Comments on Can Big K catalyze commercial development in Anacostia? - Greater Greater Washington

Comment by DC_LovesYou

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:29:47 EDT

I have to agree with Andrew on this one. Those structures aren't salvageable and need to be torn down. It's not worth the cost and time wasted, especially when there are similar structures in and around the city that are well-maintained and can serve as a flashback to a time long gone for people who like that kind of thing. Perhaps any new development there can take on the turn-of-the-century architecture that some of these preservation folks like. But to just sit on the property like a mother hen, do nothing and let another 3, 5, 10 years pass by is silly at best, and would be a continued detriment to the Anacostia community at worse.

Comment by Geoffrey Hatchard

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:27:50 EDT

Here's hoping for this block. Watching developers tear down as the first, second, third, and fourth choices in most instances, I'm not holding out that much hope, sadly.

Comment by Charles Wilson

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:20:45 EDT

I pray and hope the Mayor understands how the Anacostia Community feels about how important these properties are to the historic character of our community. Please read the article I wrote last year about Big K.

http://www.hillrag.com/CCN_Website09/images/papers/EOR/Aug/0811/pdfs/25_EOR_0811.pdf

Comment by andrew

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:13:20 EDT

I kind of doubt that any of the structures on the site are salvageable. Based on the photos in the other post, they all look to be on the verge of collapse.

Comment by drumz

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:31:59 EDT

Sure the houses were beautiful and its still apparent but I don't see how even with moving the houses to the lot line you could really come up with something great. Especially if you want to add a residential component (which I think there should). Put up a plaque with pictures of the old homes but I have a hard time understand the preservation case when there are similar and maintained styles elsewhere.