Thursday, September 21, 2006
Neighborhood of new Nationals' stadium still in limbo
The saga surrounding the new Nationals stadium continues, as the Washington DC City Council and/or the proposed developer has scrapped plans for two large structures beyond the outfield that would contain apartments, condos, a hotel, retail establishments, and a parking garage. The wisdom of these buildings was questionable from the start. Part of the allure of the new stadium design was to provide views of the nation's capitol from the upper deck seats. These 13-story buildings, however, would have towered over the stadium and dominated the view from the seats. We're not talking about the charm of the warehouse at Camden Yards, but rather utilitarian structures aimed at providing a healthy revenue stream to the city.
The latest news from the Washington Post indicates that this development has been stopped, but, in order to meet the requirements of their agreement with MLB regarding parking, the stadium developers will be forced to leave several lots in the vicinity of the stadium vacant to accommoadte surface parking lots. These lots will definitely cut into the planned urban renewal for the area around the ballpark. This story will obviously continue, as the new owners of the Nationals, the Lerners have yet to comment on the latest developments, and quotes from DC officials suggest that they will continue efforts to seal an agreement with the proposed developer of those towers.
When images of the new stadium came out, there was great excitement about the uniqueness of the design and the way that it would blend into the rejuvenated neighborhood. Time will tell whether the stadium will stick out like a sore thumb amid parking lots and other piecemeal bits of urban renewal or will indeed serve as a catalyst for organic development in Southeast DC.
Washington Nationals Stadium designs
Washington Post Article
Washington Times Article
The latest news from the Washington Post indicates that this development has been stopped, but, in order to meet the requirements of their agreement with MLB regarding parking, the stadium developers will be forced to leave several lots in the vicinity of the stadium vacant to accommoadte surface parking lots. These lots will definitely cut into the planned urban renewal for the area around the ballpark. This story will obviously continue, as the new owners of the Nationals, the Lerners have yet to comment on the latest developments, and quotes from DC officials suggest that they will continue efforts to seal an agreement with the proposed developer of those towers.
When images of the new stadium came out, there was great excitement about the uniqueness of the design and the way that it would blend into the rejuvenated neighborhood. Time will tell whether the stadium will stick out like a sore thumb amid parking lots and other piecemeal bits of urban renewal or will indeed serve as a catalyst for organic development in Southeast DC.
Washington Nationals Stadium designs
Washington Post Article
Washington Times Article
