Several exciting developments are underway around Howard University, with nearly 40 buildings and sites in various stages of repair, renovation, and redevelopment. These projects, in areas such as Shaw and Pleasant Plains, could open up significant development opportunities at key locations.
Here are some of the notable neighborhood developments currently in the pipeline:
1. The Oliver
The Oliver, a new 93-unit apartment development by Rock Creek Property Group, is located at Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street NW. Designed with a “work-from-home” focus, the apartments feature built-in desks, a work-from-home center with a conference room, huddle rooms, and high-speed internet. GTM-DC Architects is leading the design.
2. Howard East Development
Lowe, FLGA, and Howard University are planning a 10-story mixed-use building on the parking lot site of Howard East Towers, between 8th and 9th Street NW. The project will include commercial space on the ground floor, residential units above, and parking for 235 vehicles. One highlight of the project is a two-block, 25-foot wide public plaza along W Street, connecting Georgia Avenue to 9th Street. HKS Architects are behind the design.
3. Residential, Office + Lab for Howard Parking Lots
Major redevelopment plans are underway for several Howard University-owned lots along Georgia Avenue. In partnership with Capstone Development and Quadrangle Development, Howard University is planning a three-phase development, including a new residential building, office space, and science-focused buildings with research and laboratory facilities. The first phase will include a 10-story residential building with around 440 apartments, while the second and third phases will focus on office and laboratory spaces.
4. Wonder Plaza
In collaboration with developer Greystar, Howard University has filed plans for the Fusion Building, which will feature 280 student housing units, ground-floor retail, a new dining hall, and a wellness center. The wellness center will include weight training areas, basketball courts, and an indoor track, while the dining hall will be located along Georgia Avenue. The project will preserve portions of the 1902 Corby Baking Company façade.
5. Bond Bread Redevelopment
The Bond Partnership, including Menkiti Group, Fivesquares Development, and EDENS, plans to transform the Bond Bread Factory and WRECO buildings into a 600,000-square-foot mixed-use destination. The development will feature 472 residential units, 180 hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet of retail space, and a 20,000-square-foot public plaza. The project will incorporate key elements of the existing buildings, such as trusses from the WRECO building and columns from the Bond Bread Factory.
6. Howard University Hospital Site Redevelopment
A two-phase redevelopment is underway for the site of the Freedmen’s Annex, located on the 2200 block of Sixth Street NW. The first phase will involve constructing a seven-story hospital and medical office building. Once the hospital relocates, the current hospital site just north of Georgia and Florida Avenues NW will be redeveloped into a mixed-use project, with potential for up to three million square feet of new development.
7. The Langston
Quadrangle Development and Capstone Development are nearing completion on The Langston, an eight-story, 204-unit development with 13,385 square feet of ground-floor retail. Located across from the Shaw/Howard University Metro station, the building will feature penthouse-level amenities and below-grade parking.
These developments, alongside other ongoing projects, are poised to transform the neighborhood and enhance opportunities around Howard University.
