At Long Last: Groundbreaking for Four Seasons Condos
By • May 11, 2023 One Comment 3375
“It’s been 13 years,” said developer Richard Levy to a large gathering, next to the long-shuttered West Heating Plant on May 10, displaying a sense of true relief but noting there was much more work to be done.
The former federal property, south of the C&O Canal and Four Seasons Hotel, will be transformed into the Four Seasons Private Residences and a public park, marking a major step forward in Washington, D.C.’s progress out of the pandemic doldrums — and producing the newest Georgetown gem.
The demolition of the vacant heating plant at 1051-55 29th St. NW is making way for a 10-story, high-end condo building with about 70 units. Some of the structure will be preserved — including the western facade entrance.
With an introduction by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Choir, business leaders, architects and other members of the neighborhood met — in what will be a future garage, where was formerly a dry dock for canal boats — to mark the milestone.
Levy, a leading member of the project, thanked a long list of people that includes Bob Peck, Dan Tangherlini, the National Park Service, the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Georgetown Advisory Neighborhood Commission.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto praised the project for its benefits to the city. “It will lead to a better D.C.,” said Bowser, with Pinto affirming that Georgetown “is the place to be.”
Bowser also thanked former Mayor Anthony Williams for his leadership.
“It’s a happy day,” said landscape architect Laurie Olin, whose designs will add a one-acre public park, in front of the new residences down to K Street, alongside Rock Creek.
Architect David Adjaye, whose resume includes the African American History Museum and two D.C. public libraries, spoke of “turning on the magic” in terms of the long-incubating project and quipped he had a “professional boy crush” on the avuncular Olin.
Peter Armstrong of the Georgetown Company in New York echoed the sentiments of all the speakers when he spoke simply of “gratitude.”
Besides Adjaye and Olin, those involved with the design and construction include SLCE Architects LLP, Robert Silman Associates and Cosentini Associates.
The work is expected to cost $300 million — look for a late 2025 completion.
The Levy Group Ltd. and the Georgetown Company purchased the building, completed in 1948, and its property from the General Services Administration in 2013 for $19.5 million, after winning a government auction.
Rendering of the Four Seasons Private Residences on 29th Street. Courtesy Adjaye Associates.
David Adjaye and Laurie Olin flank former Georgetown Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tom Birch. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Mayor Muriel Bowser leads the group for the groundbreaking. Photo by Shannon Finney.
Four Seasons shovels were also on hand: Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Richard Levy. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Georgetown Business Improvement District CEO Joe Sternlieb and author Kitty Kelley. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Sir David Adjaye is subject to serious accusations in the UK – see FT article. What is next for the project?