HPA No. 2000-110 and 2000-111 (In re. 912 F Street Associates, L.P. buildings)

HPA Number: 2000-110, 2000-111
Building Name: 912 F Street Associates, L.P. buildings
Location of Property: 910 F St. NW; 912 F St. NW
Date of Decision: 23-May-00

Summary :

Applicant sought approval of two applications for partial demolition. The affected areas were the rear wings of two contributing buildings in the Downtown Historic District. Applicant sought to develop a twelve-story hotel that would encompass the main blocks of three historic buildings on the site. The Mayor's Agent concluded that issuance of the partial demolition permits was consistent with the Act and thus necessary in the public interest; that the proposed partial demolition of the rear wings met the legal standards for obtaining a demolition permit per D.C. Code § 6-1104; that forcing Applicant to retain the rear wings would render the project economically infeasible, whereas preservation of the three main blocks would render the project economically feasible; and that the project was necessary in the public interest since it would contribute to the existing character of the historic district, was an adaptation of the historic properties for current use, and would be compatible with the character of the historic district.

Compatible :

The Mayor's Agent found both the proposed alterations and new construction of Applicant's project, a hotel in the Downtown Historic District, compatible with the character of the district since the final design plan included retention of the main blocks of three contributing buildings.

Consistent with Purposes of the Act :

The Mayor's Agent found that the proposed demolitions were consistent with the purposes of the Act because it would allow for the construction of a project that retained the portions of the affected properties that contributed to the character and significance of the district; the proposed restoration of the facades was compatible with the character of the historic buildings; and the proposed new construction was compatible with the character of the Downtown Historic District.

Economic Feasibility :

The Mayor's Agent found that Applicant could not both provide the necessary interior functions of the proposed development and retain the rear wings of two of the contributing buildings because of unusually configured rear lot lines, a public sewer line running under the property, and a significant grade change.

Necessary in the Public Interest :

The Mayor's Agent concluded that Applicant's proposed twelve-story hotel encompassing the main blocks of three historic buildings on the site was necessary in the public interest since it would contribute to the existing character of the historic district, was an adaptation of the historic properties for current use, and would be compatible with the character of the historic district. He also concluded that issuance of the requested demolition permits was consistent with the purposes of the Act and thus necessary in the public interest.

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