RSS FeedRemaining Redevelopment Bids For Franklin School Examined
The Washington Business Journal examined the four redevelopment bids remaining for the Franklin School located at the southeast corner of 13th and K Streets; the Washingtonian also reported on the matter focusing on the renderings. It’s a majestic building that has been shut down since 2008 when then Mayor Fenty closed the building which had been operating as a low barrier homeless shelter. The final winning choice will be made in early 2014. For added background, this blogger chronicled the informational meeting and Q & A hosted by the city while this site provides history about the Franklin School.
The articles hit the high points of each of four distinct proposed uses:
- A technology research and development center for the company Costar which has its corporate headquarters at 1331 L St NW
- A Kimpton/Gemstone hotels 40 room boutique hotel called The Benjamin which includes a penthouse restaurant
- A contemporary arts, performance, and educational destination including culinary arts called the Institute for Contemporary Expression
- A tech accelerator with live/work space
None of the proposed uses are like the other and we think it’s great to see such diverse proposals make it to the final round. Frankly, of all these choices we like the contemporary arts destination the best because it’s the most unique. DC has plenty of hotels, office space, and one major tech accelerator already. The city also has lots of arts venues but we think having a venue dedicated to contemporary arts downtown and east of 16th Street might be the most accretive use of the space from a public goods perspective. Such a venue might even be able to integrate its programming with the revitalization of Franklin Park. That would be a double bonus.
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RT @pqliving: Remaining Redevelopment Bids For Franklin School Examined – this downtown building will be getting a facelift. http://t.co/xE…