Coast Guard HQ to Move to SE

GlobeSt.com reports that the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters, currently located at 2100 2nd Street in Buzzard Point, will be moving to the West Campus of St. Elizabeth's in Southeast sooner rather than later, thanks to $162 million in stimulus money. The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, which wants to consolidate its operations at St. Elizabeth's. A $435 million contract was recently awarded to Clark Construction and HOK to build phase one of the new headquarters, which should get underway later this year and be complete by 2013. However, late in 2008, the GSA signed a 10-year lease renewal at the Coast Guard's current headquarters building, which is owned by Monday Properties. What will happen to the current building once the Coast Guard leaves? 2100 2nd Street was originally built in 1973 and renovated as recently as 2004. It abuts the James Creek Marina and is near Akridge's 100 V Street site. Perhaps by 2013, there may be some activity at 100 V Street, which could influence Monday Properties' plans for 2100 2nd Street.

What Bloggers Are Saying About Southwest

- JDLand, our prolific blogger neighbor to the east, has a couple recent posts relevant to Southwest. The first is about the new Frederick Douglass Bridge and news that a decision on the design will be released this spring (my personal favorite is the stayed bascule design). The second post shows a map of streets that will either be closed or will have parking restrictions during the inauguration, including the Southeast-Southwest Freeway, I Street, Maine Avenue/M Street, and Water Street.

(The above photo is of the current Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge taken in December 2008)

- DCmud describes the progress, or lack thereof, of development in DC during 2008 and what's in the pipeline in 2009. One of the few large-scale projects that gained momentum in 2008 was the Southwest Waterfront and bids were submitted for two parcels at Fire Engine 13 and the vacant lot at 4th & E Street. Senthil Sankaran from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development told Southwest...TLQTC back in December that there would be a community meeting this month where the three submitted proposals would be presented. I'll let you know as soon as I find out more details.

(The Google Earth map shows the two parcels that DMPED is offering to developers)

- DC Metrocentric reports that the U.S. Coast Guard will remain at their headquarters building in Buzzard Point for the time being, since they just renewed their lease for a 10-year period with Monday Properties. Here is the link for the Washington Business Journal article describing the lease renewal.