The apartment building that sat stagnating in D.C.’s Brightwood neighborhood in Northwest for two decades finally has a developer.
Mayor Adrian Fenty on Thursday announced that Blue Skye Development, a D.C. development firm, would revamp the four-level complex at 6425 14th St. NW into modern condominiums, with half of its 26 units being kept “affordable,” according to Fenty.
“This community has waited far too long, it has been looking at this eyesore far too long,” said Ward 4 D.C. Councilwoman Muriel Bowser. “We couldn’t be happier that Blue Skye Development is going to be the city’s partner in doing this.”
The firm, which specializes in government work, previously was chosen as development partner by the District for a similar project in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in late May, as part of the New Communities Initiative.
Fenty also announced that Blue Skye would undertake another Ward 4 project with the construction of a senior housing facility with 54 single-room units at 1330 Missouri Ave. NW.
Both the senior dwellings and the condominiums will be constructed to meet “green” building standards the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
The District bought the building in April for $3.1 million. The previous owner, Vincent Abell, who spent time in prison for his involvement in a real estate scam, had no apparent plans to restore the structure. Abell was frequently accused of scamming people out of their homes under the pretense of foreclosure rescue, and he is currently involved in a lawsuit brought against him by the city.
Blue Skye President Bryan Irving said that the firm has partnered with Coolidge and Roosevelt high schools, and Cardozo High School’s Academy of Construction for labor, providing students with temporary employment lasting up to a year and a half.
“A lot of fantastic things are happening in the area,” Fenty said. “A lot of it is stuff I had the great honor to help begin.” The groundbreaking for the condominiums will take place in 18 months.
