Eckington Exploring Possibility Of Historic Status
The neighborhood of Eckington is the latest in the DC area to explore the possibility of historic status.
Efforts are being led by the Eckington Civic Association, which has already held two town halls on the matter, with a third scheduled for May 9. The association has enlisted QED Associates to establish the neighborhood’s historic character, Greater Greater Washington reports.
While no official position has been taken by the ECA, members want to consider the topic with an eye towards pop-ups and other projects that may not be in line with the neighborhood’s historical character. Eckington, home of McKinley Technical High School, has followed the lead of neighboring Bloomingdale, which began exploring historical designation last year.
Some historical links have been established for the neighborhood, including its claim as DC’s first streetcar suburb. If the designation were to go through, the Historic Preservation Office or Historic Preservation Review Board would have a say in future changes to property. Pop-ups would be off the table, and prices could jump in the neighborhood due to restricted supply.
It's still unclear how the designation would affect JBG and The Boundary Cos' massive Eckington Yards development, which would bring 695 residential units and as much as 77k SF of retail to the area. Boundary founder John Wilkinson will be discussing that project at Bisnow's Northeast DC Update this month. [GGW]
