Lunch links: From battle to building
West End Library finally moves forward
DC’s appeals court denied the final appeal from a Ralph Nader-backed group seeking to block the West End library project, which will create mixed-income housing and a new library and fire station. (Post)
Third Church offices going up
Another building delayed by years of contentious fighting had a groundbreaking ceremony: the office building to replace the Brutalist Third Church of Christ, Scientist at 16th and I NW. (WBJ) … Is this a “distinctive church giving way to a bland, ordinary office building” or an “underused, anti-urban shell giving way to a pedestrian-friendly building”? (@ghostsofdc, @beyonddc)
What DC can learn about alleys
Alleyways are making a comeback around the country and in DC, becoming inviting and walkable spaces. However, a Mount Vernon Triangle alley shows that regulations can make it hard to activate a space. (Elevation DC)
Van Dorn transformation in progress
The Van Dorn Street area could become a busy, mixed-use area instead of low-density industrial with 3 projects bringing around 800 apartments and 100 townhouses. (WBJ)
From rental to condos
In a city with a shortage of condo units, one 84-unit building at 16th and S NW is converting from rentals to condos. Will this be a trend to watch in the rest of the city? (UrbanTurf)
No to Bloomingdale and the District?
Is calling the area around 1st and Rhode Island NW “Bloomingdale” a form of Columbusing? Does referring to DC as “the District” disempower the people of DC? One long-time resident says so. What do you think?
No time soon for transit center
The much-maligned Silver Spring Transit Center won’t be complete until early 2015 as disagreements remain over the concrete beams, The project costs have already ballooned from $26 million to $120 million. (WTOP)
Post goes HOT
The Washington Post editorial board supports high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in DC, saying they could help alleviate DC’s traffic problems and add revenue for transportation.
And…
In honor of Earth Day, check out these 10 Earth Day-friendly homes in the region. (WBJ) … Here are 6 bike gadgets to help keep you safe, including a 112-decibel horn. (Guardian) … If you live in DC, you might need a new driver’s license. (WAMU)