Strolling in D.C. #3

Not far from us in Georgetown is a very large, nondescript building sandwiched between the Potomac waterfront on one side and the C&O Canal and Four Seasons Hotel on the other side.  We noticed it one day while strolling in Georgetown.   

As you can see, the structure is is one those anonymous, industrial-looking buildings that might house some sort of public utility.

The steam plant, as seen from the roof of our building 

Well, after some research, we learned that the building was once a steam plant, providing heat to nearby government buildings in the form of steam.  The plant occupies 2 acres in Georgetown and was once a dry dock next to the C&O Canal.  The building was completed in 1948, operated for 5 decades and was decommissioned in 2000. 

Dedication stone

As part of the federal government's long-running program to sell unneeded properties, the plant was auctioned in 2013 for nearly $20 million.  The buyer plans to redevelop the site and has been working to obtain all of the needed approvals for the past 5 years.  

Can you guess what the former steam plant property will become?

If you guessed ultra-luxury condominiums, then you are correct.  The building will be renovated and converted to 80 Four Seasons Private Residences.  Hubba hubba!

In addition, the developer will build a one-acre public park on the property and the condo owners will pay for maintaining it.  However, the land for the park will first have to cleaned up since there are "extensive quantities of PCBs, mercury, lead paint and asbestos" on the site.

A site plan with the proposed public park

As a requirement for developing the site, the developer will have to pay into a fund for creating affordable housing elsewhere in D.C.  Supposedly, at least 500 units will be created.  (We will believe it when we see it.) 

And now for renderings of the future building and park.

The north (left) and west (right) facades of the building

The east facade of the building

The south facade of the building overlooking the park.  The water feature to the left has three tiers and represents the locks of the adjacent C&O Canal.

We think this project (when it happens) will disprove the old adage--you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.