WASHINGTON, DC—MRP Realty and B&R Assoc. will be redeveloping Rhode Island Center into a mixed-use project consisting of residential and retail, the companies announced on Tuesday morning. It is the second largest project in the city right now, following only to The Wharf, according to the team. The two companies have formed a joint venture for the project.
The first phase will consist of 345 residential apartment units and 47,000 square feet of retail.
A retail plaza will be close to the Metropolitan Branch Trail and there will be a pedestrian bridge to access to the Rhode Island Avenue metro station.
These additions will change the community's current auto-orientation to one that is more transit-oriented, says principal Ryan Wade in a prepared statement.
"The new development will tap into the new Metro connection and the Metropolitan Branch Trail -- for both cyclists and pedestrians -- while still providing sufficient parking but at a level that reflects the range of transportation options."
The final project will have up to 200,000 square feet of retail including a full-service grocer.
KLNB has been retained for retail leasing. A health club is being targeted as the lead retail tenant for phase one. SK&I is the architect for the residential buildings. The overall design concept will reflect the industrial heritage of the neighborhood and the existing industrial buildings that dot the Red Line's journey into the District. MRP Realty and B&R Associates will be working with Councilmember McDuffie and ANC 5E, as well as the D.C. Office of Planning and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development on the project.
During redevelopment, the street grid will be extended through the site. A new retail main street will run from Fourth street NE and terminate at the public plaza in front of the Rhode Island Avenue Metro entrance.
Additional plans for phase one include relocating Metropolitan Branch Trail underneath the existing bridge to the Metro, creating additional green space along the trail and opening up the pedestrian bridge to the public plaza.
GlobeSt.com has requested an interview with MRP Realty. We will update this article accordingly.
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