Plans by developers for bigger and better buildings in the Washington area won’t go forward unless regional leaders improve transportation infrastructure, according to the Urban Land Institute.
The research organization on land-use policy says its survey released this week shows the region needs to more than double its funding for roads, bridges, transit systems and other infrastructure. It suggests wider use of public-private partnerships to raise the money.
Without the investment, the idea of living in a nice house or condo in a prime location will always be cluttered by traffic congestion.
“Infrastructure investment and development are having stronger-than-ever implications for urban growth patterns,” said Richard Rosan, Urban Land Institute Worldwide president.
While the Washington area can expect a 23 percent population growth in the next 25 to 30 years, motorists are likely to drive 32 percent more, the Urban Land Institute report said.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has offset many traffic problems by attracting commuters to public transportation. At the same time, it has turned the area around transit stations into some of the region’s prime real estate for developers.
The emphasis on transit-oriented development is underscored by recent foreclosure patterns, according to institute officials. More homes are being foreclosed in suburban areas than in downtown Washington, they said.
Developers say the region’s traffic problems are major factors in recent trends toward “live-work-play” communities, in which they build complexes that include offices, homes and recreational facilities. Theoretically, residents can walk between the buildings for any services they need or never leave a single high-rise.
“If a prospective client can’t get to their office or it would be frustrating to get to their office, that would be a consideration,” said Mary Margaret Hiller, spokeswoman for developer Akridge. “We’re always looking at traffic studies. That can determine how successful the project will be.”
Akridge’s current mixed-use projects include Burnham Place at Union Station and Falls Church Gateway.
“Most of the projects we’re looking at have that transit-oriented nature,” Mrs. Hiller said.
In other news …
• The District is trying to save U Street’s historic Lincoln Theatre after years of neglect and cash shortfalls.
Last week, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced a plan to sell the District-owned parking behind the theater, then use the revenue to redevelop the Lincoln Theatre at 1215 U St. NW.
The 88-year-old building was a focal point of African-American concerts and plays in its heyday of the 1920s.
The Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development has issued a request for proposals from developers interested in the parking lot.
The lot is big enough for a 90,000-square-foot building. However, it must meet the District’s restrictions of setting aside at least 30 percent of the space for affordable housing and 7,500 square feet for “flexible event space,” such as a restaurant. The event space would be managed by the theater.
• Property Lines runs on Thursdays. Call Tom Ramstack at 202/636-3180 or e-mail tramstack@washington times.com.
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