Wiles Mensch Corporation – DC (WM) provided surveying, civil engineering, and landscape architecture services for the redevelopment of a dilapidated multi-building, low-income residential complex in Northeast Washington, DC. The project features a five-story, 155-unit, age-restricted assisted living community that offers 100% affordable housing. Due to the project’s size, the site required redevelopment in three phases. The WM team remained engaged as required.

WM completed a limited boundary, topographic, and utility survey for the development’s master plan, as well as a full boundary, topographic, and utility survey for Phase I of the project. The WM team’s civil scope of services included consolidated and first stage Planned Unit Development (PUD), site design, stormwater management, utility design including dry utilities, and site grading. WM also assisted in addressing and obtaining approval from several District permitting agencies. Landscape architecture features were designed as part of the consolidated and first stage PUD. The WM Landscape team was also responsible for managing meetings, revisions, and resubmissions as related to the PUD.

Features of the development include outdoor terraces in front and behind the building, plus balconies on the second through fifth floors. The developer also plans to build a pedestrian boardwalk to connect the property to Anacostia Park and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The project will also include 49 surface parking spaces.

The project is one of only two affordable assisted-living facilities in Wards 7 and 8. It is the hoped the redevelopment will initiate the revitalization of the broader 20-acre community and surrounding areas.

Photos courtesy of: Torti Gallas Urban