Comments on: In Brief: Why D.C. Needs Comprehensive Civic Planning

By: Anil

Anil — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:56:24 +0000

I am shocked that they give a damn about what their building looks like, let alone if it “fit’s in” or has historic character considering that they continuously make it uglier. Very odd.

By: Mark C

Mark C — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:23:40 +0000

It will be interesting to hear more about the discussion with DCRA. It’s not clear to me what ‘comprehensive civic planning’ entails and what was absent or went wrong in this example. From previous posts I understand that a system for registering and protecting buildings of historical significance exists. And from my growing understanding of property renovation in the process I’m going through for my own home, there is an approval system for conducting work on buildings – residential, at least. Are the above-mentioned processes not adequate to balance the protection of notable buildings with the needs and priorities of their owners? And if not, what should be done to improve the system?

Cheers,

Mark

By: djdc

djdc — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:44:45 +0000

I also can’t see this remodel turning out well. Time will tell (maybe?). Are they going to remove the plywood from their windows?

By: WarderSt

WarderSt — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:51:23 +0000

I agree-thank you Kent!

By: John H.

John H. — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:43:39 +0000

I want to echo what Steve said — thank you Kent.

By: Steve on Marlboro Pl

Steve on Marlboro Pl — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:35:21 +0000

Along with many other things that they’ve done to that building to remove it’s character and charm (albeit many a long time ago when the Avenue was a lot rougher.) Glad to see you’re taking that issue up head-on for the rest of us. I was shocked to see the fascia coming down in favor of that terrible concrete, which I still can’t tell how it’s going to make it look better or decent or even passable.