BZA Application for 3612-3614 Park Place Denied
3612-3614 Park Place. Both properties have been vacant for years.
Yesterday, the Board of Zoning Adjustment unanimously voted to deny the zoning variance request of the Bluewater group for 3612-3614 Park Place, NW. Earlier this year we learned that Bluewater had purchased the long vacant and blighted properties and was seeking a zoning variance from the lot coverage so that they could convert the two rowhouses into six living units. Five units are permissible by right.
While the Office of Planning opposed this proposal, ANC 1A voted to approve the variance with strong support based primarily on the advanced state of decay and the compatibility of the design with the remainder of the existing rowdwellings. While the BZA has historically approved similar requests — many in far better condition than this property — in this case they chose not to grant the variance.
It’s too early to know what Bluewater’s next steps might be. It’s a very real possibility that the outcome will include the five living units allowed by right. It’s also a very real possibility that the buildings will be razed and replaced by new construction. I’m sure the developer will be exploring all of their options before deciding how to proceed.
I’ll post an update when more concrete details are known.
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Park View, D.C. 
September 11, 2013 at 9:06 am
That’s disappointing news. I live on the block and ready for this eyesore to be put to good use!
September 11, 2013 at 10:19 am
I’m against pop-ups in general, and did not like how Bluewater threatened to build an eye sore if they did not get all 6 units, but am not so against it that I would oppose it. Did the BZA say exactly why the denied it, and was there opposition?
April 30, 2014 at 7:02 am
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