The District is gaining control of the Walter Reed campus’ entire Georgia Avenue frontage — doubling its initial share of the prime retail corridor — as D.C. officials announced new city boundaries following the U.S. Army’s planned departure from the site next year. But with the new boon to economic development potential come renewed concerns from some nearby residents that their neighborhood will become congested by densely packed and towering retail and residential buildings.
District officials made the announcement Thursday on Georgia Avenue with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center hospital in the background. Demolition of the 2 million-square-foot building, which will be partially within D.C.’s 61-acre jurisdiction, will be paid for by the Army and the U.S. State Department, according to Eric Jenkins, a city project manager. The State Department will have jurisdiction over the western half of campus.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us as we look at economic development in the city,” said Mayor Vincent Gray. “And economic development is obviously the pathway to additional revenues.”
Officials said they envision expanding the plan for a mix of office, residential and retail development on the lower half of Georgia Avenue to the entire corridor, connecting it with the retail north and south of campus. D.C. is getting control of the Aspen Street portion of campus, as originally planned.
Long-term plans for the campus aim to reconnect it with its surrounding neighborhoods
“This really is a major opportunity … for a community which has always lacked the amenities,” said D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.
But those whose homes will face the campus are not as enthusiastic.
“The idea of having a five-story development of retail and offices directly across the street [and right outside] my bedroom window is quit disturbing,” said Ellen McBarnette, who lives across from Walter Reed.
McBarnette said some residents want the District to save that portion of Georgia Avenue for a small park.
But it’s unlikely that would be a viable option given the corridor’s potential economic value, said Alice Giancola, a member of the Local Redevelopment Authority Committee. She noted that plans call for park space on the property’s interior.
