WASHINGTON — New developments are popping up all over the District. But one area in Northwest hasn't seen any real change in the last decade. In fact, Friendship Heights has become bare over the years.
Many of the stores have either moved or closed completely. The Urban Land Institute Washington was recently tapped to evaluate the area to see what can be done to revitalize it.
"In partnership with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Office of Planning has engaged the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington to host a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) to provide a high-level analysis of opportunities and challenges in Friendship Heights. The TAP will explore opportunities for advancing transformative and equitable redevelopment in Friendship Heights, as outlined in Mayor Bowser’s proposed Comprehensive Plan update," said a release on the city's website.
ULI presented its analysis of the area in late April. The report calls the once-bustling stretch of Friendship Heights, a 'retail graveyard.' According to that report, nearly 50% of retail space in that area now sits empty.
"Lord and Taylor is now closed, Mazza Gallerie is mostly vacant and there's very low occupancy at Chevy Chase Pavilion, said William Rich, a ULI Panelist.
Planners said they want the area to have its own identity. Right now, they believe the area simply connects Tenleytown to Bethesda.
"How can we take it from what it was to what it can be which is this vibrant, connected, inclusive neighborhood," said Bob Peck, ULI Panel Co-Chair.
The analysis praised the access to public transit in Friendship Heights but recommends making access to Metro especially more visible. It also proposed green spaces, parks and playgrounds.
Smaller blocks, safer streets for pedestrians and affordable housing were also on the list of potential improvements for the area.
Earlier this year, improvements to the Maryland side of Friendship Heights were announced. For the D.C. side, the next step is giving the public the opportunity to weigh in on what they would like to see the area transform into.
Read the full report here.
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