CRC
At a meeting of the Braddock Implementation Advisory Group (BIAG) Thursday night, CRC, an Arlington-based development company, presented their plans for the Braddock West project.
CRC has assembled an experienced group of professionals to contribute to the project including McGuireWoods, Hord Coplan Macht, H&R and LandDesign.
During their presentation, the team behind Braddock West provided details of their proposed plan for the lot located at 727 N. West St. directly across the street from the Braddock Road Metro Station. They intend to tear down 10 existing single-family homes and replace them with a 7 story residential building with retail space on the ground level and an underground parking garage.
Their goal is to design a walkable community around the metro that will serve as a prominent gateway to Alexandria and the Braddock area neighborhood. The parking garage will be accessed off Madison Street and the loading dock and trash will be located in a rear alley to minimize the impact to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The building will have a lot of setbacks, mixed materials and terraces to create a more town home feel. It will also feature rooftop amenities for residents. Designers are working on an artistic multi-floor metal screen that will serve as a unique architectural feature in addition to clearly marking the main entrance to the building.
Developers are hoping to draw a major restaurant or coffee shop to the proposed retail space at the corner of West Street and Wythe Street. They also plan to build 11 flex or live/work spaces that will provide opportunities for small, community serving retailers while remaining flexible enough for the arrival of larger retailers as the surrounding area continues to expand and become more desirable for businesses.
Members of the BIAG and neighbors wanted to know how the developers would prevent delivery drivers from causing congestion on main roads like they do around neighboring apartment buildings Belle Pre and The Dalton.
In addition, BIAG members wanted to know how the developers would address the significant flooding that regularly occurs at the corners of Wythe Street and West Street. Other concerns raised included the pedestrian-friendliness of the design, aesthetics of the back of the building, safety, noise, garbage and delivery truck emissions, and the logistics of drop-off and pick-up in front of the building.
Once group member wanted to ensure that the history of the project site would be preserved and documented before the existing houses are torn down and the new building is constructed.
Developers were responsive to the comments and grateful for the feedback as they continue to fine tune their designs for the building. Members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to provide feedback on the plan to developers at www.crccommunityengagement.com/braddockwest or by attending a future public meeting on the project, which will be scheduled later this year.
