4th & Rhode Island Avenue Housing | A Catalyst for Urban Growth
PROJECT COMPLETION 4TH + RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, NE | AFFORDABLE HOUSING |
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Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS’ recent project completion at 4th and Rhode Island Avenue, NE is the first residential development in the large block west of the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. This transit-oriented development will catalyze further growth in this area of the city characterized by vacant buildings, struggling commercial uses, and big-box retail. The building’s 116 new households will drive new investment in the neighborhood and provide a tangible benefit to the fledgling community. A publicly accessible multipurpose facility at the street level will be used for neighborhood meetings and large tenant gatherings. At the parking level, a bio-retention area brings an island of green to what is otherwise a completely paved super-block. With more pedestrian activity and more eyes on the street, the project will transform this area of Bloomingdale back into a neighborhood hub for commerce, concerts and entertainment.
The L-shaped building layout surrounds a raised, secure landscaped courtyard for residents – creating a quiet oasis within a dense urban context. Street front retail screens on grade parking sloping gently with the hill behind to satisfy reduced parking approved through zoning variance. The unique design of the building showcases ideas for the future of affordable housing in the District of Columbia. The exterior materials – lively brick and masonry, cementitious siding, and metal panels – were chosen for their durability, low maintenance, and opportunity for bringing color, scale and interest to the building façades. The large windows bring light deep into bedrooms and living areas.
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