<br/><small><a href=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=5220+Wisconsin+Avenue+Northwest,+Washington,+DC&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=40.732051,58.623047&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=5220+Wisconsin+Ave+NW,+Washington,+District+of+Columbia,+20015&t=m&ll=38.95774,-77.084241&spn=0.006674,0.00854&z=15&iwloc=A” style=”color:#0000FF;text-align:left”>View Larger Map</a></small></div> <span class=”BodyCopy”>Pepco aims to turn a site planned for mixed-use development next to the Friendship Heights Metro station into a substation.</span> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Pepco bought the property at 5220 Wisconsin Ave. — currently a classic car dealership — for $14.5 million earlier this fall, said Pepco spokesman Bob Hainey.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Real estate firm Akridge, the previous owner, fought with residents for years over plans to build a seven-story, 13,000-square-foot apartment building with retail space on the bottom. Those plans were approved by the D.C. Zoning Commission in 2007, but Akridge never began construction. Akridge spokeswoman Lisa Steen declined to comment on the sale of the property, referencing a confidentiality agreement.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Pepco already has a substation on the lot next door, 5210 Wisconsin Ave., but the power company needs to meet expanding demand in the area, said spokeswoman Mary-Beth Hutchinson.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Though the company has not developed designs for the property, it usually matches substations to the rest of the neighborhood, she said. For example, a substation on Westmoreland Circle resembles “a nice house with landscaping” and a substation at 33rd Street and K Street N.W. in Georgetown resembles the surrounding condo buildings.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>In fact, Pepco doesn’t like residents to know when a building houses a substation for security reasons, said Hainey.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Before Pepco moves forward with its plans, it will need approval from the Public Service Commission, which has not received an application, according to spokeswoman Kelli Armstead. Pepco also plans to meet with local residents and business owners, said Hainey.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Local officials and some neighborhood groups are not thrilled with the change in plans for the property.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>”I’m deeply disappointed,” said D.C. Councilwoman Mary Cheh, Ward 3. Mixed-use development would “add to the energy and liveliness of that part of town” by increasing foot traffic, especially next to the Metro station.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Pepco has a responsibility to the community to help it grow, said Tom Hier, steering committee chair of local advocacy group Ward3Vision, but “a blank facade basically sucks life away from the street.”</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Though the used car lot currently occupying the property wasn’t the best use of the space, a substation will be worse because people won’t interact with it, said Ward 3 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Jonathan Bender. He suggested that Pepco put retail close to the street and the substation behind it.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>But Pepco avoids building mixed-use properties because of security and maintenance concerns, said Hainey.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>Besides, not all residents are vying for more retail.</span></p> <p><span class=”BodyCopy”>A high-rise would have been too large, creating an “oppressiveness to the walkability of the area with the tall buildings looming over the sidewalk,” said Marilyn Simon, a board member of the Friendship Neighborhood Association. She declined to comment on Pepco’s plans for the property.</span></p> <p><span style=”font-style:italic;” class=”BodyCopy”><i><a href=” mailto:[email protected] “>[email protected]</a></i></span></p>
