Permit expediting in Washington DC is steaming ahead. For more than 50 years, the West Heating Plant supplied nearby federal properties with steam heat to warm their occupants. Decommissioned in 2000, the long-vacant plant is now getting a second life.
Situated along 29th Street N.W. in Georgetown, the facility will be redeveloped into 72 Four Seasons-branded luxury residences designed by architect Adjaye & Associates. Current plans call for the new building to take shape within restored and retained portions of the historic heating plant. Initial designs also include an underground parking garage and tenant roof terrace with views of the nearby Potomac River.
The project will extend well beyond the building’s footprint. A one-acre public park, designed by architect Laurie Olin, is also in the works. The elevated park will link Rock Creek Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and include a three-tiered water feature, seating areas, a shading pergola, and gardens.
As a leader in permit expediting in the Washington DC metro region, we’re incredibly excited to be involved in this transformational project. Here’s what our team is working on as part of the redevelopment.
D.C. Building Permit Velocity Processing
As a building permit expediter, we consistently accelerate the permitting process for our clients and their projects. But sometimes, project schedules call for an even faster permit review process. The West Heating Plant is just such a project.
To further expedite the plan review and permit approval process, our team uses DCRA’s Velocity program. This optional fast-track review program reduces the wait time required to secure a building permit and will allow our client to move ahead with the next phase of the project.
Traffic Control Plans
Traffic control plans are essential to a successful project, like any development project. Our team is designing Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans for the West Heating Plant to safely navigate the traveling public and work crews through the work zone. The final plan MOT will detail the safe movement of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles through the West Heating Plant’s heavily trafficked work zone.
DDOT Public Space Permits
In the District of Columbia, Public Space is defined as all the publicly owned property between the property lines on a street. It includes, but is not limited to, the roadway, tree spaces, sidewalks, and alleys. So, it’s no surprise that a development project will impact Georgetown’s narrow streets, sidewalks, and public areas.
Our team of DC permit expediting experts is working with the District Department of Transportation to secure a Public Space Permit on behalf of the development team. Once acquired, the permit will allow public space improvements along the street and sidewalks abutting the property. The public space permit will also allow the building of a construction entrance and changes to all necessary utility connections.
Certificate of Occupancy
Lastly, upon completing the project, our team will work with DCRA to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) for the building. The COO is one of the final stages in a development project and confirms that the building, structure, and land conform to D.C. Zoning Regulations, DC Construction Codes, and the Green Building Act. Without this critical last permit, the building cannot be occupied.
Permit Expediting in Washington, D.C.
Can your project benefit from permit expediting? Our Permitting Services team has decades of experience working with DCRA, DDOT, and other jurisdictional authorities to reduce the time required to secure building permits. Contact us today to learn how we can ensure your project planning, design, and construction efforts are executed successfully.
To request a proposal, email proposals@dfmdevelopment.com or call 703-942-8700.