MID CITY EASTDraft Small Area Plan7/3/14

Government of the District of ColumbiaVincent, C. Gray, Mayor

2TABLE OF CONTENTS

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4EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Mid City East Small Area Plan provides a framework for conservation, development, sustainability and connectivity in Mid City East, a mosaic of neighborhoods including Bates/Truxton Circle, Bloomingdale, Eckington, Hanover, LeDroit Park, and Sursum Corda as well as sections of Edgewood and Stronghold. The Mid City East area sits near the center of the District of Columbia and showcases historic residential fabric and institutions, a rich diversity of residents, valued open spaces and burgeoning retail amenities. The inviting character of these neighborhoods is juxtaposed by the presence of major corridors - Florida Avenue,

New York Ave, New Jersey Avenue, North Capitol Street, and Rhode Island Avenue - that bisect these neighborhoods and create real and formidable boundaries, but also opportunities for retail enhancement, new development and improved connectivity. The catalyst for studying and analyzing the Mid City East area was the notable activism on the part of some residents and civic organizations. The 2006 DC Comprehensive Plan also specifies the preparation of a small area plan for the North Capitol/Florida Avenue business district. Neighborhood groups advocated strongly to the District for a small area plan for their respective neighborhoods, as they were beginning to feel the effects of growth and change and wanted an opportunity to plan for the areas future. This level of civic engagement and neighborhood-based leadership at the outset was a harbinger of the important role that the plans Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, civic organizations, community groups, and the business community, would play throughout the process in the development of the plan. With a number of planning efforts already completed in the vicinity of Mid City East, the boundaries of the small area plan were designed to encompass those neighborhoods situated around a contiguous portion of North Capitol Street that had yet to have an approved small area plan to guide land use and development, filling an important gap in planning for this part the District of Columbia. Sursum Corda, while already addressed in the Northwest One Plan, was also included to address that communitys intent to redevelop their property while retaining affordability. The boundaries of the

Mid City East area reflect a political amalgam, with most of the area in Ward 5, and other portions in either Ward 1 or 6. The Office of Planning (OP), working with its consultant team, launched the process to create the Mid City East Small Area Plan in 2013. OP also partnered with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to coordinate outreach since that agency was simultaneously developing a Livability Study for the same study area. By having a single integrated process and website, OP and DDOT were able to create a seamless public participation experience for the development of both documents. The planning process integrated a more robust and creative range of engagement opportunities beyond community-wide meetings, including interactive online forums, office hours, community meet- ups and storytelling. The communitys values combined with technical analysis and input from District Agencies helped to define essence of the plan. Technical analysis completed include an Existing Conditions analysis, a Historic and Cultural Resources report, and a Market study. The plan also incorporates recommendations from DDOTs Mid City East Livability Study completed in October 2013. The public process began with a study area wide Kick-Off on April 27, 2013, during which the planning team engaged residents and stakeholders in facilitated activities to begin developing a vision for the plan and to identify issues and opportunities. Neighborhood character was a key concern especially the impact of architecturally inconsistent additions to the tops of homes, or pop-ups and the desire to preserve certain buildings and structures that could be restored and reused. Reinforcement of neighborhood place-

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ymaking and improvements to public realm were desired as was addressing the loitering and litter that detract from the communitys image. Residents were supportive of commercial revitalization along key corridors as well as growing retail amenities and options. Opportunities for redevelopment focused on infilling vacant parcels and preserving housing affordability. Residents expressed a desire for more park improvements and multi-generational programming as well as higher-quality green space and a safer Metropolitan Branch Trail. Residents also raised concerns about major vehicular roadways and corridors within the study area and the desire for better connectivity and crossings and the opportunity for green decking over North Capitol Street. They also described the need for better wayfinding and lighting to and from Metro stations, all of which are located on the periphery of the study area.

The many voices of the Mid City East community emerged to define a cohesive vision for the area: improve quality of life and enhance neighborhood amenities and character while supporting a community of culturally, economically, and generationally diverse residents. The plan conveys goals and key recommendations for neighborhood character, commercial revitalization, redevelopment and housing, neighborhood place-making and public realm, parks/green space/stormwater and connectivity. The following pages, 6 and 7, summarize the plan vision and goals by theme. The Mid City East Small Area Plan has already gathered momentum for some of its recommendations, with early implementation underway on the following items:

Pursuit of a pilot Conservation District or Historic District in Bloomingdale

Restoration of North Capitol Main Streets

Revival of a clean team, with a focus on North Capitol between New York and Florida Avenue

Optimizing access for North Capitol businesses to the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants

Partnership with local architecture students to complete a visualization of the North Capitol Green Deck concept

Development of historic resource brochures for neighborhoods in Mid City East

Completion of an agency resource fair at Metroball DCs 13th annual New York Ave basketball tournament

Submission of grant application for North Capitol Street Streetscape design

Request for transfer of National Park Service (NPS) triangle parks to District jurisdiction to improve programming

Initiation of a New York Avenue Playground study

Intent to release the solicitation for redevelopment of Department of Housing and Community Developments parcel at Florida Avenue and North Capitol

Whats Inside:The plan is organized as follows:

Chapter One provides an introduction to the Study Area and the Small Area Planning process, plan methodology and overview of community engagement. Chapter Two presents the vision for the Mid City East Plan. Chapter Three highlights select plan recommendations from Chapter Two which are organized for summary and reference purposes by neighborhood.

Chapter Four highlights select plan recommendations from Chapter Two which are organized for summary and reference purposes by corridor.

Chapter Five provides an implementation plan to serve as a roadmap for implementing plan recommendations including projected timeframe and lead entity

Chapter Six presents the key findings of existing conditions and technical analysis and the plan vision, goals and recommendations by theme. AppendicesThis plan is further supplemented by the following companion documents:

Appendix A: Mid City East Market StudyAppendix B: Mid City East Historic Resources ReportAppendix C: Mid City East Additional Maps and FiguresAppendix D: Mid City East Historic Neighborhood Brochures

6Goals:1. Create the structure and employ the tools

for pursuing neighborhood-led conservation efforts.

2. Reinforce and support neighborhood identity.

Vision: Mid City East neighborhoods will retain their historic and cultural diversity, while preserving their distinctive architectural character and public spaces.

1. NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER

Goals:1. Improve resident access to healthy food and

dining opportunities throughout Mid City East.

2. Strengthen and expand the dining cluster emerging at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and First Street NW, and the dining establishments along North Capitol Street.

3. Leverage Mid City Easts unique location along North Capitol Street to support commercial corridor vitality and local entrepreneurs. Build on existing efforts and explore new programs and incentives to improve and promote commercial areas, including the emerging creative economy cluster.

4. Improve the appearance and functionality of commercial properties in MCE through reinvestment in faades and interior spaces.

2. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION

Vision: Mid City East will be an attractive area with thriving existing businesses, emerging small businesses, vibrant retail, and a growing neighborhood residential base. North Capitol Street and other major corridors will provide neighborhood serving retail, dining options and amenities to the community.

3. REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND HOUSING

Vision: Mid City East will prosper as an inclusive community with a strong neighborhood fabric, thriving businesses, and a diverse mix of quality housing options.

Goals:1. Support strategic land use designation

changes on key sites and the redevelopment of publicly-owned properties.

2. Encourage infill of privately-held vacant lots and increase site utilization to strengthen neighborhood fabric and create opportunities for new housing, unique retail offerings, and/or workplaces.

3. Support the redevelopment of Sursum Corda.

4. Maintain or increase the number of affordable housing units throughout Mid City East to better serve all household types, including families.

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Goals: 1. Enhance North Capitol Street to celebrate its

importance and symbolic axial connection to the Capitol.

2. Improve and maintain street trees and increase tree cover throughout Mid City East.

3. Improve the appearance, walkability, safety and cleanliness of Mid City East streets and public spaces.

4. Celebrate the creativity of artists in the Mid City East area and throughout the District.

5. Promote opportunities to enhance the sense of identity in the Eckington and Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover neighborhoods.

4. NEIGHBORHOOD PLACEMAKING AND PUBLIC REALM

Vision: Mid City East neighborhoods and corridors will showcase a unique identity and enhanced sense of place. Sidewalks and public spaces will be attractive, safe and well-maintained.

Goals:1. Improve the quality and accessibility of existing

playgrounds, parks and green spaces.

2. Identify opportunities and sites for new parks, community gardens, green spaces and other recreation.

3. Improve access to public recreational facilities within Mid City East.

4. Decrease neighborhood flooding and improve stormwater management.

5. PARKS, GREEN SPACE AND STORMWATER

Vision: Mid City East will enjoy a variety of parks, green spaces, and recreation options. Flooding will be mitigated through the DC Clean Rivers project and the employment of Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management strategies.

6. CONNECTIVITYVision: Mid City East residents will experience safe and enhanced connectivity between neighborhoods. Residents will be able to travel via car, bus, bike or on foot, through a pleasant environment to their daily destinations.

Goals:

1. Improve mobility and physical connectivity between the neighborhoods of Mid City East, and connect the neighborhoods to the city.

2. Reduce or remove physical barriers and provide for safe pedestrian routes and crossings to schools, transit, parks and amenities.

North Capitol Street (Southbound)

81: INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEWMid City East is the name given to the planning area comprised of a group of neighborhoods including Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover, Bloomingdale, Eckington, LeDroit Park, and Sursum Corda, as well as portions of Edgewood and Stronghold. These architecturally, culturally diverse, and vibrant urban neighborhoods are rich with community, yet wrestling with concerns

including architecturally inconsistent development, struggling retail and commercial corridors, increasingly expensive housing, inadequate green space, traffic, and barriers to connectivity. The DC Office of Planning (OP), in collaboration with DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), residents, property and business owners, an Advisory Committee, District agencies, and a consultant team, led an interactive community-based process to develop recommendations for the Mid City East Small Area Plan, a framework for the preservation of historic resources, revitalization of commercial corridors and retail, increasing diverse housing options, integrating green infrastructure, cultivating development opportunities, and improving connectivity. WHAT IS A SMALL AREA PLAN?Small Area Plans provide a framework for the strategic development, redevelopment and/or preservation of neighborhoods and corridors. They address the Districts planning goals on a more localized level and supplement the Comprehensive Plan by providing detailed direction for the development of city blocks, corridors, and neighborhoods. They 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 for approval. The community vision, existing conditions and market analysis, recommendations, and implementation strategy of the Mid City East Small Area Plan are outlined in this report. The DC Department of

Transportation (DDOT) concurrently developed the Mid City East Livability Study. The Small Area Plan team coordinated with the Livability Study team throughout the process. Many of the findings and recommendations of the Livability Study have been incorporated into this Small Area Plan.

REGIONAL CONTEXTThe Mid City East planning area is centrally located in the District of Columbia, just north of the Capitol and northeast of downtown. See Fig. 1.2. The neighborhoods of Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover, Bloomingdale, Eckington, LeDroit Park, and Sursum Corda, form the Mid City East planning area which all have edges along North Capitol Street and include parts of Ward 1, Ward 5 and Ward 6. The planning area encompasses approximately 480 acres and is traversed by 5 major vehicular corridors including approximately 1 miles of North Capitol Street, approximately 1 mile of Rhode Island Avenue, approximately 1 mile of New Jersey Avenue, approximately 1/2 mile of Florida Avenue, and approximately 1/4 mile of New York Avenue. See Fig. 1.3.

PLANNING CONTEXTThe Mid City East study area is surrounded by a number of neighborhoods for which plans and studies have been developed in the last decade. These plans and studies include Howard Universitys 2011 Campus Master Plan, the 2006 Northwest One Redevelopment Plan, the 2009 ULI Technical Assistance Panel Report for the North Capitol Main Street, and the NoMa Vision Plan and Development Strategy.

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Government of the District of Columbia

Office of Planning ~ May 22, 2014Mid City East

This map was created for planning purposesfrom a variety of sources. It is neither asurvey nor a legal document. Informationprovided by other agencies should beverified with them where appropriate.

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nIn addition to these planning efforts for nearby areas, the Mid City East Small Area Plan is also guided by city-wide initiatives including the Comprehensive Plan as the foundation, the Mayors One City Action Agenda, the DC Vibrant Retail Streets Toolkit, the Mayors Five-Year Economic Development Strategy, the Sustainable DC Plan, and DDOTs Public Realm Design Manual.Recognizing the ongoing evolution of the Districts neighborhoods and the rapid changes facing them, residents of the Mid City East study area proactively led the charge to initiate this planning process.

PROCESS AND METHODOLOGYThe Mid City East Small Area Plan was developed through an extensive on-the-ground and creative online community engagement and public participation process. This process ensured that residents and stakeholders developed the vision and goals of the plan, and had numerous opportunities to engage, provide ideas, participate, and give feedback throughout the planning process. OP directed the consultants in developing the plan through field work, observation, documentation, review of relevant plans and studies, analysis, public meetings,discussions with residents, and feedback from the projects online engagement sites. The consultant team studied existing physical conditions within Mid City East, including the urban design of neighborhoods and corridors, the public realm, parks and green space, and sustainability. Findings were documented through GIS and other mapping tools, and the analyses illustrated with drawings and diagrams. Alternative concepts for achieving the goals of the plan were developed to test and vet

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Government of the District of Columbia

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This map was created for planning purposesfrom a variety of sources. It is neither asurvey nor a legal document. Informationprovided by other agencies should beverified with them where appropriate.

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ideas. Plans, supporting diagrams, and 3-D models were utilized to graphically illustrate ideas, the written recommendations, and implementation strategy of the Plan.

Through historic research, surveys, consultation with the DC Historic Preservation Office, and discussions with residents, the consultant team conducted an analysis of existing historic and cultural resources. This analysis included the identification of potential landmarks and historic districts and the examination of neighborhood-specific preservation planning tools that could maintain and enhance neighborhood character.

The consultant team also conducted an analysis of market conditions, and utilized the DC Vibrant Retail Streets Toolkit to assess existing retail within the study area. Based on these methods, and in collaboration with the Office of Planning, recommendations for commercial revitalization, redevelopment and housing opportunities were developed. Recommendations are grounded in a quantitative analysis of existing demographic and real estate market conditions in Mid City East, as well as a qualitative evaluation of the neighborhoods relative strengths and weaknesses in comparison to competing commercial districts. Through discussions with neighborhood residents, business operators, and property owners, the team developed specific strategies on how to fill market voids, address current operational deficiencies, and create a shared vision for future economic diversification and commercial vitality.

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A HIGH COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTThe Mid City East Small Area Plan at its core is a community-based plan guided by market centered solutions and a shared vision and principles. To ensure a successful and comprehensive planning process for the Mid City East Small Area Plan and Livability Study, the DC Office of Planning (OP) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) developed an extensive, multi-faceted engagement strategy that placed an emphasis on both traditional and innovative methods of outreach. Both agencies were committed to thinking outside the box and launching a public engagement process that would attract and involve the greatest number of community residents and stakeholders within the study area.

Prior to kicking off the planning effort, the Office of Planning and the District Department of Transportation actively attended Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) and Single Member District (SMD) meetings as well as civic association and Advisory Committee meetings to get the word out about the unique joint planning effort which would result in a Small Area Plan and a Livability Study. ADVISORY COMMITTEEAn Advisory Committee was established at the beginning of the process with 20 members meeting for the first time on February 28, 2013 at the Fab Lab located on North Capitol Street NW. The Advisory Committee was comprised of representatives from the councilmembers of Wards

1, 5, and 6, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, leaders of civic associations and local businesses within the study area. Howard University, the NoMa BID, and Common Good City Farm were also members of the Advisory Committee.

Prior to each public meeting, the Advisory Committee was convened to preview completed components of the study and provide feedback. In total, the Advisory Committee met four times, with additional meetings held by a subgroup consisting of business owners. The role of the Advisory Committee was to provide guidance and feedback about elements of the plan from the perspective of their constituencies.

INTERAGENCY COORDINATIONTo ensure a collaborative process that resulted in an implementable plan, an Interagency Committee was formed. Representatives from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), District Department of the Environment (DDOE), DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the Department of General Services (DGS), DHCD, DMPED, DME, DDOT, and DC Water met to discuss the Mid City East planning area, and develop coordinated, actionable solutions, and build interagency consensus.

ON-THE-GROUNDDuring the course of the planning effort, public meetings and interactive open houses were convened to engage community members and inform them of Small Area Plan progress. Each

Focus Area Meeting Three for Bloomingdale/LeDroit NeighborhoodJune 20, 2014, St. Georges Episcopal Church

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public meeting included a presentation which provided an update on the findings of the planning process as well as a series of topic-specific, facilitated, and interactive stations for adults and children. Public meetings were important to the planning process as opportunities for participants to express ideas, provide feedback and build consensus around the draft plan.

A Kick-off Public Meeting and Open House was held on April 27, 2013 at the Community Academy Public Charter School located at First and P Streets NW. Focus Area Meetings were tailored to emphasize the specific characteristics of a targeted segment of the study area and to convey findings of technical analyses. A total of four focus area meetings were held:

#1 - Sursum Corda - 06/08/2013#2 - Eckington - 06/12/2013#3 - LeDroit Park/ Bloomingdale - 06/20/2013#4 - Truxton Circle/Bates/Hanover - 06/24/2013Business Focus Group Meetings engaged local business and property owners to discuss issues, opportunities and build consensus around recommendations for the Mid City East study area.

An Early Implementation Committee was established to assist in planning for early implementation of some recommendations introduced in the Small Area Plan. Meet-Ups were a creative approach to public engagement that manifested as a variety of alternative meeting types and gave people additional opportunities to engage.

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Existing Conditions Walks - Participants were able to walk each neighborhood in the planning area with representatives from OP to examine existing conditions, discuss opportunities and learn more about the neighborhoods and the people who live there.

Photo Walk - Participants were taken on a tour down North Capitol Street in the Mid City East area highlighting iconic neighborhood elements, architecture, street art and other interesting photographic opportunities.

Historic Walking Tours - In partnership with the Historic Preservation Office, participants were taken on tours of the Mid City East neighborhoods of LeDroit Park, Bloomingdale, Eckington, Bates/ Truxton Circle and Hanover. Neighborhood heritage, culture and architecture were highlighted on these tours celebrating the richness and vibrancy of each neighborhoods historic character.

Storytelling - Understanding the stories and aspirations of residents is an important way to capture the essence of a community. During the course of the planning process, a local professional videographer, Bryan Hayes, volunteered as a Citizen Planner to document stories by residents in the study area. Through storytelling, residents discussed life in the Mid City East community, what they liked about their neighborhood and their vision for the future. The final video was played at the September 26, 2013 public meeting and posted on YouTube, www.midcityeast.com and www.engage.midcityeast.com. 11Office Hours

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Office Hours were informal gatherings at local venues throughout the planning area. Libraries, cafs and recreation centers provided alternative opportunities for residents and stakeholders during convenient dates and times to ask questions, provide feedback and discuss various aspects of the planning process findings.

Big Bear Caf - 04/26/2013, 05/03/2013, 10/17/2013

Northwest One Library - 04/30/2013, 05/02/2013, 6/25/13, 10/15/2013

Windows Caf - 05/01/2013, 06/28/2013 Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center -

06/17/2013 Uncle Chips - 06/26/2013

University Partnerships - The Office of Planning was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students from the Howard University School of Design and Catholic Universitys Graduate School of Architecture and Planning. The Howard students project was titled Project North Deck, which explored the possibility of decking over a portion of North Capitol Street. The vision for this project was to create a greener North Capitol Street and unite the neighborhoods of Eckington and Bloomingdale, while providing a more pedestrian friendly thoroughfare. You can find some of the details and outcomes of their study on page 130.

The Catholic University Graduate Studios class project was a corridor study for North Capitol tiltled The New North Capitol Street. Their semester long studio examined connectivity, public realm

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Deck Over North Capitol Street underpass and add a park on top

Create more consistent streetscapes throughout the area

Accelerate neighborhood sidewalk beautification

Dare to Think Big

End loitering near Big Ben on New York and North Capitol

Transform vacant properties along North Capitol from New York

Avenue through Florida Avenue

Revitalize the triangle between Lincoln, R and

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Discourage ugly pop-ups Add more Bikeshare stationsStrengthen recommendations on

pedestrian safety and green space

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and neighborhood character. They examined key intersections along North Capitol and developed recommendations that would mitigate some of the challenges that were identified during the analysis process. The Office of Planning was actively involved in the studio project and provided information and feedback to the students as they went through the iterative process. You can view a sample of their work on page 128.

ONLINEIn order to reach a broader cross section of residents and stakeholders, the traditional on-the-groundoutreach process was supplemented with an online engagement process. A project website (www.midcityeast.com) provided basic information, announcements about public meetings and other events, and served as a repository of information. Through an online crowdsourcing platform (engage.midcityeast.com), the consultant team posted interactive mapping exercises and questions to prompt dialogue among participants. Ideas and feedback were posted by participants and discussed at each stage of the Small Area Plan process.

OUTCOMESThe community engagement strategy for the Mid City East Small Area Plan and Livability Study engaged large numbers of participants through on-the-ground venues and online tools.

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Advisory Committee meetings - 45 Participants

Public meetings - 110 Participants

Focus groups - 27 Participants

Focus Area meetings - 75 Participants

Office Hours - 37 Participants

Meet ups - 72 Participants

Mobile Workshops - 120 Participants

Online - Crowdsourcing:

1,383 visitors

16,092 page views

153 active participants

15 topics

200 ideas

170 comments

Online - Website:

2,062 unique visitors

3,299 visits

7,837 page views

62% new visits

261 email subscribers

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2: VISIONVISION STATEMENTThe Mid City East Small Area Plan provides a framework for conservation, development, sustainability and connectivity in the neighborhoods of Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover, Bloomingdale, Eckington, LeDroit Park, and Sursum Corda, as well as portions of Edgewood and Stronghold. The vision is to improve quality of life and enhance neighborhood amenities and character while supporting a community of culturally, economically, and generationally diverse residents.

This vision for Mid City East is further framed by the six core themes listed below. The vision associated with each theme reflects the communitys values and aspirations for the area. These themes provide an organizational basis for presenting the findings, goals and plan recommendations described in detail in Chapter 3.

1. Neighborhood Character - Mid City East neighborhoods will retain their historic and cultural diversity, while preserving their distinctive architectural character and public spaces.

2. Commercial Revitalization - Mid City East will be an attractive area with thriving existing businesses, emerging small businesses, vibrant retail, and a growing neighborhood residential base. North Capitol Street and other major corridors will provide neighborhood serving retail, dining options and amenities to the community.

3. Redevelopment Opportunities and Housing Mid City East will prosper as an inclusive community with a strong neighborhood fabric, thriving businesses, and a diverse mix of quality housing options.

4. Neighborhood Placemaking and Public Realm Mid City East neighborhoods and corridors will showcase a unique identity and enhanced sense of place. Sidewalks and public spaces will be attractive, safe and well-maintained.

5. Parks, Green Space, and Stormwater Mid City East will enjoy a variety of parks, green spaces, and recreation options. Flooding will be mitigated through the DC Clean Rivers project and the employment of low impact development (LID) stormwater management strategies.

6. Connectivity - Mid City East residents will experience safe and enhanced connectivity between neighborhoods. Residents will be able to travel via car, bus, bicycle, or on foot, through a pleasant environment to their daily destinations.

Photos of Kick-Off Event (April 2013)

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OVERVIEWThe Mid City East Small Area Plan provides recommendations and guidance for the revitalization of the study areas community of neighborhoods. In this chapter, the plans findings and recommendations are described through six core themes:

1 - Neighborhood Character - opportunities to conserve the architectural character and cultural resources of each neighborhood.

2 - Commercial Revitalization - opportunities to revitalize neighborhood commercial areas including retail, dining, and small office space.

3 - Redevelopment Opportunities and Housing - opportunities to improve the neighborhoods through infill, new development, and the provision of affordable housing.

4 - Neighborhood Placemaking and Public Realm - opportunities to enhance neighborhood identity and improve sidewalks and public spaces.

5 - Parks, Green Space, and Stormwater - opportunities to add or enhance parks and green space while reducing stormwater runoff.

6 - Connectivity - opportunities to improve connectivity and mobility between neighborhoods and from the neighborhoods to other District destinations.

Core themes are described through a summary analysis of the existing conditions analyses, key findings, vision, goals, and recommendations.

The Mid City East Small Area Plan integrates sustainability at every level through recommendations that support and advance the Districts Sustainable DC Plan. Small Area Plan recommendations tie in to specific action items from the Sustainable DC Plan which was released on February 23, 2013. You can find a list of these action items on page _.

20 National Geographic Subscription Department - 1709 3rd StreetThe Flea Market at North Capitol and Lincoln Rd, NE

3: KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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EXISTING LAND USESResidential - The predominant land use in the Mid City East planning area is residential comprised of an eclectic mix of row houses, single family detached, single family attached, and multifamily homes. This predominantly residential use is a strength of the area and it provides a strong population base to support local businesses. Retail/Commercial - Retail is concentrated primarily along North Capitol Street and is also found on Florida Avenue, Rhode Island Avenue, and First Street NW. While retail along North Capitol Street struggles, there are pockets of successful neighborhood retail and restaurants in areas such as First Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW. The many retail corner stores are an amenity for residents. Larger concentrations of commercial and retail are located in the NoMa area to the southeast of the study area and in the Mount Vernon Triangle area to the southwest.

Industrial or Production, Distribution and Repair (PDR) - There is a concentration of industrial uses in the Eckington area primarily along 4th Street NE, on the eastern portion of the planning area near the railroad tracks. These uses are located across from residential neighborhoods, though there appear to be few significant conflicts between these two uses in Eckington.Public Facilities - Many schools and recreation centers exist within the study area. Small to medium parks, and other institutional uses are scattered throughout the community. These are educational and recreational amenities for residents and have the potential to function as centers of community. Existing land uses are illustrated in Fig. 3.1.

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Low-Medium Density Residential

Low Density Residential

Medium Density Residential

High Density Residential

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Transport, Communication, Utilities

Industrial

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Parks and Open Spaces

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Fig. 3.1 - MCE Existing Land Use Map

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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USESThe District of Columbia Comprehensive Land Use Map graphically depicts the land uses desired and projected for the future throughout the city. The Mid City East planning area consists predominantly of low to medium density residential development, together with commercial uses along North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue. Smaller commercial nodes are found within residential areas. Higher density retail and mixed use development are found to the north at the McMillan site, to the southwest at Mount Vernon Triangle, and east of study area in NoMa. Industrial uses continue alongside residential in Eckington, while schools, recreation centers, parks and other institutional uses are located throughout the planning area. See Fig. 3.2.

Moderate Density Residential

Low Density Residential

Medium Density Residential

High Density Residential

Low Density Commercial

Moderate Density Commercial

Medium Density Commercial

High Density Commercial

Production, Distribution and Repair

Federal

Local Public Facilities

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Parks, Recreation and Open SpaceFig. 3.2 - MCE Comp Plan Future Land Use Map

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1. NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERSUMMARYThe Mid City East planning area encompasses neighborhoods that developed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries including LeDroit Park, Bloomingdale, Eckington, Bates/Truxton Circle, Hanover and Sursum Corda, a low-income cooperative housing development that was constructed in the late 1960s as a part of urban renewal efforts.

Today, over fifty percent of the buildings in Mid City East were constructed before 1939 and as a result, many of the neighborhoods have retained their historic urban character. Each neighborhoods early developmental history is reflected in its historic building stock, providing a distinctive and rich architectural heritage and cultural history. The Mid City East neighborhoods offer a diverse mix of building types including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial. Each neighborhood has a varying degree of preservation policies and tools in place to preserve and support neighborhood character. These tools include historic districts, historic landmark designations, heritage trails, and historic site markers/signage. Within the planning area, a total of eleven buildings are listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and in the National Register of Historic Places. These historic landmarks are dispersed throughout the Mid City East neighborhoods, with the largest concentration in the Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover area. Additionally, two historic districts are located within or near the planning

area: LeDroit Park and Mount Vernon Square. A historic resources analysis was conducted as part of the existing conditions assessment phase of the Mid City East planning project. The analysis included compiling existing research on the development of each neighborhood and executing a series of surveys in coordination with the DC Historic Preservation Office (DCHPO). Through surveys and recommendations from the DCHPO and community members, a list of potential historic landmarks and districts within the planning area was generated. This list was further vetted during community meetings, resulting in a final list of approximately 32 sites and 2 potential historic districts. See Fig. 3.3.Key Findings:

Historic resources and architecture are highly valued by the community.

Over fifty percent of the building stock within Mid City East was constructed before 1939.

Diversity in building types: residential, commercial, institutional, industrial ranging from the1870s to the 1930s.

Historic building stock illustrates the rich architectural heritage and cultural history of Mid City East neighborhoods.

Each neighborhood has its own distinct cultural heritage and architectural character.

Eleven landmarks listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and in the National Register of Historic Places. One Historic District is located within Mid City East (LeDroit Park)

VISIONMid City East neighborhoods will retain their historic and cultural diversity and preserve their distinctive architectural character and public spaces.

Corner of First and V Street, NW in Bloomingdale

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MID CITY EAST HISTORIC PRESERVATION TOOLS

Historic Landmarks/Historic Districts are designated places that are protected for their contribution to the cultural and aesthetic heritage of DC. They include buildings or districts, archaeological sites, engineering structures, objects, or landscape features. Benefits to property owners can include tax credits for rehabilitation.

Multiple Property Designation focuses on developing historic contexts for discontiguous historic properties that are related historically or thematically. Themes include building types, and architectural styles, context or historic development patterns. This provides a tool for designation of an area that is not eligible for historic district designation.

Conservation Districts protect the historic character of a neighborhood through design guidelines written for new construction and additions which are often similar to, but more lenient than, historic district design guidelines, and focus on regulating consistent massing, height, setback, and orientation. Conservation Districts have not yet been created in the District but the DC Office of Planning is pursuing their creation.

Faade Grant Programs are funded through private or public funds, to encourage historic preservation. Most are targeted to older buildings or long-established businesses.

Heritage Tourism promotes places and activities that represent stories of past and present generations of a neighborhood, preserve its heritage, and make it accessible to both residents and visitors.

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Designated LandmarksA. John Fox Slater School, 1891 B. John Mercer Langston School, 1902C. Chapman Stables (Brass Knob), 1906D. Margaret Murray Washington School, 1912E. Samuel Chapman Armstrong Technical High School, 1901-1902 F. Samuel Gompers House, 1902G. Nathaniel Parker Gage School, 1904 H. Old Engine House 12 - Bloomindgale Firehouse, 1897 I. Mary Church Terrell House, 1894J. M Street High School Perry School, 1890 K. Augusta & Louisa Apartment Buildings, 1900

Potential Historic Districts Eckington Bloomingdale

Potential Historic Landmarks1. Ionia Whippers Medical Office

(1890, 511 Florida Avenue, NW)2. Anna Julia Cooper Residence

(1900, 201 T Street, NW) 3. Lucy Diggs Slowe Hall

(1943, 1919 3rd Street, NW)4. Bryant Street Pumping Station

(1904, 300 Block Bryant Street, NW)5. Hurd House (1905, 116 Bryant Street, NW) 6. Barnett Aden House

(1910, 127 Randolph Place, NW)7. Sylvan Theater (1913,

116 Rhode Island Ave, NW) 8. Bloomingdale Liquor Store Building

(1913, 1828 First Street, NW)9. Saint Martins Catholic Church #1

(1913, 1900-1909 North Capitol Street, NW) 10. Saint Martins Catholic Church #2

(1939, 1902 North Capitol Street, NW)11. Saint Martins Convent

(1923, 116 T Street,NE)12. Central Methodist Protestant Church

(Now Mt Bethel Baptist Church (1902,1901 First Street, NW)

13. Memorial Church of the United Brethren (Now Metropolitan Wesley Ame Zion) (1904, 1712 North Capitol Street, NW)

14. Early Subdivision Houses - Villas (1890s, various locations)

15. Onondaga Apartment (1901, 147-49 R Street, NE)

16. Owasco Apartment (1903, 11 R Street, NE)17. Eckington School (1897, 111 Quincy Place, NE)18. Emery School (1901, 1725 Lincoln Rd, NE)19. Langley High School (1923, 101 T Street, NE)20. Lincoln Road Methodist Episcopal

(1923, 2001 Lincoln Road, NE) 21. McKinley Technology High School

(1928, 151 T Street, NE)22. Eckington Car Barn (1898, 1901 4th Street, NE)23. Sanitary Grocery Company Warehouse

(1899, 1845 4th Street, NE)24. Sanitary Grocery Company Warehouse

(1929, 1629 Eckington Place, NE) 25. Schlitz Brewing Company Bottling Plant

(1908, 309 Randolph Street, NE)26. National Geographic Printing Plant

(1924, 326 R Street, NE)27. National Biscuit Company Stable & Warehouse

(1907, 336 Randolph Place, NE)28. Bates Street - Washington Sanitary Housing Company

(1897-1936, Bates Street, NW)29. Catanias Bakery Building

(1905, 1404 North Capitol Street, NW)30. Letts Grocery Company

(1917, 52 O Street, NW)31. Washington Animal Rescue League

(1931, 71 O Street, NW)32. Mount Airy Baptist Church

(1925, 1100 North Capitol St NW)33. Masjid Muhammad: The Nations Masjid.

(1519 4th Street, NW)

Designated and Potential Historic Landmarks in Mid City EastThe list below, and adjacent diagram, show existing designated historic landmarks and districts in Mid City East, and suggests potential new districts and landmarks.

Designated Historic Districts LeDroit Park

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Government of the District of ColumbiaOffice of Planning ~ February 28, 2013

Mid-City EastThis map was created for planning purposesfrom a variety of sources. It is neither asurvey nor a legal document. Informationprovided by other agencies should beverified with them where appropriate.

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Fig. 3.3 - MCE Designed and Potential Historic Landmarks

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Opportunities for cultural tourism include: African-American Heritage, alleyways, churches,

schools, industrial history.

Most Mid City East residents support reinvestment and new construction in their community, but are opposed to insensitive changes that damage the human scale and character that make their neighborhoods attractive. While some new development has been welcomed, others have been seen as incompatible with existing community character.

Few historic designations in Bloomingdale and Eckington.

Current historic designations do not represent history beyond the 1920s.

RECOMMENDATIONSGOAL #1: Create the structure and engage the tools for pursuing neighborhood-led conservation efforts.

MCE 1.1 - Develop a community-led neighborhood conservancy to lead historic preservation efforts and build consensus around preferred preservation strategies in Bloomingdale.

MCE 1.2 - Explore options for designating Bloomingdale as a Historic District or a Pilot Conservation District. After the designation, or completion of the pilot project, share lessons learned with other Mid City East neighborhoods.

MCE 1.3 - Develop a community-led neighborhood conservancy to lead historic preservation efforts and build consensus around preferred preservation strategies in Eckington.

MCE 1.4 - Explore options for designating Eckington as a Historic District or a Pilot Conservation District. After the designation, or completion of the pilot project, share lessons learned with other Mid City East neighborhoods.

MCE 1.5 - Develop a community-led neighborhood conservancy to lead historic preservation efforts and build consensus around preferred preservation strategies in Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover.

MCE 1.6 - Explore designating individual buildings under a multiple property document for the row houses on Bates Street, in an effort to preserve the cultural relevance of the sanitary housing movement.

MCE 1.7 - Prepare educational material that outlines the pros/cons associated with various preservation tools based on neighborhood models to inform and equip neighborhood conservancies.

GOAL #2: Reinforce and support neighborhood identity.

MCE 1.8 - Augment existing signage programs or establish new neighborhood signage for LeDroit Park, Bloomingdale, Eckington, and Bates/Truxton Circle and Hanover. Create unique designs including art, landscape, and/or streetscape and street furniture to identify the distinctive character of each neighborhood.

MCE 1.9 - Create markers to commemorate lost landmarks such as the former Truxton Circle and fountain that once served as a neighborhood anchor and landmark. *WT2.2

T Street Market - 4th Street, NW

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Neighborhood Historic DistrictHistoric

Landmarks

Identified Potential

Landmarks

Potential Historic District

Conservation District

Multiple Property Designation Strengths

Bates/Truxton & Hanover 5 4

Blocks with intact row houses Largest concentration of designated landmarks

Bloomingdale 3 9 Intact row house neighborhood Strong historic commercial corridor along Rhode Island and portions of North Capitol Street

Eckington 0 15 Somewhat intact row house neighborhood Strong historic industrial corridor along eastern edge

LeDroit Park 1 3 Oldest neighborhood in the study area One of two historic districts in MCE and immediate vicinity

Sursum Corda 2 1 Mid to late 20th century public housing bordered by late 19th and early 20th century institutional and residential buildingsFig. 3.4 - Historic Resources Summary Table

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WHAT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVANCY AND

WHAT CAN IT DO?A Neighborhood Conservancy is a community led organization that can advocate for cultural heritage and historic preservation, explore the implementation of existing preservation tools, or new preservation strategies. A Neighborhood Conservancy can:

Consult with the DC Historic Preservation Office to learn about relevant preservation tools.

Build consensus around preferred preservation strategies.

Explore private and grant funding to support survey and research efforts.

Develop pattern books and other educational material to document varied architectural styles, neighborhood history and educate community about the benefits of compatible design and conservation of character defining architectural features.

Coordinate with existing heritage education efforts such as Cultural Tourism DC, Heritage Trails and the African American Heritage Trail to develop neighborhood tours.

Upper Level Residential additions in Eckington - 136 Quincy Place, NW

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2. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATIONSUMMARYThe purpose of the existing conditions market analysis was to gain an understanding of the current market conditions and potential as well as the reality for commercial revitalization, housing, redevelopment and infill in the Mid City East planning area. Demographic Highlights

Younger and more affluent childless households are moving to the neighborhood that was once primarily comprised of older residents and larger family households.

17,858 people live in 7,308 households.

The population has risen steadily at 1.2% per year, with most of the growth occurring in Bloomingdale and Sursum Corda.

Over half of Mid City East residents have moved in since 2005.

Mid City East household sizes have shrunk from an average of 2.88 people per household to 2.44 people per household.

The number of single young professionals and couples has increased.

Families have decreased from 55% percent in 2000 to 42% in 2013.

Households with children decreased from 24% to 15%.

Median home size declined between 2000 and 2010, resulting in a lower supply of homes that have enough bedrooms to support families with children.

Area household incomes have nearly doubled between 2000 ($32,300) and 2013 ($60,100).

Retail Analysis

Primarily neighborhood-serving and locally-owned businesses.

Retail is clustered along arterial roads.

Some convenience retail is scattered throughout the study area.

Minimal growth and reinvestment in most areas.

Successful, growing food and beverage cluster in the commercial area around First Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW.

Food service and convenience stores in Mid City East capture over 50% of local resident spending.

Retail uses are very limited and capture only 5% of residents retail spending.

A city-wide influx of residents and rising incomes will impact the local real estate market by enhancing the consumer base for neighborhood businesses and may continue to drive up home prices and rents. The combination of development constraints and underperformance of existing commercial buildings suggests that there is a greater opportunity to improve the viability of existing retail spaces than to construct new space.

VISIONMid City East will be an attractive area with thriving existing small businesses, emerging small businesses, vibrant retail and a growing neighborhood residential base. North Capitol Street and other major corridors will provide neighborhood serving retail, dining options and amenities to the community.

First Street at Rhode Island Avenue, NW

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Given a reasonable capture rate of local and outside spending and the availability of ideal retail spaces, it is estimated that 22 new stores could be added to the Mid City East area by 2018. Key opportunities include an increased diversity of restaurants, and neighborhood goods and services. Future new development outside the study area at the McMillan Reservoir, Howard Town Center and CityMarket at O, will provide new retail near the study area, and an increase in area population. However, most of the opportunities for development of new commercial space within Mid City East are concentrated in key cluster areas along North Capitol Street, both within the study area boundaries and adjacent parcels in the NoMa neighborhood. The area on the west side of North Capitol Street, between New York Avenue and Randolph Street could attract a robust and diverse mix of uses, particularly entrepreneurial/creative services that build upon the existing presence of the

O Street Studios and Fab Lab; neighborhood retail and services especially in mid-sized redevelopment sites; and small concentrations of neighborhood dining and social spaces.

A successful revitalization effort will need to address several challenges, including perceptions of safety, ground floor vacancy, continuity of commercial uses, high automobile traffic volumes, unfavorable pedestrian conditions, underinvested and blighted storefronts, loitering, and other public realm deficiencies. There are two major opportunities for enhanced and expanded neighborhood-oriented retail: 1) Grow collective neighborhood purchasing power through increased density in and around Mid City East, and 2) Leverage public and nonprofit support that can promote retail revitalization through coordinated marketing, public realm management, provision of technical assistance to business and property owners, and operational and capital funding for targeted initiatives and investments. Office and Industrial Analysis

3,200 people work in the Mid City East study area.

55% work in the information, health care, or professional/technical services sector.

Office use is predominantly limited to spaces in converted townhomes, spaces originally designed for traditional retail use, and upper floors above retail establishments along the commercial corridors.

Available office spaces are generally small (under 5,000 SF) and more affordable than citywide office rents ($38 per square foot).

Industrial and flex space (400,000 SF in 14 buildings) are primarily concentrated between 4th Street NE and the railroad lines in the eastern portion of Eckington.

Industrial space is almost fully leased and commands competitive rents around $14 per SF.

A high concentration of small businesses and people working from home demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit.

In Bloomingdale, nearly 10 percent of employed residents work from home, twice the citywide average.

Mid City East has comparable accessibility and more affordable rents relative to nearby NoMa and Downtown DC.

The mix of office, industrial, and creative space fosters opportunities to promote local entrepreneurship, enable business diversification, enhance the unique character of the neighborhoods within Mid City East, and create value in non-traditional and under-performing spaces along North Capitol Street. Accessibility and affordable rents could help attract small businesses and start-ups. Overall, there is limited opportunity to provide considerably more square footage of office or industrial space, but upper floors of buildings on North Capitol Street have the potential for becoming repurposed as more effective work spaces. Select infill development sites also present an opportunity to include creative workspaces on the ground floor of new mixed-use projects.

Old Engine Company #17 - Washington Firehouse Restaurant

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RECOMMENDATIONSGoal #1: Improve resident access to healthy food and dining opportunities throughout Mid City East. MCE 2.1 - Building on the success of the Bloomingdale Farmers Market, increase year round access to healthy food options for Mid City East residents by encouraging corner store owners to enroll in DC Central Kitchens Healthy Corners, the Healthy Food Retail Program (administered by DSLBD), and similar programs to expand availability of fresh local produce and healthy prepared foods. Provide technical assistance to help accelerate the application process. *FD2.1, FD2.3

Goal #2: Strengthen and expand the dining cluster emerging at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and First Street NW, and the dining establishments along North Capitol Street.

MCE 2.2 - Reinforce the market positioning of the commercial cluster around Rhode Island Avenue and First Street NW as a dining destination that attracts patrons from neighborhoods outside Mid City East through attraction of additional food service businesses and expanded marketing efforts in partnership with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW.)

MCE 2.3 - Explore potential to host a Taste of or similar-type event on the vacant lot at Florida Avenue and North Capitol Street to highlight neighborhood food service operators and other small businesses, as well draw to attention to North Capitol as a viable commercial street. *FD2.2

MCE 2.4 - Identify opportunities for the development of a food service incubator that provides emerging entrepreneurs and caterers with access to shared kitchen and food preparation space, which will in turn lower operational overhead and result in economies of scale through cooperative purchasing and increased market exposure.

MCE 2.5 - Support and coordinate with the efforts of the Rhode Island Avenue Main Street organization.

Goal #3: Leverage Mid City Easts unique location along North Capitol Street to support its commercial corridor vitality and local entrepreneurs. Build on existing efforts by

exploring new programs and incentives to improve and promote commercial areas throughout Mid City East, including the emerging creative economy cluster.

MCE 2.6 - Implement an approach to commercial revitalization on North Capitol Street that builds on existing assets, fills market voids, and acknowledges the limitations of North Capitol Street as a traditional retail street. A diverse and robust mix of uses could include entrepreneurial production and creative services; day-to-day goods and services; and the expansion of neighborhood dining.

MCE 2.7 - Inventory, monitor, and encourage development of boutique/small office space (10,000 square feet and less) along the North Capitol Street corridor, specifically focused on the segment south of P Street, that may offer appropriate space for a diverse and robust mix of uses including arts uses, creative services companies, and start-ups. *BE2.3

Windows Cafe and Market - Rhode Island Avenue and First Street, NW

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MCE 2.8 - Encourage property owners in the industrial/production, distribution, and repair (PDR) portions of Eckington to retain and, where possible, expand warehouse/flex spaces that may offer appropriate space for small-scale production tenants. *BE2.3

Assist businesses, entrepreneurs, and developers in accessing funding for industrial space improvements as well as resources for business start-up and operation.

Working with property owners, business associations, and businesses, highlight the potential for emerging industries in the creative, green, and technology sectors to be tenants of PDR space. As part of this, share findings and recommendations from the Ward 5 Industrial Land Transformation Study.

Identify opportunities for appropriate PDR spaces to incorporate a retail experience that is complimentary to production activity and takes advantage of pedestrian and bike accessibility.

MCE 2.9 - Promote the MCE area to the creative economy community as a more affordable alternative to downtown and other high-rent office markets, but with a similar level of access to transit and amenities. *BE2.3

MCE 2.10 - Expand the focus of North Capitol Main Street business recruitment efforts beyond traditional retail (consumer businesses) to include creative services, physical and graphic design companies, arts organizations, and technology-based start-ups (producer businesses). *BE2.3

MCE 2.11 - Market available arts and performance space (temporary and permanent) through The Red Hen Restaurant - First and Seaton Place, NW

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DC Space Finder and other property listing channels that target the creative economy sector. *BE2.1

MCE 2.12 - Identify funding for a business plan competition to attract start-up companies and creative economy entrepreneurs to Mid City East. *BE2.2

MCE 2.13 - Provide assistance to the North Capitol Main Street leadership to regularly evaluate and update the organizations business plan to help prioritize ongoing initiatives and allocation of funds.

MCE 2.14 - Continue to provide clean and safe services along North Capitol Street through the DSLBD-funded Clean Team.

MCE 2.15 - Develop a work plan to provide technical assistance to business and property owners in facilitating development approvals, licensing, applications for District grant funding (such as Great Streets) for storefront and physical property improvements.

MCE 2.16 - Develop a marketing and branding strategy for North Capitol Street that highlights the existing character and retail node as a burgeoning area for small independent businesses in existing buildings, while encouraging larger, established retail to anchor new development. Restaurants, the creative economy, retail shops and other small businesses should be encouraged as tenants to create a more vibrant retail street.

MCE 2.17 - Implement the Vibrant Streets Retail toolkit for the North Capitol Street corridor within Mid City East.

MCE 2.18 - Establish a task force to address loitering and safety issues. Task force should include

representatives from NCMS, ANCs, MPD, residents and business and property owners.

Goal #4: Improve the appearance and functionality of commercial properties in MCE through reinvestment in faades and interior spaces.MCE 2.19 - Promote commercial faade improvements and rehabilitations for properties along North Capitol Street guided by established programs, incentives, or guidelines. *WS2.3

MCE 2.20 - Promote commercial faade improvements and rehabilitations for properties along Rhode Island Avenue guided by established programs, incentives, or guidelines. *WS2.3

MCE 2.21 - Provide outreach to commercial property owners in MCE neighborhoods to ensure that they are knowledgeable about programs such as DC Main Streets and Great Streets.

MCE 2.22 - Encourage existing property owners and new development, where possible, to design ground floor space in new development, with sufficient flexibility to provide larger retail bays that can accommodate more established businesses and regional/national credit tenants.

MCE 2.23 - Encourage property owners on North Capitol Street to upgrade and reposition upper floor spaces to provide affordable workspace.

MCE 2.24 - Provide technical assistance to help facilitate the Certificate of Occupancy process for small property owners seeking a change of use. *JE1.1

New Jersey Avenue at Q Street, NW

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MID CITY EAST COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION TOOLS

Great Streets is a grant program administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Grants are up to a maximum of $85,000 each to support and foster growth amongst small businesses. Grant funds may be utilized to reimburse the grantee for the purpose of capital expenditures to improve the subject property. Grant opportunities exist on North Capitol Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Mid City East.

Vibrant Retail Streets Toolkit equips retailers, landlords, business and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and government agencies with the tools and requirements needed to support more successful and dynamic retail streets in the District. For more information, visit www.vibrantstreetdc.com

DSLBD provides services and funding to help retail corridors and strengthen our neighborhoods to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the District. Small and local retailers are found in clusters along the traditional commercial corridors. Through neighborhood renewal programs, DSLBD supports nonprofit organizations and small businesses working to revitalize the Districts retail districts. Examples of programs are:

DC Main Streets ProgramBusiness Improvement Districts (BIDs)Clean TeamsHealthy Food RetailStreetscape Loan Relief

Please got to the DSLBD website for more information about their programs and assistance.http://dslbd.dc.gov/service/revitalizing-our-neighborhoods

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Government of the District of Columbia

Office of Planning ~ January 25, 2013 Mid City East

This map was created for planning purposesfrom a variety of sources. It is neither asurvey nor a legal document. Informationprovided by other agencies should beverified with them where appropriate.

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Fig. 3.5 - Retail Market Analysis

LEGENDMCE Boundary Area

Retail Clusters

North Capitol Main Street Boundary

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3. REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND HOUSINGSUMMARYThere has been little new development within the Mid City East study area. Most of the significant large-scale recent and/or planned construction is underway nearby, especially in the adjacent NoMa neighborhood. There are a limited number of large potential redevelopment sites within the study area. There are a few vacant sites with potential for new development, most notably the property at the intersection of North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue NW. Most potential redevelopment opportunities are underutilized sites with existing buildings, such as the UPO site in LeDroit Park, or buildings with the potential for adaptive reuse development, such as the Langston and Slater Schools on P Street NW and the Emery School in Eckington. Potential development and redevelopment opportunity sites are illustrated in Fig. 3.6. Housing Analysis

Mid City East has 8,393 existing housing units with 1,925 new housing units between 2000 and 2013, a 2% average annual increase.

Significant investment has occurred in the Mid City East neighborhoods as demonstrated by the renovation and restoration of existing housing stock.

177 housing units currently planned or proposed within Mid City East.

11,500 units planned or underway just outside of Mid City East (7,200 units in NoMa alone, including projects currently under construction).

Mid City East has a greater proportion of subsidized housing (15% of all units) than DC does as a whole (13% of all units).

There are approximately 3,600 units of Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing and 2,600 units of Section 8 housing in and near the study area.

The bulk of the housing stock in Mid City East consists of pre-1950s row homes, a product type that has historically appealed to homebuyers and renters seeking attainably priced single family homes relative to other close-in neighborhoods. Mid City East has a higher rate of home ownership (48% own, 52% rent) than the DC average (42% ownership), indicating residents commitment to the neighborhood and desire to invest in it. Increased demand for housing near downtown DC has led to significant appreciation in home values and increased rents in Mid City East. There are a few large affordable housing communities in Mid City East including Sursum Corda, the Kelly Miller and Sibley developments, and the Northwest Cooperative Homes.

Despite the supply of income-restricted housing, the neighborhood has become increasingly unaffordable to many middle and lower-income households. In fact, approximately 40% of households spend over 35% of their income

VISIONMid City East will prosper as an inclusive community with strong neighborhood fabric, thriving businesses and a diverse mix of quality housing options.

Rowhouses in Eckington, NE

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on housing. More than 30% is considered cost burdened. Home values have risen sharply with a 9% annual growth since 2000, while rents have risen by a 7% annual increase since 2000. This increase in rent has caused some residents to relocate to more affordable neighborhoods.The high volume of pipeline housing development in neighborhoods adjacent to Mid City East will somewhat temper future cost increases by adding to the supply of available units to help meet increased market demand. Most of the new housing developments will also have affordability requirements through inclusionary zoning, which will set aside units specifically targeted to households earning less than 50% and/or less than 80% of area median income. However, given limited opportunities to build new housing within the study area proper, it will become increasingly challenging for lower-income families to remain in the neighborhood with the exception of those home owners who are already living in affordable developments.Approximately 2,400 new units are projected to be developed in Mid City East by 2025 including units created through the subdivision of existing housing stock, and small multi