GW confirmed plans for a new entrance to the Foggy Bottom Metro station as the D.C. Zoning Commission concluded hearings earlier this month on the multi-use Square 54 complex.
GW and high-scale development firm Boston Properties submitted their proposal in spring 2006 to build a 400,000 square-foot complex on the vacant lot across from GW Hospital. The Square 54 project includes two apartment buildings, an office building, retail space, a maximum 42,000 square-foot grocery store and a large courtyard area.
A decision was initially expected at the end of 2006, but an additional hearing Jan. 4 was added, and the decision won't be out until mid-February.
Office of Planning representative Travis Parker and GW Executive Vice President and Treasurer Lou Katz said Metro had already completed a feasibility study on adding a second entrance to the Foggy Bottom Metro. Boston Properties is offering up to $100,000 for the study and will pay for any engineering costs as an amenity to the community.
"We fully expect the Metro to progress," Parker said. "If it doesn't, we will (make) recommendations of where that money should go."
Parker said Metro has expressed that they are strongly considering the project. The feasibility study places the new entrance on the corner of 22nd and I streets where the Academic Center stands. The station's current entrance is at 23rd and I streets, next to the hospital.
Although plans have begun for the second entrance, there is no guarantee for funding, said Steven Taubenkibel, a spokesperson for Metro. He said the local government usually provides funding, but Office of Planning officials said they do not usually allocate funding for Metro projects.
Parker said he is hopeful for construction on the proposed market, which would be nearly four times the size of the Watergate Safeway. "(There is) every incentive and every reason for the grocery store to happen," he said.
Even though Boston Properties has offered below-market rent for the grocery, no store has agreed to build there. Community leaders are skeptical that the store will be built and are calling for the Square 54 plan to be denied unless a supermarket chain signs a written agreement to construct in the complex.
GW and high-scale development firm Boston Properties submitted their proposal in spring 2006 to build a 400,000 square-foot complex on the vacant lot across from GW Hospital. The Square 54 project includes two apartment buildings, an office building, retail space, a maximum 42,000 square-foot grocery store and a large courtyard area.
A decision was initially expected at the end of 2006, but an additional hearing Jan. 4 was added, and the decision won't be out until mid-February.
Office of Planning representative Travis Parker and GW Executive Vice President and Treasurer Lou Katz said Metro had already completed a feasibility study on adding a second entrance to the Foggy Bottom Metro. Boston Properties is offering up to $100,000 for the study and will pay for any engineering costs as an amenity to the community.
"We fully expect the Metro to progress," Parker said. "If it doesn't, we will (make) recommendations of where that money should go."
Parker said Metro has expressed that they are strongly considering the project. The feasibility study places the new entrance on the corner of 22nd and I streets where the Academic Center stands. The station's current entrance is at 23rd and I streets, next to the hospital.
Although plans have begun for the second entrance, there is no guarantee for funding, said Steven Taubenkibel, a spokesperson for Metro. He said the local government usually provides funding, but Office of Planning officials said they do not usually allocate funding for Metro projects.
Parker said he is hopeful for construction on the proposed market, which would be nearly four times the size of the Watergate Safeway. "(There is) every incentive and every reason for the grocery store to happen," he said.
Even though Boston Properties has offered below-market rent for the grocery, no store has agreed to build there. Community leaders are skeptical that the store will be built and are calling for the Square 54 plan to be denied unless a supermarket chain signs a written agreement to construct in the complex.
