New Construction at Marina View

Thanks to reader A for pointing out to me that both DC Metrocentric and DCmud are reporting that the first new tower at Marina View Towers is slated to start construction this fall. The new towers are designed by Esocoff & Associates, with one tower located at the existing parking lot facing M Street and the second tower at the parking lot facing K Street. Renovations are already underway at the two existing apartment buildings, designed by I.M. Pei and built in 1962. New windows have been installed in the north tower and interior improvements are also being made. In addition to two new buildings, green roofs will be installed in all four buildings, a public garden will be created along 6th Street, the central courtyard area will be restored, below-grade parking will be constructed below the new towers, and an amenities building will be built. The new south tower will have ground floor retail, with space reserved for a restaurant. Patrons of the new Arena Stage across the street will now have more food options with the addition of a restaurant at the corner of 6th Street and Maine Avenue. One change to the original plan by builder Fairfield Residential is all four towers will now be rental. At least one of the existing buildings was originally planned as a condo conversion, but changing market conditions caused the developer to alter their plans. I recently saw signs indicating that the existing north tower is now being marketed as The View at Waterfront. With Marina View getting ramped up, along with Waterfront next door, as well as all the other projects currently under construction in the neighborhood, the number of cranes in Southwest may soon surpass the number at neighboring Capitol Riverfront. (rendering courtesy of Esocoff & Associates)

Webcam at Arena Stage

Here's another webcam, but this one shows the progress being made at the new Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, located at 6th Street and Maine Avenue. Arena Stage is less than two blocks away from the old Waterside Mall and will bridge the new development at the mall and Marina View to the East with the redeveloped watefront to the West. In addition, this building will be a striking architectual landmark in Southwest DC. Designed by Bing Thom Architects, the new Arena Stage should be ready by Fall 2010. In the meantime, performances are being held in Crystal City and The Lincoln Theater.