAL FLOOD HAZARD)
FLOODZONE X500 - 500 YEAR FLOOD (MODERATE FLOOD HAZARD)
FLOODZONE A - 100 YEAR FLOOD (WITHOUT BASE ELEVATIONS*)
FLOODZONE AE - 100 YEAR FLOOD (WITH BASE ELEVATIONS*)
* BASE FLOOD ELEVATION - THE COMPUTED ELEVATION TO WHICH
FLOODWATER IS ANTICIPATED TO RISE DURING THE BASE FLOOD
* MAP DOES NOT REFLECT THE FLOOD PLAIN ONCE THE 17TH ST LEVEE IS
COMPLETE.

FIGURE 6.1 | PLANNING AREA FLOOD MAP

6 CONCEPT GREEN OASIS

92

07 CONCEPT | ARTS AND CULTURE

ARTS AND CULTURE ILLUSTRATIVE | SOUTHWEST LOOKS TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC COMMUNITY

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

ARTS AND CULTURE VISION

Southwest will flourish as a premier arts and cultural destination, creating synergies between existing
cultural assets and attracting new creative uses and arts-related activities.

Today
Southwest boasts strong arts institutions, the most central of which
is the Arena Stage, a nationally known theater and the cultural icon
of the neighborhood. The Blind Whino and planned Rubell Museum
at the Randall School will create an arts hub at one end of I Street.
The Westminster Presbyterian Church at 4th and I Streets not only
serves as a religious institution but also a de facto performing arts
space that attracts large crowds to its weekly live jazz series. The
long vacant Southeastern University site has languished due to the
difficulty of redevelopment under the current zoning and land use
designation and lends itself to a future ground floor institutional
or arts use to reinforce I street as a cultural corridor. Vacant
parcels on 4th Street have been activated with temporary public
art installations through the Districts 5x5 program in 2014. The
neighborhood is also bolstered by its community facilities including
local schools (Amidon-Bowen Elementary School and Jefferson
Middle School Academy), the library, and two recreation centers.
ARENA STAGE

7 CONCEPT ARTS AND CULTURE 94

Opportunity
Southwest has the potential to become one of the citys premier
arts and culture destinations.
A Cultural Hub. While Southwest already has great cultural assets,
these institutions and programs can be better leveraged collectively
through joint promotion and marketing that puts the neighborhood
and its institutions on the cultural map. There are also opportunities
to foster an arts hub in the neighborhood by expanding local events
and drawing on the existing successful ones such as Jazz Night at
Westminster, Southwest Night at Arena Stage, and activities with
Blind Whino. The future Rubell Museum at the Randall School can
also reinforce the local arts scene. Importantly, this exciting range
of institutions and programming can serve as an enriching and
accessible community amenity for all Southwest residents.
Invigorated I Street. The Southwest neighborhood has the
opportunity to continue to concentrate cultural activities along
the I Street corridor. Renovation of the Randall Recreation Center
should be prioritized not only to improve access, entrances and
the overall facility, but also to introduce programming that provides
both recreational and cultural offerings for residents. To increase
the presence of artists as local residents, priority can be placed on
marketing the affordable units at the redeveloped Randall School
to artists. The redevelopment of Greenleaf, with the responsible
and thoughtful participation of the Southwest neighborhood , can
include some ground floor spaces along I and M streets that may
house arts/creative incubator uses. The Southwest Neighborhood
Library also contributes to the corridor, and a new library can create
a space that further establishes an iconic presence for community
institutions. The Southeastern University site can be ignited for

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

redevelopment to bookend one side of the I Street cultural corridor,

remain sensitive to its context, and include an institutional/cultural
use and possibly artist housing (for more see page 97).
Arts in the Public Realm. The Southwest neighborhood can reinforce
its identity as an arts and culture destination by manifesting the arts
in the public realm. Temporary installations, pop-up programming,
and events can be focused around the Southwest Duck Pond and
vacant parcels and retail spaces along 4th Street SW. Underpasses
have long stood as a neighborhood barrier that may be significantly
enhanced through incorporation of public art and lighting.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Build on and market existing cultural assets and
institutions to reinforce the concept of an arts and
cultural destination.
AC.1

Foster the Southwest neighborhood arts hub by expanding

events, such as Jazz Night at Westminster, Southwest Night
at Arena Stage, activities with Blind Whino, and future
events with the proposed Rubell Museum at the Randall
School.
AC.2 Promote the arts as a community amenity in neighborhood
marketing materials and communicate current and planned
activities involving the arts to residents throughout the
District of Columbia. Develop a single source to advertise
and promote all arts events in one place for easier access
and more effective marketing.

BLIND WHINO ART EVENT SPACE

Goal: Strengthen I Street as a cultural corridor.

AC.3

AC.4

AC.5

Renovate the Randall Recreation Center to support both

recreation and multi-purpose arts focused programming
while maintaining existing playing fields and greenspaces.
Market the required affordable units in the new Randall
School development to artists who meet the affordability
requirements.
Encourage the creation of incubator space for local arts
organizations or other creative entrepreneurs (e.g., web
designers, film editing, production, culinary space, etc.)
or local business start-ups on the ground floors of new
buildings on M and I Streets.

INSIDE BLIND WHINO

7 CONCEPT ARTS AND CULTURE 96

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SITE

This site, located at 501 I Street SW, was initially constructed in 1948 as the Metropolitan Boys
Club. It was later expanded by Modernist architect Charles Goodman to become the Hawthorne
School. Additional wings were added as was the concrete faade that is still in existence. The building
was sold in 1972 to Southeastern University which operated an adult education campus until closing
permanently in 2010. Since that time, that building has been vacant and fallen into disrepair.
During this planning process, a prominent theater company, Shakespeare Theater Company (STC),
proposed a plan to convert the property into its new headquarters with artist space by tearing the
existing building down and erecting a larger building in its place. STC planned to partner with a private
developer to include additional market rate housing as well as housing specifically for visiting actors.
This site is a preferred location for an arts and cultural use as it complements and augments the arts
uses already in Southwest and further anticipates the Plans vision for cultural uses along I Street.
Convenient access to Metro is also a plus for many of the visiting actors who would use the rehearsal
space.

SOUTHEASTERN
UNIVERSITY

The site itself is currently designated Institutional on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use map
which is in keeping with its historic educational and nonprofit uses. It is zoned R-3 which permits low
density residential uses such as townhomes.
During this planning process, the community expressed an understanding of the theaters need for
additional space and recognized the merits of having a world class theater headquartered in Southwest.
However, it was clear that many adjacent residents have serious concerns about the compatibility of
a 6-9 story building within the existing townhome community. The land use designation would
need to be changed to facilitate the full building program as required by the theater company and its
development partner.
At this time, the Southwest Neighborhood Plan is not making a recommendation for a land use
designation change for this site until further outreach efforts can be conducted by the STC and its
development partner to address community concerns. A cultural use at this site would be a preferred
use going forward and efforts to change the land use should seriously be considered by the community
and the ANC. The theater is encouraged to continue the dialogue with the Southwest neighborhood
through the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Amendment process which will get underway in 2015.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

KEY SITES

FIGURE 7.1 | DISTRICT PROPERTIES

Goal: Grow the presence of the arts throughout the

Southwest neighborhood.
AC.6Initiate a pilot improvement project for at least one
underpass to include unique public art and lighting.

AC.7Support the use of grants, pilot programming or public/

private partnerships to help fund pop-up programming,
short-term events and other efforts by the Neighbors
of the Southwest Duck Pond to expand activities in this
location.

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

ART ON 6TH STREET SOUTHWEST

7 CONCEPT ARTS AND CULTURE 98

08 CONCEPT | THRIVING TOWN CENTER

THRIVING TOWN CENTER ILLUSTRATIVE | 4TH STREET HAS GREAT POTENTIAL TO GROW AS A VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CENTER

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

THRIVING TOWN CENTER VISION

Southwest will enjoy 4th Street SW as a thriving town center and commercial heart of the community,
with a range of neighborhood-serving retail options, an active street atmosphere, a high quality public
realm, quality new development and easily accessible transit.

Today
The reinstatement of 4th Street from M to I Streets SW has
transformed the landscape of Southwest, creating the opportunity
for a traditional town center along the ground floor level of new
development. This prominent street at the heart of the neighborhood
featuring the Waterfront Metro Station and an attractive streetscape
is actually privately owned and maintained, but provides a fully
public main street atmosphere. The street already boasts key retail
anchors a major grocery store and drug store as well as two sitdown restaurants, two fast food establishments, and a dry cleaner
in the storefronts of the two recently constructed office buildings
tenanted by government agencies. However, there are still some
vacancies and at least 30,000 SF of retail space is coming online in
new development. Growing retail amenities and civic anchors in the
neighborhood is a goal shared by all residents.

RETAIL ALONG 4TH STREET SW

8 CONCEPT THRIVING TOWN CENTER

100

Opportunity
The Southwest neighborhood can magnify the already strong design
of 4th Street to realize its full potential and broaden the number of
walkable retail and cultural amenities for residents. Fourth Street
can thrive as a bustling town center and neighborhood focal point.
This block-long stretch has the potential to support transit-oriented
development with new, high density office and residential uses with
ground floor retail space along both sides of 4th Street and spilling
onto the corners of M Street.
Enhanced and Vibrant Retail Options. Retail on 4th Street should
focus on a diverse array of neighborhood-serving shopping, services,
and dining. The Southwest Business Improvement District (BID) that
is currently forming will be instrumental to completing targeted
marketing and retail attraction to boost the neighborhoods brand
and retail mix. The BID will help strengthen the appearance of the
broader area through activities like cleaning underpasses which
people might pass through while traveling 4th Street SW. The
energy of this commercial strip has the potential to extend all the
way to I street SW. The corner churches may be redeveloped or the
structures incorporated into future redevelopment with landscaped
setbacks/rights of way retained. Growing the population on and
around 4th Street will strengthen the market position and overall
vitality of the town center.

SW and 4th and I Street SW, will tap into the energy created
by those developments. These catalytic developments will
strengthen the market for retail along the 4th Street town
center, permitting the neighborhood to attract additional
local retailers.
The town center will likely be locally focused and complement
rather than compete with the nearby destination retail and
entertainment venues. Fourth Street can exhibit strong
physical connections for cars and pedestrians to nearby
attractions: The Wharf, Fort McNair, Capitol Riverfront, and
the proposed soccer stadium. New destinations like The
Wharf will also augment the amenities within the reach of
Southwest residents without compromising the existence of
a 4th Street commercial core that most directly serves the
Southwest neighborhood.

The development of The Wharf and the ongoing development at

the Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard will create strong attractors of
people and potential retail demand. While those areas are more
focused on regional retail and entertainment, creating good
wayfinding and the use of public art and well-designed buildings
and landscaping, particularly at the corners of 4th and M Street
EXISTING 4TH STREET SW

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

ILLUSTRATIVE OF 4TH STREET SW AS TOWN CENTER

8 CONCEPT THRIVING TOWN CENTER

102

Exciting pop-up retail and cultural uses will enliven vacancies in new
retail spaces created along 4th Street SW and generate activity and
interest to help draw potential long-term tenants. Fairs and festivals
will invigorate public spaces and expose new populations to what
Southwest has to offer. Fallow development parcels will offer
places for temporary public art installations, community gatherings
and events. Retail energy, sidewalk activation, and new trees will
enhance the already strong public realm that features mature trees,
landscaping, street furniture, and gathering places.
While not the primary retail artery, M Street SW will serve as a
landscaped, urban boulevard with contextual new development
(through the redevelopment of Greenleaf and potentially other public
properties) that may offer ground floor activation opportunities.
While retail will be best served clustered on 4th Street and along
the M Street corners that intersect it, other portions of M Street
will likely support incubators, creative enterprises, medical services,
daycares, and other community services in ground floor spaces.
South Capitol Street will eventually attract new development that
will likely include a retail component, but it will be more peripheral
to the neighborhood town center.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Establish a strategic marketing approach to
attract a unique and tailored retail mix that can
promote 4th Street as Southwests neighborhood main
street.
TC.1Create a robust and proactive marketing strategy to
create awareness about retail, entertainment and
cultural opportunities in the Southwest neighborhood.
Use this strategy to attract, incentivize and/or incubate
neighborhood-serving retailers on/near 4th Street and
potentially on South Capitol Street.

TC.2Promote a cohesive and concentrated retail cluster along

4th Street through the development of retail-appropriate
spaces, coherent storefront design, signage, streetscape
and street furniture as well as management of the retail
mix and marketing.

TC.3Pursue a neighborhood-focused retail attraction and

retention strategy that provides an array of locally-serving
shopping, services and dining to residents and the daytime
office worker population. In new retail development
consider allowing for different formats and sizes of
spaces so that a variety of retail tenants, including small
businesses, may lease space.

Goal: Encourage future land use designation changes

to key corner parcels to promote a vibrant mix of
neighborhood town center uses along 4th Street SW.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

TC.4Change the future land use designation

of Westminster Presbyterian Church from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium
Density Residential with Low Density
Commercial.

TC.5Change the future land use designation

of Christ United Methodist Church from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium
Density Residential with Low Density
Commercial.

TC.6For proposed land use designation

changes on 4th Street SW, a Planned Unit
Development (PUD) process will have to
be initiated. Should any site be landmarked
as historic, thoughtful incorporation of
existing structures and setbacks into
future development is strongly preferred,
with new construction limited to
underdeveloped portions of the parcel.

WESTMINSTER
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CHRIST UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH

Goal: Celebrate 4th Streets envisioned

vibrancy as a neighborhood main street,
through temporary urbanism practices
and the burgeoning local arts movement
and the Districts creative economy.
TC.7

Encourage pop-up retail and temporary

creative uses in vacant spaces and parcels
as a means to enliven a space, maintain
retail continuity along 4th Street, promote
small and local retailers and activate the
main street.

KEY SITES

FIGURE 8.1 | 4TH ST SW CHURCH SITES MAP

8 CONCEPT THRIVING TOWN CENTER

104

09 CONCEPT | OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS ILLUSTRATIVE | SOUTHWEST HAS A NUMBER OF PARCELS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND ENHANCE AMENITIES

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS VISION

Southwest will be prepared for the future redevelopment of the neighborhoods outdated public
facilities and underused publicly owned land, allowing for the use of public resources in a way that
benefits everyone and ensures that development aligns with neighborhood expectations for highquality design and community benefits.
Today

Opportunity

Southwest has established residential areas with strong

neighborhood character and identity. Nearby public land or
facilities owned by District or Federal agencies contribute little to
the neighborhood. The concentration of public land north of M
Street SW near South Capitol Street is currently home to police, fire
and DMV facilities and is poorly designed with single use buildings
and aesthetically unappealing surface parking. This enclave is a
non-descript no mans land with limited connectivity and visual
interest. Lansburgh Park, just north of the DMV facilities, a somewhat
hidden asset with untapped potential, sits in the center of these
public parcels yet bears no relationship to them, as the buildings
back onto the park. By comparison, some facilities are treasured
community assets like Amidon-Bowen Elementary School, Jefferson
Middle School Academy and the Southwest Library. Although the
library is beloved, it was designed without the amenities, natural
light, or inviting spaces found in libraries being built today. A new
library would better serve the growing population of Southwest.

The residents of Southwest can anticipate improvements to

government-controlled properties so that they contain more
efficient and attractive public facilities or are made available through
a competitive process to the private sector for redevelopment that
is consistent with neighborhood goals. Residents can help to shape
redevelopment so that it is compatible with the existing community
character and can meet programing demands of the broader
neighborhood.
Re-envisioned Government Cluster. As a growing city, the District
will have increasing demands on parks, schools, libraries, public
safety, public works and other operations. The Department of
General Services will need to effectively manage how public agencies
use and operate their facilities, making sure the District judiciously
uses public assets and facilities to their fullest potential while being
environmentally responsible. Changing the land use designations for
some government properties in Southwest can increase the options
for their redevelopment in a way that has design compatibility

9 CONCEPT OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

106

SOUTHWEST LIBRARY
During this process, DC Public Library (DCPL) in coordination with the
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
(DMPED) and OP, explored the potential of relocating the existing
library at 300 Wesley Place SW to the ground floor of a planned
residential building to be constructed on 4th Street SW. The benefits of
moving the library would have included increased visibility on a more
active community thoroughfare, creating a civic anchor on the main
street in the community, and most likely achieving a new facility in
much less time than rebuilding at the existing site. DCPL presented
renderings of what a mixed-use building could potentially look like
on 4th Street at a community meeting held on June 16, 2014. In
addition, DMPED researched other mixed-use buildings with libraries
around the country to determine best practices. The community
overwhelmingly decided that constructing a new library at the existing
site is the preferred option. The recommendation in the Plan reflects
that community preference.

with the neighborhood, outstanding environmental performance,

improved connectivity around buildings, and an affordable housing
requirement when there is a residential component (at least 20
percent of units to be affordable in any residential development).
In November 2014, the District Council passed the Disposition
of District Land for Affordable Housing Amendment Act of 2014.
This law specifies clear guidelines that could potentially increase
the affordable housing requirement on any District properties to
30 percent should they be disposed to the private sector if the
site meets the criteria of proximity to transit and the development
includes more than 10 units of housing in a residential building. All
residential, commercial, or government facilities seeking a land use
change, will be expected to go through Planned Unit Developments
that will allow higher densities focused near M Street and conform
to Design Guidelines that require variation in building height and
inclusion of building setbacks, as appropriate. Redevelopment of
government properties and facilities north of M Street near South
Capitol Street can include connections and create a front door for
a revamped Lansburgh Park, making it a high-quality and accessible
open space activated by adjacent development. (See the Design
Guidelines on pages 81 - 83 for additional information on principles
for development).
A New Library. A model community deserves a model library.
Residents in Southwest seek a state-of-the-art public library at its
current location on 3rd Street and Wesley Place SW. The desire is
to have an inspiring structure that would take full advantage of the
adjacent Library Park playground and serve as a community anchor
and important gathering place for meetings and civic conversation.

SOUTHWEST LIBRARY

107

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Government Parcels. The District government currently controls

approximately 7 acres of land in the Government Cluster around M
and Half Streets which house a number of municipal uses including
the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Center at 95 M
Street SW, the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
(FEMS) maintenance facility and fire station at 1101 Half Street SW,
the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) First District Station at
101 M Street SW (Bowen School), and the DMV Inspection Station
at 1001 Half Street SW. While the Districts population continues
to grow, municipal services grow but also change through the use
of innovation and technology. For example, many services of the
DMV are now available on online; thus significantly reducing the
number of in-person trips to a physical location. As stewards of
limited public resources, the District government must continually
analyze the ongoing and changing needs of the city and how best
to utilize public properties to create a more efficient and effective
property portfolio.
Given the underused nature of the sites in the SW Government
Cluster, which includes large surface parking and low-scale buildings,
there is potential to improve operations through state-of-the-art
design and co-location of municipal uses and services. Improving
the use and design of these District-controlled sites could create
higher efficiencies, save tax dollars, as well as improve the public
realm in the Southwest neighborhood. These sites offer exciting
potential to become vibrant mixed-use developments activating
M Street SW, providing better street connectivity, and enhancing
the relationship with a to-be-redesigned Lansburgh Park. By gaining
operational efficiencies in the SW Government Cluster it might
possible to competitively dispose of some property to the private
sector for a mixed-use development such as: residential (with
affordable housing), retail and potentially municipal service centers.

FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE SITE

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV)

9 CONCEPT OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

108

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Address land use and future
potential for District-controlled parcels
that comprise Southwests Government
Cluster to reflect opportunities to
accommodate improved services, allow
a mix of uses, and optimize government
operations and assets.
DP.1Change future land use designations of the
properties at the Southwest Government
Cluster (shown in Figure 7.1) as follows:
a. Change the future land use designation
on Parcel A (MPD/Bowen School) from
Local Public to Mixed-Use Local Public
/Medium Density Commercial and
Medium Density Residential.
b. Change the future land use designation on
Parcel B (DMV and FEMS Maintenance
Site) from Local Public to Mixed-Use
High Density Residential/High Density
Commercial and Local Public.
c. Change the future land use designation
on Parcel C (DMV Inspection Station)
from Local Public to Mixed-Use Local
Public/Medium Density Residential.

PARCEL
C

PARCEL
A

PARCEL
B

KEY SITES
FIGURE 7.1 | SW GOVERNMENT CLUSTER MAP

109

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MPD/BOWEN SCHOOL BUILDING

Any development under the new land use designation should be

achieved through a Planned Unit Development and should meet
the following criteria:
Conform to the Design Guidelines outlined in the Plan
(pages 81-83).
Restore portions of the LEnfant street grid through the
dedication of former rights of way (ROW) for the creation
of streets or pedestrian corridors.
If there is a public solicitation/disposition for residential
development, require at least 20 percent of the total
residential square footage to be set aside for affordable
units. Determine if the site meets the requirements for
additional affordable units per the Disposition of District
Land for Affordable Housing Amendment Act of 2014.
The design orientation of new development should
redefine Lansburgh Park as a central park by increasing
interaction and access.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY EXAMPLE | PHOTO CREDIT PAUL RIVERA

Goal: Provide new and improved state of the art public

facilities.
DP.2Construct a distinctive new Southwest Library at the
current site of the existing library on Wesley Place. Future
design of the library should incorporate/enhance the
adjacent Library Park.

DP.3Support a feasibility study to determine how best to

improve the athletic fields/recreation space adjacent to
Jefferson Middle School Academy. Currently DPW uses
an existing storage facility that prohibits full use of the
recreation space.

DP.4Support excellent design for any new municipal facilities

at the Southwest Government Cluster (See Design
Guidelines, 81-83).
9 CONCEPT OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

110

10 CONCEPT | VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

VIBRANT CONNECTIONS ILLUSTRATIVE | SOUTHWEST HAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR ENHANCED MULTIMODAL CONNECTIVITY IN YEARS TO COME

111

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

VIBRANT CONNECTIONS VISION

The Southwest neighborhood will feature vibrant connections that support an active community and
attractive environment, accommodate multiple transportation modes, increase mobility and safety within
the community and provide ease of access to adjacent neighborhoods and the waterfront.

Today
Just minutes from Downtown Washington and the National Mall,
Southwest is connected to all the great amenities of city living while
being removed from the limelight and hustle and bustle. Given
that the neighborhood has natural and manmade boundaries on
several sides the waterfront to the east, Fort McNair to the south,
Interstate-395 to the north, and South Capitol Street to the west
the neighborhood provides some challenges to traversing beyond its
boundaries. Circulation within the neighborhood can be challenging
for pedestrians given the longer than typical block-lengths and
closures of the street grid. The pedestrian experience is enhanced
by the prevalence of tree-lined streets. Several of the key corridors
Maine Avenue, M Street and South Capitol Street still have
room for improved streetscape, transportation accommodations,
and pedestrian experience. The neighborhood is rich with transit
options including: a centrally-located Metrorail station, bus, bicycle
facilities and a potential streetcar line. Despite superior proximity
and access, Southwest has retained neighborhood cohesion and a
sense that the neighborhood is a special, quiet enclave and retreat.

THIS 1862 MAP OF WASHINGTON ATTESTS TO THE ISOLATION OF SOUTHWEST CAUSED

BY RAILROAD, CANAL, AND RIVER (LIBRARY OF CONGRESS)

10 CONCEPT VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

112

The Opportunity
The Southwest neighborhood must prepare for its local
transportation needs given the development occurring in and
around the neighborhood at The Wharf, Capitol Riverfront and
Buzzard Point. By building a pleasant pedestrian and cyclist
experience, strengthening the quality of its key corridors, restoring
lost connections and improving physical barriers, the Southwest
neighborhood has the opportunity to feature vibrant connections
to support an active community.
Safe Pedestrian and Bicycle and Infrastructure. One of the
hallmarks of a livable neighborhood is well-designed pedestrian
infrastructure. Southwest can focus on upgrading pedestrian
crossings and signage along South Capitol Street, Maine Avenue,
and 7th Street SW. Additionally, enforcement measures and safety
enhancements could be taken to address difficult intersections on I
Street, M Street and P Street SW. Importantly, concentration should
be placed on creating safe walking routes to school, with a special
focus on the immediate circulation around the Jefferson Middle
School Academy and Amidon-Bowen Elementary. Southwest can
and should be a walkers paradise, creating delight and opportunities
for activity for residents and visitors of all ages.
With a growing legion of residents who bike for commute or
recreation, Southwest can enhance its bicycle infrastructure to
better tie into broader District greenways, like the Anacostia River
Riverwalk Trail, The Wharf development and the Potomac River, as
well as major bicycle routes. Additional Capital Bikeshare locations
should be identified to accommodate needs as demand grows.

113

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Enhanced Corridors. Southwests defining thoroughfares can be

redesigned to enhance mobility while improving the character
and aesthetics of the public realm. While M Street currently
lacks a cohesive streetscape, it has the potential to become an
attractive and green urban boulevard and complete street that
accommodates buses, traffic, bicycles and potentially streetcars.
As the waterfront develops, Maine Avenue will no longer be an
edge roadway and commuter cut-through but rather a gateway
boulevard that unifies Southwest and The Wharf. Maine Avenue is
being redesigned and reconstructed to become a more attractive
and multimodal, urban boulevard. The width of the street will
remain the same but improvements to public realm and streetscape
elements will change this current commuter route into a dynamic,
pleasant and safe boulevard.
Reclaimed Connections. Urban Renewal and the Modernist designs
that followed it left an indelible mark on the block structure of
Southwest, which many residents appreciate for the internalized
residential communities it forged. However, the restoration of the
LEnfant street grid in strategic locations that do not impact existing
residences will enhance the mobility and ease of walking through
the neighborhood. In particular, the government-owned parcels
around Lansburgh Park offer the opportunity to restore mapped
streets when redeveloped in the future. These streets will also
bring additional activity and visibility to a now hidden park asset.
Southwest can also tackle the unpleasant experience of traversing
underpasses of the I-395 and CSX rights of way by ensuring
appropriate lighting and regular maintenance and cleaning, as well
as piloting public art interventions.

CHARACTER OF KEY CORRIDORS

I Street. This corridor is characterized by wide sidewalks and
the extensive, full growth, tree canopy lining the street. While an
important east-west connector, the street offers a beautiful and
shaded walking experience. Future developments, such as the
transformation of the Randall School into a world class art gallery,
will assist in branding the corridor as a cultural corridor. Temporary
public art and wayfinding would create better links between other
cultural uses in this area to The Wharf and Arena Stage.
M Street. Currently, M Street lacks a cohesive streetscape and
public realm but has the potential to become an attractive and green
boulevard that accommodates multiple transportation modes. New
development that conforms to the Design Guidelines in the Plan will
create some linear green space through landscaped setbacks and
additional trees and will deliver buildings that are better oriented
towards M Street to create a feeling of greater safety, interest and
enjoyment. DDOT envisions M Street becoming a true multimodal
transportation corridor with improvements to the design of the
roadway to better accommodate buses, traffic, bicycles and
potentially streetcars. The potential addition of streetcar stops and
improvements to bus shelters will greatly activate the sidewalks on
M Street SW. New development will potentially offer active ground
floor uses and a retail experience, although the bulk of commercial
activity will continue to be concentrated on 4th Street SW.
Maine Avenue. As The Wharf develops, Maine Avenue will no
longer be an edge roadway and commuter cut-through but rather
a gateway boulevard that unifies Southwest and The Wharf. Maine
Avenue is being redesigned and reconstructed to become a more
attractive urban boulevard and complete street that can also
accommodate cars, bicycles and pedestrians. Improvements to
crosswalks will be critical to ensure the safety of pedestrians who
will access The Wharf via Metro at Waterfront Station. The width of
the street will remain the same but improvements to public realm

and streetscape elements will change this current commuter route

into a dynamic, pleasant and safe boulevard.
4th Street. The commercial blocks of 4th Street between M and
I Streets serve as the neighborhoods main street and will retain
this character going forward. The roadway is anchored at the M
Street intersection by the presence of the Waterfront Metro Station
and the Capital Bikeshare Station. This neighborhood commercial
stretch still has multiple large lots slated for redevelopment. The
existing office buildings and retail are almost at full capacity but
have struggled to lease out the existing retail bays since completion.
Additional residential density to be built along these blocks will
improve the customer base and foot traffic in the area. The Plan
recommends the use of pop ups and other temporary uses in
future vacant retail space to activate the street level uses. The
increased foot traffic between the Metro at Waterfront Station and
The Wharf will also have a positive impact on 4th Street SW.
South Capitol Street. This is a major thoroughfare that divides the
Southeast and Southwest quadrants of the city and accommodates
a significant amount of commuter traffic in and out of the District.
The corridor was part of the original LEnfant plan and runs south
from the US Capitol into Maryland. The width varies from 2 to 4
lanes along the corridor. Given the high volume of traffic on this
corridor, pedestrian safety and crossing at key intersections is
challenging. There are several large potential development sites
adjacent to the corridor that, if developed well, could improve the
street level activation and pedestrian experience. Comprehensive
streetscape and roadway redesign as part of the South Capitol
Bridge project should improve the aesthetics and functionality of
the corridor from a pedestrian perspective.

10 CONCEPT VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

114

RECOMMENDATIONS
Goal: Enhance pedestrian connections and safety
throughout the neighborhood.

Goal: Improve neighborhood bicycle infrastructure and

safety.

VC.1Clearly delineate school crossings for Jefferson Middle

VC.4 Link bicycle routes across Southwest by extending dedicated

School Academy, Amidon-Bowen Elementary School and

Van Ness Elementary school with vehicular and pedestrian
wayfinding signage and or street markings. Pursue funding
opportunities with the National Center for Safe Routes to
School for all three schools.

bicycle lanes as recommended in the MoveDC plan along

the following segments:
a. 7th Street between 4th Street and Maine Avenue.
b. 3rd Street between I Street and M Street.
c. First Street between M Street and P Street.

VC.2Enhance neighborhood edges and gateways by improving

crosswalks, signage, lighting and/or streetscapes at key
gateways:
a. South Capitol Street at I, L, M and N Streets.
b. Maine Avenue and P Street between 4th, 3rd, Canal,
First and Half Streets.
c. I-395 at 7th Street, 4th Street and Randall Recreation
Center.

VC.3Improve pedestrian/cyclist crossings through enhanced

signage, redesigned crosswalk flashing signals and/or
speed cameras at the following intersections:
a. I Street at 7th Street, Delaware Avenue and First
Street.
b. M Street at Half, First, 3rd and 6th Streets.
c. P Street between Half, First, 3rd, 4th and Canal Streets.

115

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

VC.5

Work with Capital Bikeshare to install additional bikeshare

stations in Southwest, particularly at the following
locations:
a. I Street at Randall Recreation Center.
b. P Street and South Capitol Street.
c. I Street and Wesley Place at Library Park.
VC.6Coordinate with DDOT to install signage, paving and
plantings for a biking and walking path along P Street
that ties the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to The Wharf
development and the Potomac River.

Goal: Establish M Street as a multimodal

neighborhood boulevard linking Southwest to adjacent
neighborhoods and the waterfront.
VC.7Support DDOTs final recommendations and infrastructure
changes along M Street to create a true multimodal
transit corridor that improves connections and access
throughout the Planning Area to The Wharf, Waterfront
Metrorail station, Buzzard Point and Capitol Riverfront.

Goal: Ensure that Maine Ave provides an attractive

transition from the Southwest neighborhood to The
Wharf development.
VC.8Improve streetscape and pedestrian infrastructure along
Maine Avenue to create a complete street in alignment
with plans depicted by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront for
its development at The Wharf.

VC.9Change the future land use designation of Riverside Baptist

Church (see figure 10.1) from Moderate Density Residential
to Medium Density Residential/Low Density Commercial
to create a gateway into the community on the corner of
I Street and Maine Avenue. Any development under the
new land use designation should be achieved through a
Planned Unit Development. Development should consider
the sites gateway quality and conform to the Design
Guidelines contained in the Plan (see page 81).

VC.10 Create wayfinding signage from the Waterfront Metrorail

station across Maine Avenue to The Wharf through a
collaboration with Hoffman-Madison Waterfront and the
Southwest Business Improvement District.

Goal: Support the transformation of South Capitol

Street into a high density, urban boulevard that
establishes a robust pedestrian realm.
VC.11 Coordinate with the South Capitol Street Corridor Project
to promote a high performance green streetscape,
improve connections across South Capitol Street at I, M
and P Streets, and reduce/limit commuter traffic through
the Southwest neighborhood.

Goal: Restore LEnfant streets on redevelopment sites,

including public properties.
VC.12 Improve access to and use of Lansburgh Park by reinstating
K and L Streets for improved access (including bicycle/
pedestrian use) to increase visibility and access and
reduce the isolated feel of the park. Maintain and improve
the First Street pedestrian greenway from M Street to
I Street to increase visibility and access and reduce the
isolated feel of the park.

10 CONCEPT VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

116

Goal: Improve the underpasses

connecting the Southwest
neighborhood to areas to the north.
VC.13 Convene

regular
interagency
meetings
to
determine
the
best approach to upgrading the
underpasses and identify an entity to
lead the effort to clean and maintain
the underpasses.

RIVERSIDE BAPTIST
CHURCH

C
A

KEY SITES
FIGURE 10.1 | GATEWAY PARCEL MAP

117

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

REINSTATING PORTIONS OF THE LENFANT STREET GRID

The Southwest neighborhood is defined by both the Modernist
architecture and the urban form that created super blocks with
limited through streets and a blend of public and private open spaces.
While the community embraces the super blocks, these same blocks
often limit access to public parks and east-west mobility within the
neighborhood. OP reviewed existing studies and plans as part of
the Southwest Neighborhood Plan development, which included
recommendations for some potential opportunities to reinstate small
sections of these streets.
The 2006 Comprehensive Plan is the Districts foundational planning
document which provides general policy and overall guidance for
future planning and development of the city for a 20-year period. As
stated in the Comprehensive Plan Policy UD-1.1.2 Reinforcing the
LEnfant and McMillan Plans:
Respect and reinforce the LEnfant and McMillan Plans to maintain
the Districts unique, historic and grand character. This policy should
be achieved through a variety of urban design measures, including
appropriate building placement, view protection, enhancement of
LEnfant Plan reservations (green spaces), limits on street and alley
closings, and the siting of new monuments and memorials in locations
of visual prominence. Restore as appropriate and where possible,
previously closed streets and alleys, and obstructed vistas or viewsheds.
The recently completed DDOT plan MoveDC makes broad policy
recommendations and site specific recommendations regarding the
reinstatement of closed streets, as well as creating new streets where
needed and feasible. MoveDC recommends the reopening of K and
L Streets in Southwest where they are currently now closed in the
vicinity of Lansburgh Park. The Southwest Neighborhood Plan also
supports the reopening of these portions of K and L Streets (see
VC.12, p.116).
The MoveDC plan also recommends reinstating portions of N and
O Streets between 3rd Street and Delaware Avenue as part of
recommendation A.8: Improve street connectivity: reconnect
streets that were once connected and in some cases, create entirely
new street connections. While connecting these streets would

improve east-west connections in this area of the neighborhood, there

is community concern that reinstating N Street would impact what is
currently the baseball field of the King Greenleaf Recreation Center
and that reinstating O Street would significantly impact privatelyowned residential developments as the street would likely require use
of adjacent private property. The Southwest Neighborhood Plan does
not make a specific recommendation to reconnect portions of N or O
Streets SW. For clarification, reinstating and reconnecting of roads for
the foreseeable future should focus solely on the following rights of
way:
K and L Streets (at Lansburgh Park);
First Street (at M Street; Note: pedestrian only);
Private property, at the discretion of the owner should there be
redevelopment; and
District parcels, if redeveloped.
The Southwest Neighborhood Plan makes the following
recommendations regarding street connections:
MG.5 Retain existing streets and open spaces that contribute to
the LEnfant Plan. (page 80).
GO.7 Visually extend Canal Street as a sidewalk between N Street
and M Street to better connect pedestrians to the King Greenleaf
Recreation Center. (page 90).
DP.1 Restore portions of the LEnfant street grid through
the dedication of former rights of way (ROW) for the creation
of streets or pedestrian corridors. (page. 110). (Note: This
recommendation refers to the SW Government Cluster parcels
around Lansburgh Park).
VC.12: Improve access to and use of Lansburgh Park by reinstating
K and L Streets for improved access (including bicycle/pedestrian
use) to increase visibility and access and reduce the isolated feel
of the park. Maintain and improve the First Street pedestrian
greenway from M Street to I Street to increase visibility and
access and reduce the isolated feel of the park. (page 116).

10 CONCEPT VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

118

11 IMPLEMENTATION

4th Street SW Today

119

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

01 SOUTHWEST CULTURE
Foster an environment that encourages and embraces cultural and economic diversity.

02 NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER
Preserve the varied scale and green character of the neighborhood.

03 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Design buildings, connections and sidewalks to improve safety, security and pedestrian circulation.

04 RETAIL
Support, enhance and expand neighborhood retail amenities.

05 PARKS
Enhance, connect and better utilize parks both active and passive as open space.

06 COMMUNITY AMENITIES
Invest in community, arts and education uses that serve resident needs.

07 HOUSING
Preserve and develop a range of housing for a mix of income, age and family size, and encourage quality design and architecture.

08 TRANSPORTATION
Strengthen multimodal transportation and improve street connections, parking and safety.

09 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Remember the history and legacy of the Southwest neighborhood while planning for change in the future.

10 NEW DEVELOPMENT
Develop a strategy for height, density and open space that enhances, acknowledges and complements the character of the neighborhood.

11 SUSTAINABILITY
Incorporate goals and targets from the Sustainable DC Plan to protect our environment and conserve resources to foster a vibrant, healthy
neighborhood.
11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

120

CONCEPT | MODEL COMMUNITY

VISION: Southwest will remain an exemplary model of equity and inclusion - a welcoming and engaged community that celebrates and
retains a mix of races, ages and income levels and enhances well-being for all amidst neighborhood growth and change.
ACTION

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

1, 7

Short Term

DCHA

DCOP

MC.1

Develop a strategy during the DCHA Greenleaf Master Planning process for keeping
current residents in the community during and after construction/redevelopment of
the site.

MC.2

Develop an Interagency Working Group for DCHA to coordinate with District

agencies to identify, through the DCHA Master Planning process, the potential to
utilize District-controlled properties in the vicinity to support a potential build
first strategy for keeping current qualifying Greenleaf residents in the Southwest
neighborhood.

1, 7, 10

Short Term

DCHA

DCOP, DMPED

MC.3

Change the future land use designations at Greenleaf to promote mixed-income

redevelopment and replacement housing for existing Greenleaf residents
(see page 73):

7, 10

Short Term

DCOP

DCHA

1, 7

Short to Long
Term

DCHA , DHCD,
DMPED

DCOP

a.

Change the northernmost Greenleaf parcels (Parcel A) between I and L Streets from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium Density Residential.
Change Greenleaf parcel on the north side of M Street (Parcel B) from Moderate Density
Residential to Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Low Density Commercial.
Change the Greenleaf parcel on the south side of M Street (Parcel C), from Medium Density
Residential to Mixed-Use: High Density Residential/Low Density Commercial.

b.
c.

Any development under the new land use designations must be achieved through a
Planned Unit Development and meet the following criteria:

MC.4

121

Conform to the Design Guidelines for each parcel as outlined in the Plan (pages 81-83).
Provide replacement housing for all the existing affordable units within the project or
immediate Southwest Neighborhood Planning Area.
Encourage a mixed-income community through the inclusion of market rate units and to the
extent practicable, workforce housing.
Achieve a significant level of green design in terms of both site and building design to
contribute to healthy living and improved environmental performance.

Retain the neighborhoods 19 percent of subsidized units by establishing targets that

exceed current Inclusionary Zoning thresholds for future development on publicly
owned land and in future Planned Unit Developments.

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

* Timeline: Short-term(1-2 years), Mid-term (2-5 years), Long-term (5-10 years)

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION

07
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

08

09

10

11

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY
DCOP

MC.5

Future redevelopment of District-controlled sites should, at a minimum, require

at least 20 percent of the units be affordable at varying levels of the area median
income (AMI), preferably for longer than 20 years. Determine if a subject site meets
the requirements for additional affordable units per the Disposition of District Land
Act of 2014.

1, 7

Short to Long
Term

DMPED, DCHA

MC.6

As part of a community benefits package through the PUD process for new
construction, prioritize affordable units above the Inclusionary Zoning requirement
or fewer affordable units, but larger in size (e.g., three bedrooms) to better serve
families.

1,7

Short to Long
Term

DCOP, ANC

MC.7

Improve lighting, seating and maintenance at bus shelters throughout Southwest

3, 8

Mid Term

WMATA

MC.8

Pilot bus time monitors at bus shelters at locations that serve a high number of
seniors, such as stops near the Greenleaf Senior Center.

3, 8

Mid to Long Term

WMATA

MC.9

Increase the number of signage for disabled parking spaces on 4th Street along the
commercial blocks.

3, 8

Short Term

DDOT

MC.10 Prioritize funding to bring the Southwest Duck Pond into ADA compliance.

1, 5

Mid to Long Term

DPR

MC.11 Increase the number of benches along sidewalks throughout the Southwest
neighborhood to better serve residents of all ages and abilities.

3,5

Short Term

DDOT, DPR

MC.12 Promote community gardens at local schools, Amidon-Bowen and Jefferson, both
for student use/educational purposes as well as for resident use. Expand community
gardens already in Southwest.

6, 11

Short Term

DCPS

DPR, ANC

MC.13 Allow for pop up agricultural landscapes, temporary food installations, community
gardens, and recreation on underutilized sites such as the sites on the corner of 4th
and M Streets SW.

Short to Mid
Term

DCOP

Property Owners,
ANC

MC.14 Strengthen and extend access to the Southwest Farmers Market, by connecting and
marketing it to schools, public housing, and seniors and providing recipes and other
information and demonstrations on healthy food preparation.

6, 11

Short to Mid
Term

DDOE

DDOT

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

122

CONCEPT | MODERNIST GEM

VISION: Southwest will promote the preservation of its unique architectural legacy and support new development that reflects the form
and rhythm of the mid-20th century, reinforcing the neighborhood design as a Modernist Gem.
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

Continue the community-led process of engagement to garner support for

preserving Modernist properties in the Planning Area. The community, including
property owners, neighborhood groups and the Advisory Neighborhood
Commission should determine a preferred preservation strategy: Historic District,
Conservation District (if approved by Council), or the continued designation of
individual landmarks.

9, 10

Short Term

Civic
Organizations

SHPO

MG.2

Provide the community with information and tools that outline the pros and cons
associated with various preservation strategies.

Short to Mid
Term

SHPO

ANC

MG.3

Support infill development and adaptive reuse of existing buildings in Southwest to

promote the preservation of the communitys architectural character.

10

Long Term

SHPO

ANC

MG.4

Renovate and restore Amidon Park along G Street SW between 4th and 6th
Streets to celebrate its original historic design as a linear park adjacent to the
right-of-way. Repair or replace benches and lighting. Include game tables or other
recreational uses appropriate for the space and Modernist landscape.

5, 9

Short to Mid
Term

DPR

SW BID

ACTION
MG.1

123

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

Retain existing streets and open spaces that contribute to the LEnfant Plan.

Short to Long
Term

DCOP

ANC

MG.6

Ensure future development and improvements reinforce the LEnfant Plan as an

important historic feature tying Southwest to its greater urban context.

10

Long Term

DCOP

ANC

MG.7

Apply the Design Guidelines contained in the Plan (pages 81 -83) to all new
development achieved through the Planned Unit Development process. Matter of
right development is also strongly encouraged to apply the Design Guidelines.

2, 9, 10, 11

Short to Long
Term

DCOP, DCHA

ANC

ACTION
MG.5

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

124

CONCEPT | GREEN OASIS

VISION: Southwest will thrive as a green oasis in the city, with lush tree canopy and vegetation, landscaped building edges, thriving parks
and robust connections between green spaces, while attaining new levels of neighborhood sustainability and environmental performance.
ACTION

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

GO.1

Redesign Lansburgh Park to create a true central park for the Southwest
neighborhood . Continue the dog park and community garden functions but also
include improved walking paths, new landscaping and permeable edges that invite
eyes on the park. Include additional trees, benches, sustainable vegetation and
enhanced signage. Consider a design competition to create a signature design and
beautiful park space.

5,11

Long Term

DPR

DGS

GO.2

Consider an orchard feature as a gateway into Lansburgh Park from I Street.

Sustainable DC recommends the inclusion of food-bearing trees where possible.

2, 11

Mid to Long Term

DPR

Community
Garden

GO.3

Remove the two brick walls at the northeast corner of Lansburgh Park in order to
improve visibility from I Street and apply landscape improvements and low impact
development practices.

11

Mid to Long term

DPR

GO.4

Design a "green path" with signage to provide pedestrians with visual connections
and walking routes between the Southwest Duck Pond, Library Park, Lansburgh Park
and Randall Recreation Center.

3, 5, 11

Short to Mid
Term

DPR

GO.5

Ensure that all park entry points at the Southwest Duck Pond are clearly marked and
visible from the street, through the use of signage, public art and lighting as needed.

3, 6

Short Term

DPR

GO.6

Enhance the presence of King Greenleaf Recreation Center along M Street through
improved signage and landscaping at First and M Streets.

3, 5

Short Term

DPR

GO.7

Visually extend Canal Street as a sidewalk between N Street and M Street to better
connect pedestrians to the King Greenleaf Recreation Center.

Mid Term

DDOT, DPR

GO.8

Increase the tree canopy in the Southwest Planning Area from 25 percent to
37 percent with the addition of trees in all new developments, streetscape
improvements and potentially at existing parks, such as Lansburgh. The creation
of larger setbacks for new developments may allow for more tree planting
opportunities. Ensure that any diseased trees are removed and replaced at
appropriate times.

3, 5, 10, 11

Short to Long
Term

Casey Trees,
DDOT

125

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Neighbors of the
Southwest Duck
Pond

DPR

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION

07

08

09

10

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

3, 11

Long Term

DDOE

11
PARTNER
AGENCY

GO.9

Designate the 100-year flood zone that extends from south of I-395 to P Street
to a "Green Zone." In this Green Zone, prioritize natural stormwater percolation,
stormwater ponds, and general perviousness of public and private space, parking
lots, plazas and courtyards. (See page 92)

GO.10

Promote low impact development in all future upgrades along Delaware Avenue and
Half Street, which run parallel to the flood zone, to maximize their capacity to hold
storm and flood water.

11

Long Term

DDOT, DDOE

GO.11

Reduce stormwater runoff by transforming key areas of existing impervious surfaces

to pervious materials and encouraging bioretention and landscaping.

11

Long Term

DDOE, DCOP

GO.12

New Private Development: Meet or exceed current flood-proofing requirements

(requirements are currently set for 100-year floods). The Southwest neighborhood
should consider negotiating with developers so that future PUDs meet floodproofing for 500-year floods given the rapidly increasing sea-level rise projections.
Any setbacks for new developments should become an opportunity for stormwater
and flood water retention rather than lawns.

10, 11

Short to Long
Term

DCOP

ANC

GO.13

Maximize open spaces, vegetation and sustainable practices by discouraging surface

parking in new developments achieved through Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).
(Also see Design Guidelines on pages 81-83).

10, 11

Short to Long
Term

DCOP

ANC

GO.14

Encourage the installation of electric vehicle-charging stations and set aside electric
vehicle-only parking spaces in the garages of future buildings constructed under
Planned Units Developments (PUDs) as a community amenity.

10, 11

Short to Long
Term

DCOP

ANC

GO.15

Partner with the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and District Department
of the Environment (DDOE) to organize follow-up community meetings on
energy efficiency. Work with existing homeowner associations and other citizen
organizations to identify specific project opportunities and market existing programs
and subsidies for energy efficiency, renewable energy and green roof retrofits.

11

Short to Long
Term

DDOE

SEU, ANC

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

126

CONCEPT | ARTS AND CULTURAL DESTINATION

VISION: Southwest will flourish as a premier arts and cultural destination, creating synergies between existing cultural assets and
attracting new creative uses and arts-related activities.
ACTION

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

AC.1

Foster the Southwest neighborhood arts hub by expanding events, such as Jazz Night
at Westminster, Southwest Night at Arena Stage, activities with Blind Whino, and
future events with the proposed Rubell Museum at the Randall School.

Short Term

SW BID

Southwest Arts
Organizations

AC.2

Promote the arts as a community amenity in neighborhood marketing materials

and communicate current and planned activities involving the arts to residents
throughout the District of Columbia. Develop a single source to advertise and
promote all arts events in one place for easier access and more effective marketing.

Short to Mid
Term

SW BID

DCOP

AC.3

Renovate the Randall Recreation Center to support both recreation and multipurpose arts focused programming while maintaining existing playing fields and
greenspaces.

5, 6

Mid Term

SW BID

ANC

AC.4

Market the required affordable units in the new Randall School development to
artists who meet the affordability requirements.

6, 7

Short to Mid
Term

Randall School
Development
Team

DCHA

127

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION

07

08

09

10

11

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

AC.5

Encourage the creation of incubator space for local arts organizations or other
creative entrepreneurs (e.g., web designers, film editing, production, culinary space,
etc.) or local business start-ups on the ground floors of new buildings on M and I
Streets.

4, 6

Long Term

DMPED, WDCEP

DCOP

AC.6

Initiate a pilot improvement project for at least one underpass to include unique
public art and lighting.

3,6

Short Term

DCOP

DCCAH,
Underpass Owner

AC.7

Support the use grants, pilot programming or public/private partnerships to help

fund pop-up programming, short-term events and other efforts by the Neighbors
of the Southwest Duck Pond to expand activities in this location.

5,6

Short to Mid
Term

DCOP

Community
Groups,
Southwest Duck
Pond

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

128

CONCEPT | THRIVING TOWN CENTER

VISION: Southwest will enjoy 4th Street SW as a thriving town center and commercial heart of the community, with a range of
neighborhood-serving retail options, an active street atmosphere, a high quality public realm, quality new development and easily
accessible transit.
ACTION

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

TC.1

Create a robust and proactive marketing strategy, led by the local BID, to create
awareness about retail, entertainment and cultural opportunities in the Southwest
neighborhood. Use this strategy to attract, incentivize and/or incubate neighborhood-serving retailers on/near 4th Street and potentially on South Capitol Street.

Mid Term

SW BID

TC.2

Promote a cohesive and concentrated retail cluster along 4th Street through the
development of retail-appropriate spaces, coherent storefront design, signage,
streetscape and street furniture as well as thorough management of the retail mix
and marketing.

2,4

Mid Term

DDOT, SW BID

TC.3

Pursue a neighborhood-focused retail attraction and retention strategy that provides

an array of locally-serving shopping, services and dining to residents and the daytime
office worker population. In new retail development consider allowing for different
formats and sizes of spaces so that a variety of retail tenants, including small
businesses, may lease space.

Mid Term

Private Developer

SW BID

TC.4

Change the future land use designation of Westminster Presbyterian Church from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium Density Residential with Low Density
Commercial.

2, 3, 4, 7, 9

Long Term

DCOP

ANC

129

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION
TC.5

Change the future land use designation of Christ United Methodist Church from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium Density Residential with Low Density
Commercial.

TC.6

For proposed land use designation changes on 4th Street SW, a Planned Unit
Development (PUD) process will have to be initiated. Should any site be landmarked
as historic, thoughtful incorporation of existing structures and setbacks into future
development is strongly preferred, with new construction limited to underdeveloped
portions of the parcel.

TC.7

Encourage pop-up retail and temporary creative uses in vacant spaces and parcels
as a means to enliven a space, maintain retail continuity along 4th Street, promote
small and local retailers and activate the main street.

07

08

09

10

11

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

2, 3, 4, 7 9

Long Term

DCOP

ANC

2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10

Long Term

DCOP

ANC

4, 6

Short Term

DCOP, Private
Developer

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

130

CONCEPT | OPTIMIZED DISTRICT PARCELS

VISION: Southwest will be prepared for the future redevelopment of the neighborhoods outdated public facilities and underused
publicly owned land, allowing for the use of public resources in a way that benefits everyone and ensures that development aligns with
neighborhood expectations for high-quality design and community benefits.
ACTION
DP.1

Change future land use design designations of the properties at the Southwest
Government Cluster (shown in Figure 7.1) as follows:
a. Change the future land use designation on Parcel A (MPD/Bowen School) from
Local Public to Mixed-Use Local Public, Medium Density Commercial and Medium
Density Residential.
b. Change the future land use designation on Parcel B (DMV and FEMS Maintenance
Site) from Local Public to Mix Use High Density Residential/High Density
Commercial and Local Public.
c. Change the future land use designation on Parcel C (DMV Inspection Station) from
Local Public to Mixed-Use Local Public/Medium Density Residential.
Any development under the new land use designation should be achieved through a
Planned Unit Development and should meet the following criteria:
Conform to the Design Guidelines outlined in the Plan (pages 81-83).
Restore portions of the LEnfant street grid through the dedication of former
rights of way (ROW) for the creation of streets or pedestrian corridors.
If there is a public solicitation/disposition for residential development,
require at least 20 percent of the total residential square footage to be set
aside for affordable units. Determine if the site meets the requirements
for additional affordable units per the Disposition of District Land for
Affordable Housing Amendment Act of 2014.
The design orientation of new development should redefine Lansburgh Park
as a central park by increasing interaction and access.

131

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

7, 10

Short Term

DCOP

ANC

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION

07
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

08

09

10

11

TIMELINE

LEAD AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY
DCOP

DP.2

Construct a distinctive new Southwest Library at the current site of the existing
library on Wesley Place. Future design of the library should incorporate/enhance the
adjacent Library Park.

1, 2, 6, 10

Short to Mid
Term

DCPL, DGS

DP.3

Support a feasibility study to determine how best improve the athletic fields/
recreation space adjacent to Jefferson Middle School Academy. Currently DPW uses
an existing storage facility that prohibits full use of the recreation space.

5,6

Short to Long
Term

DGS, DCPS, DPR,

DPW

DP.4

Support excellent design for any new municipal facilities at the Southwest
Government Cluster (See Design Guidelines, pages 81-83).

2, 6, 10

Mid Term

DGS, DCPS, DPR,

DPW

DCOP

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

132

CONCEPT | VIBRANT CONNECTIONS

VISION: The Southwest neighborhood will feature vibrant connections that support an active community and attractive environment,
accommodate multiple transportation modes, increase mobility and safety within the community and provide ease of access to adjacent
neighborhoods and the waterfront.
ACTION

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

TIMELINE

LEAD
AGENCY

PARTNER
AGENCY

VC.1

Clearly delineate school crossings for Jefferson Middle School Academy, Amidon-Bowen
Elementary School and Van Ness Elementary school with vehicular and pedestrian
wayfinding signage and or street markings. Pursue funding opportunities with the
National Center for Safe Routes to School for all three schools.

3, 6

Short Term

DDOT

Jefferson,
Amidon-Bowen
DCPS

VC.2

Enhance neighborhood edges and gateways by improving crosswalks, signage, lighting and/
or streetscapes at key gateways:
a. South Capitol Street at I, L, M and N Streets.
b. Maine Avenue and P Street between 4th, 3rd, Canal, First and Half Streets.
c. I-395 at 7th Street, 4th Street and Randall Recreation Center.

3,8

Mid to Long
Term

DDOT

DPR, DCOP

VC.3

Improve pedestrian/cyclist crossings through enhanced signage, redesigned crosswalk

flashing signals and/or speed cameras at the following intersections:
a. I Street at 7th Street, Delaware Avenue and First Street.
b. M Street at Half, First, 3rd and 6th Streets.
c. P Street between Half, First, 3rd, 4th and Canal Streets.

3,8

Short Term

DDOT

ANC

VC.4

Link bicycle routes across Southwest by extending dedicated bicycle lanes as recommended
in the MoveDC plan along the following segments:
a. 7th Street between 4th Street and Maine Avenue.
b. 3rd Street between I Street and M Street.
c. First Street between M Street and P Street.

3,8

Mid Term

DDOT

DCOP

VC.5

Work with Capital Bikeshare to install additional bikeshare stations in Southwest,

particularly at the following locations:
a. I Street at Randall Recreation Center.
b. P Street and South Capitol Street.
c. I Street and Wesley Place at Library Park.

Short to Mid
Term

DDOT

DCOP

VC.6

Coordinate with DDOT to install signage, paving and plantings for a biking and walking path
along P Street that ties the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to The Wharf development and the
Potomac River.

3,8

Short to Mid
Term

Private
Developer,
DDOT

DCOP

133

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

GUIDING
PRINCIPLES:

01

02

03

04

05

06

ACTION

07
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
ADDRESSED

08

09

10

TIMELINE

LEAD
AGENCY

VC.7

Support DDOTs final recommendations for transportation and infrastructure changes

along M Street to create a true multimodal transit coridor that improves connections and
access throughout the Planning Area to The Wharf, Waterfront Metrorail station, Buzzard
Point and Capitol Riverfront.

Mid to Long
Term

DDOT, Private
Developers

VC.8

Improve streetscape and pedestrian infrastructure along Maine Avenue to create a

complete street in alignment with plans depicted by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront for its
development at The Wharf.

Short to Long
Term

DDOT

VC.9

Change the future land use designation of Riverside Baptist Church (see page 117) from
Moderate Density Residential to Medium Density Residential/Low Density Commercial to
create a gateway into the community on the corner of I Street and Maine Avenue. Any
development under the new land use designation should be achieved through a Planned
Unit Development. Development should consider the sites gateway quality and conform to
the Design Guidelines contained in the Plan (see pages 81-83).

Short to Long
Term

DDOT, DCOP

VC.10

Create wayfinding signage from the Waterfront Metrorail station across Maine Avenue to
The Wharf through a collaboration with Hoffman-Madison Waterfront and the Southwest
Business Improvement District.

3, 7

Short Term

DCOP

VC.11

Coordinate with the South Capitol Street Corridor Project to promote a high performance
green streetscape, improve connections across South Capitol Street at I, M and P
Streets, and reduce/limit commuter traffic through the Southwest neighborhood.

3, 8

Long Term

DDOT, Private
Developers

VC.12

Improve access to and use of Lansburgh Park by reinstating K and L Streets for improved
access (including bicycle/pedestrian use) to increase visibility and access and reduce the
isolated feel of the park. Maintain and improve the First Street pedestrian greenway from
M Street to I Street to increase visibility and access and reduce the isolated feel of the
park.

Short Term

DDOT

VC.13

Convene regular interagency meetings to determine the best approach to upgrading

the underpasses and identify an entity to lead the effort to clean and maintain the
underpasses.

2, 8

Short Term

DDOT

11
PARTNER
AGENCY

ANC

DCOP

Underpass
Owners, ANC

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

134

G ST. SW

NE
AI
M
S
E.
AV
W

A. Riverside Baptist Church

B. Westminster Presbyterian Church
C. Christ United Methodist Church
D. Greenleaf North
E. Greenleaf North of M Street
F. Greenleaf South of M Street
G. MPD
H. DMV/FEMS
I. DMV Inspection Station

H ST. SW

7TH ST. SW

9TH ST. SW

I-39

I ST. SW

C
D

K ST. SW

6TH ST. SW

DELA
WAR
E

AVE.
S

I
L ST. SW

H
M ST. SW

FIGURE 11.1 | FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FROM THE 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

135

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

O ST. SW

P ST. SW

SOUTH CAPITOL ST.

HALF ST. SW

1ST ST. SW

T. SW
AL S
C AN

3RD ST. SW

4TH ST. SW

N ST. SW

MODERATE DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (1-3 STORIES)

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4-7 STORIES)
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (8+ STORIES)
LOW DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MODERATE DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MEDIUM DENSITY COMMERCIAL
HIGH DENSITY COMMERCIAL
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
LOCAL PUBLIC
PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL
STRIPING INDICATES A MIX OF USES

H ST. SW

S
E.
AV
W

7TH ST. SW

9TH ST. SW

G ST. SW

NE
AI
M

A. Riverside Baptist Church

B. Westminster Presbyterian Church
C. Christ United Methodist Church
D. Greenleaf North
E. Greenleaf North of M Street
F. Greenleaf South of M Street
G. MPD
H. DMV/FEMS
I. DMV Inspection Station

I-39

I ST. SW

C
D

K ST. SW

6TH ST. SW

DELA
WAR
E

AVE.
S

I
L ST. SW

H
M ST. SW

O ST. SW

P ST. SW

SOUTH CAPITOL ST.

HALF ST. SW

1ST ST. SW

T. SW
AL S
C AN

3RD ST. SW

MODERATE DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (1-3 STORIES)

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4-7 STORIES)
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (8+ STORIES)
LOW DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MODERATE DENSITY COMMERCIAL
MEDIUM DENSITY COMMERCIAL
HIGH DENSITY COMMERCIAL
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
LOCAL PUBLIC
PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL
STRIPING INDICATES A MIX OF USES

4TH ST. SW

N ST. SW

FIGURE 11.2 | FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION CHANGES, SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

136

ABBREVIATIONS
AN

Advisory Neighborhood Commission

BID

Business Improvement District

DCCAH

District of Columbia Commission on Arts & Humanities

DCOP

District of Columbia Office of Planning

DCHA

District of Columbia Housing Authority

DCPL

District of Columbia Public Library

DCPS

District of Columbia Public Schools

DCRA

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs

DDOE

District Department of the Environment

DDOT

District Department of Transportation

DC Water District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority

137

DGS

Department of General Services

DHCD

Department of Housing & Community Development

DMPED

Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development

DOES

Department of Employment Services

DPR

Department of Parks & Recreation

DPW

Department of Public Works

DSLBD

Department of Small & Local Business Development

WDCEP

Washington, DC Economic Partnership

WMATA

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

DEFINITIONS
Small Area Plan (SAP)
The Small Area Plan provides a framework for the strategic
development, redevelopment, or preservation of a specific
neighborhood(s) or corridor(s). Small Area Plans address the
Districts planning goals on a more localized level and seek to
update the Comprehensive Plan by providing detailed direction
for the development of city blocks, corridors, and neighborhoods.
Small Area Plans allow citizens to develop strategic priorities that
will shape future development in their neighborhoods, identify
gaps and opportunities in city services and resources deployed at
the neighborhood level, and shape critical capital budget decisions
and agency investment priorities. Small Area Plans are submitted
to the DC Council as legislation and are subject to Council approval.
The SW Neighborhood Plan is classified as a Small Area Plan.

Comprehensive Plan
A long-range (20 year) plan containing maps, policies, and actions to
guide the future physical development of a city or county. In DC, the
Comprehensive Plan consists of District elements prepared by the
Office of Planning and Federal elements prepared by the National
Capital Planning Commission. The Districts last major update to the
Comprehensive Plan was conducted in 2006 and a minor update
was completed in 2011. The Comprehensive Plan is available to
the public on the Office of Plannings website (planning.dc.gov)
or can be reviewed by visiting the Office of Planning in person. In
April 2013, the Office of Planning released a Comprehensive Plan
Progress Report to detail the status of implementation efforts for
the 2006 Comprehensive Plan. The Progress Report is available at
OP or on our website.

SAP Advisory Committee

Density

For every Small Area Plan, an Advisory Committee is formed.

The SAP Advisory Committee is typically comprised of a group of
local community leaders (ANC commissioners, resident council
members, civic association leaders, and other designated or elected
residents of the study area) whose role is to assist the Office of
Planning with outreach and the design of the planning process for
the SAP. While OP looks to the Advisory Committee for guidance on
outreach and process as well as review of plan materials, the entire
community fully participates in creating the plan vision, the guiding
principles and the plan recommendations that comprise the SAP.
In addition to meetings with the Advisory Committee, every SAP
follows a highly participatory process with several public meetings
and opportunities for input.

Density is an indicator of the number of people, or amount of

building (usually measured in square feet), in a given area.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Program
From www.hud.gov:
The Choice Neighborhoods program supports locally driven
strategies to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed
public or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach
to neighborhood transformation. Local leaders, residents, and
stakeholders, such as public housing authorities, cities, schools,
police, business owners, nonprofits, and private developers, come
together to create and implement a plan that transforms distressed
HUD housing and addresses the challenges in the surrounding
neighborhood. The program is designed to catalyze critical
improvements in neighborhood assets, including vacant property,
housing, services and schools.

Development
The process of creating new buildings, amenities, or infrastructure.
Development is often a collaborative process that involves
government agencies, private companies (developers), and
community input.

Economic Development
Economic Development refers to any of a number of programs
and activities designed to increase a communitys overall wealth.
This includes policies geared towards the creation of new jobs,
establishment of new businesses, improvement of existing
businesses, and training of residents to fill local jobs.

Historic Preservation
The preservation of historically-significant structures and
neighborhoods, often with the intent of restoring or rehabilitating
the structures to their former condition, or the goal of retaining an
areas character and recognizing its heritage.

Land Use
Land use refers to the type of activity or development that occupies
a parcel of land. Common land uses include housing, retail,
industrial/manufacturing, recreation, and institutional. Increasingly,
two or more compatible uses (commonly retail and office or retail
and housing) are allowed or encouraged on a single site (mixeduse).

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

138

Mixed-Use Development

Streetscape

A development type in which various uses, such as office, retail,

and residential, are combined in a single building or on a single
property.

Streetscape encompasses the look and function of the Districts

streets, sidewalks, street furniture, lights, and other related
amenities. In considering streetscape improvements, the District
considers a wide variety of elements such as street width, bicycle
lanes, sidewalk width, on-street parking, tree boxes and planters,
median strips, and other elements. Streetscape improvements have
a number of goals including improving mobility through a space,
enhancing public safety, economic development, and environmental
sustainability.

Mixed-Income Housing
Generally refers to housing (or neighborhoods) that includes both
affordable (subsidized) units and market-rate units, suitable for a
mix of low, moderate, and above-moderate income households.

Mobility
The ability to move from one place to another, or to transport
goods from one place to another. This can mean the ability to go
from place to place (like commuting from home to work), or the
ability to move within a space (the sidewalks in a neighborhood, the
width of aisles in a store, whether a building has stairs, or elevators).

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

The process through with a land owner (often a developer) seeks to
develop a property in a way that is not allowed by right (meaning
that current zoning does not allow the building size or building use
without seeking special permission). PUDs must still comply with
the Districts future land use goals, and the process allows a greater
level of community input than by right development.

Public Realm
The areas throughout the city that are not privately owned. Public
realm includes parks, streets, sidewalks, civic institutions (such as
libraries), and all other land and buildings that are controlled by
the local or federal government.

139

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Sustainability
A philosophy of managing development that merges economic,
social, and environmental considerations, and that seeks to create
self-sustaining systems. Environmental sustainability, which often
gets the most attention, focuses on reducing the use of nonrenewable materials. In a similar way, economic sustainability
and social sustainability focus on creating communities that are
healthy and that create economic, recreational, mobility, and other
opportunities across all demographics.

Timeframe (Implementation Chapter)

Short-term (1-2 years)
Mid-term (2-5 years)
Long-term (5-10 years)

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Development directly surrounding major public transit access points
such as Metro, Amtrak, commuter rail stations, or streetcar lines,
that is generally higher-density and mixed-use in order to allow the
greatest possible access to living near shopping and employment
opportunities.

Urban Design
The art and science of giving form, in terms of both beauty and
function, to selected urban areas or to whole cities. Urban design
includes the location, size, and design of all types of urban structures
from parks to streetlights to buildings, and combines elements of
urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture.

Zoning
A set of locally-adopted regulations which implement the
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and policies, establish the
range of allowable uses in defined geographic areas of a community
(districts), set the standards for development in each district, and
define the process for gaining approval to develop land or change
land uses.

11 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

140

12 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

District of Columbia
Muriel Bowser, Mayor

District of Columbia Council

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen

DC Office of Planning
Eric D. Shaw, Director
DC Office of Project Team
Tanya Washington Stern, Acting Deputy Director
Tracy Gabriel, Associate Director, Neighborhood Planning
Melissa Bird, Project Manager, Neighborhood Planning
Malaika Abernathy, Neighborhood Planning
Stephen Cochran, Development Review Specialist
Ryan Hand, Neighborhood Planning
With Assistance From:
Steve Callcott
Ed Estes
Patsy Fletcher
Josh Ghaffari
Alexis Goggans
Ted Jutras
Sakina Khan
Joel Lawson

Andrea Limauro
David Maloney
Josh Silver
Ashley Stephens
Colleen Willger
Laine Cidlowski
Chris Shaheen

* Thank you former Councilmember Tommy Wells for supporting the Plan.

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SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Southwest Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
Roger Moffat, Chairperson
Rhonda Hamilton
Rachel Reilly Carroll
Andy Litsky
Stacy Cloyd
Sam Marrerro
David Garber
Ron McBee *
Civic Associations and Community Representatives
Eumania Leftwich
Georgia Abernathy
June L. Marshall
Kael Anderson
Marvin Martin
Jane Boorman
Hara Ann Bouganim
Marilyn Melkonian
Eve Brooks
Cindi Miller
Carolyn Mitchell
Melonee Bryant
Cecille Chen
Naomi Mitchell
Mary Moran
Carol Cogwill
J. Nickerson
Felicia Couts
William Rich
Bob Craycraft
Colleen Rooney
Tom Daly
Matt Scoffic
Gail Fast
Steve Tanner
Reshma Holla
Carol Tsoi
Allan Holland
Terry Tuttle
Robert Hall
Fabian Wagner
Rev. Ruth Hamilton
Dena Walker
Brian Hamilton
Thelma Jones

Consultant Team
Ayers Saint Gross
Urban Design and Planning
William Skelsey
Kevin Peterson
My Ly
Amber Wendland
Mosaic Urban Partners
Real Estate and Marketing Analysis
Calvin Gladney
Jon Stover
Reingold Link
Public Outreach and Communications
Michael Akin
Sheena Pegarido
EHT Traceries
Historic Preservation Character Analysis
Laura Harris Hughes
Bill Marzella

Commissioners whose term ended on December 31, 2014.

* On behalf of the Project Team and the community, we would like to thank former ANC Commissioner Ron McBee who died on October 8, 2013 before the Plan could
be finalized. Mr. McBee, often referred to as the Mayor of Southwest, was a tireless activist and advocate for the community. He will be missed.
12 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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