CONTACT:
LaToya Foster (EOM) (202) 727-5011; [email protected]
Joaquin McPeek (DMPED) (202) 727-6698; [email protected]
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Property Group Partners to break ground on Capitol Crossing, a $1.3 billion project in Ward 6 that will transform a seven-acre site surrounding the I-395 Center Leg Freeway into a cityscape that will span three blocks and reunite the East End and Capitol Hill communities in the District of Columbia.
“Capitol Crossing represents a major milestone for economic and neighborhood growth in the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Bowser. “I am excited to break ground on a project that will have a positive and lasting impact on our residents, bringing good paying jobs to the District, and helping to create more pathways to the middle class.”
The development of Capitol Crossing is expected to create 4,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent jobs, all while dramatically improving the utility infrastructure supporting local neighborhoods. Once completed, annual new property tax revenue of $40 million is expected. Capitol Crossing will deliver almost 70,000 square feet of retail space, over 1,100 parking spaces, and 440 bicycle parking spaces. New I-395 entrance and exit ramps will improve traffic flows and make travel along Massachusetts Avenue safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Infrastructure will be upgraded for the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Residents have never seen anything like the Capitol Crossing construction project, but it will directly benefit District residents,” said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. “I look to today’s groundbreaking to create new jobs and investment in the District, ending with the transformation of an underutilized public asset into a brand new neighborhood for residents with commercial amenities. I look forward to working closely with the development team and to keeping District residents informed.”
The project will feature state-of-the-art office buildings punctuated by garden promenades in a new “eco-district” that will achieve a “beyond LEED Platinum” certification.
“Mayor Bowser has articulated a forward thinking vision for the city, making innovation, economic development, and greater job opportunities for all District residents a priority,” Deputy Mayor Kenner said. “Creating the first Eco-District in Washington, Capitol Crossing is an innovative and transformative project, proving catalytic growth that will benefit more Washingtonians.”
Property Group Partners’ development of Capitol Crossing is the largest private development currently underway in Washington, DC. Once completed, the development is expected to provide a minimum of 50 affordable housing units at 80% Area Median Income (AMI). During construction, Adas Israel Synagogue will be moved and integrated into the new neighborhood adjacent to a new Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington Museum. The historic Holy Rosary Church will be fully integrated into the new community, and its rectory will be restored to its original position.
“Washington, DC is vibrant and growing. Our team has a long history developing major projects with community support here in our nation’s capital; we are excited to continue this work with Capitol Crossing,” said Bob Braunohler, Regional Vice President of Property Group Partners. “Today, we embark on an ambitious journey together. Capitol Crossing fills in the last missing piece of Washington’s business district, and will bring one-of-a-kind commercial, retail, residential, and public spaces to the heart of the District of Columbia. We look forward to working with Mayor Bowser, Federal Officials, and the community to make our collective vision a reality.”
Utility relocation and site preparation commenced in 2014. Platform construction is expected to begin this coming August. Following construction of the new Massachusetts Avenue ramp to I-395, the 200 Massachusetts Avenue building will be constructed, with delivery expected in 2017. Delivery of the following four buildings and reconnection of F Street and G Street Northwest will follow through 2019.