Background and Context
The 2013 SW Ecodistrict Plan is a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to transform a disconnected and aging federal precinct into a highly sustainable workplace, cultural destination, and livable neighborhood. Launched in 2011, NCPC built the initiative on the aspirations of the Legacy Plan and vision of the Monumental Core Framework Plan, as well as executive orders to use federal workspaces more efficiently and to reduce energy, water, and waste use in federal buildings.
- Transform 10th Street, SW and Banneker Park into an inviting civic corridor connecting the National Mall to the waterfront.
- Identify new and improved parks and sites for cultural destinations.
- Re-establish Maryland Avenue as an urban boulevard and expand the rail corridor and L'Enfant Station to increase commuter transit capacity.
- Improve 7.9 million square feet of existing federal office space that accommodates 19,000 additional employees, and create up to 2.9 million square feet of new residential, retail, and office development opportunities.
- Achieve significant energy, water, waste, and stormwater reductions that result in lower federal operating and maintenance expenses and better environmental outcomes.
- Establish partnerships and governance structures to help public and private entities advance the plan over a 20-year timeframe.
Key Information
- Prepared by:
National Capital Planning Commission
District of Columbia Office of Planning
18 member SW Ecodistrict Task Force - Accepted: January, 2013
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Current
Multiple projects are underway in and around the study area, including:
- The temporary Banneker Park connection between it and Maine Street, SW.
- The relocation of the International Spy Museum to 10th Street, SW.
- The sale of the General Service's Cotton Annex Building located on 12th Street, SW.
- Reconstruction of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel.
- The Wharf development on the southwest waterfront.
- The Smithsonian Institution is considering significant redevelopment of buildings and land north of the site.
Additional studies and planning work were conducted including a stormwater infrastructure study, the SW Ecodistrict Addendum (2014) and the District's Maryland Avenue, SW planning work (2015). The SW Business Improvement District, created in October 2015, provides leadership to further the plan's public and private partnerships. The SW Ecodistrict is one of several ecodistricts under development in Washington, DC, creating significant opportunities to share strategies and best practices.