 JBG's U Street Hotel. Image courtesy of JBG The JBG Companies are currently working on a project proposal to develop a transit oriented, LEED Silver certified mixed-use hotel to be built at the corner of 13th and U Street, NW, replacing the existing building at this corner. This proposal, named by JBG as the "U Street Hotel," has been the focus of much discussion in the neighborhood; JBG has provided information to CSNA about the current status of this project. JBG is currently working with neighbors of the project to address a full range of issues and concerns that accompany any project of this size. JBG continues to make modifications to address these issues and will be making a formal presentation to CSNA in the next few months. Please share your thoughts on this project in the comments section below.
According to JBG, plans call for an approximate 4-Star hotel, best described as boutique and independently managed. The hotel will consist of as many as 250 guestrooms, 4,500 square feet of meeting space and 23,000 square feet of retail space. The hotel will include a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar and swimming pool and a proposed rotating art exhibit which will all be open to the public. The retail component will be composed of the existing Rite Aid (in a new space) and a diverse mix of retailers, restaurants and local or small business space. Read more for additional details.
JBG believes the "U Street Hotel" would bring the following benefits to the neighborhood, in addition to creating a “Destination Hotel" designed by David M Schwarz, the project would: - Increase retail foot traffic to the U Street corridor,
- Create permanent hotel and retail jobs in addition to the 300 temporary construction jobs which would bring revenue to the neighborhood,
- Create a venue for local artists to display their work,
- Assist the local business community to help promote and market local business on U Street,
- Offer neighborhood memberships so local residents can take advantage of the rooftop pool, spa and fitness center.
The current development team has three partners, led by JBG:
The U Street Hotel project also includes features consistent with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and projects seeking LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Features of these efforts include: Transit Oriented Development Features - Given the proximity to Metro, bus lines, bike lanes and numerous local retail shops and stores, the location is a perfect opportunity for transit-oriented, urban development. We will reinforce the availability of non-auto related transportation options by:
- Offer pre-paid Metro vouchers to residents and/or hotel guests
- Provide ample bike storage and showers in the hotel
- Collaborate with the DC Smartbike program and DDOT to provide new rental locations or advertising for bicycles or a DDOT information kiosk
- To reduce the automobile impact of the project and what exists on U St. today we will:
- Provide below grade, all valet parking garage as a means to eliminate street parking problems. The garage will be used by hotel guests and incoming shoppers and diners
- Providing spaces for shared vehicles such as Zipcar as alternative automotive option
- Locate the loading docks in the rear alley, mitigating traffic congestion typical of loading facilities located on the U St. corridor
Low Impact Development / LEED Certification Features- JBG is committed to developing sustainable and environmentally sensitive projects throughout the Washington D.C. area. Our U St. hotel will pursue a LEED Silver certification by:
- Reducing energy usage through efficient building design. Using high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, reducing heat loss/gain by appropriately sizing and shading windows, and adding lighting systems that react to outside light to reduce energy usage and light pollution
- Reducing water usage by using low flow toilets and faucets and exploring other systems to reduce non-potable water uses
- Specifying sustainable building components such as recycled concrete, sustainably harvested woods and reusing or recycling existing building materials
- Increase indoor air quality for all occupants by using high MERV rated air filters, increased outside air and low emitting paints and carpets (low VOC)
- Meeting or exceeding Storm Water Management (SWM) best practices to encourage natural water filtration, reducing impact on city sewer systems and neighboring properties
- Locally grown shade trees, vegetated roofs (green roofs) and pervious pavement to reduce urban heat island effects
Moving ahead, JBG will continue to participate and host community meetings with project neighbors, CSNA, ANC 1B, and other government officials, boards, and agencies, including the DC Historic Preservation Review Board and the DC Zoning Commission. Please visit the CSNA website for meeting notices and other information as it becomes available.
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hotel with impressive architecture