Marriott in Planning Mode for Phase 2 at Convention Center

Wednesday 22nd: In a community meeting at the Whitman Condominiums (at 910 M Street NW.), Capstone/Marriott gave the first explanation of its plans (Phase 2) for the corner of 9th & L St NW (Convention Center). The meeting was well attended and exposed a number of community issues, the plans are still very much in their infancy, and both sides agreed that it was a good first step, and to work together. There is still much approval process' to go through and Capstone/Marriott estimated it would be 18 months to 2 years before any construction begins.
The plan is for 2 structures, one that will house 2 new hotels (Residence Inn and Courtyard) and one that will house a rental apartment building.

The hotels structure will envelope and wrap around the corner of 9th Street and L Street NW. Previous agreement with city planners requires the Marriott to conserve the existing historic storefronts and housing on 9th Street, they will be incorporated into the new building although any new structure will be 40 feet back from their street/property lines and maintain the integrity of the historic streetscape. The new hotels will be 11 story's (110 feet) in height, which is about 20 feet lower than the new Marriott Marquee across L Street. In addition Capstone/Marriott announced that it will be building a new apartment building on L Street, next to the Eldon Suites Hotel.
To facilitate the new buildings Capstone/Marriott have made a request to the DC Gov't, that the current L Street access to Shepherds Court (Alley), be eliminated, and a new alley be constructed at the western edge of the properties to provide access for the surrounding residential buildings and to the new hotels parking garage.
Its early days, but it will be interesting to see how the plans evolve, now that there is some community involvement.


*The author of this posting is also a resident in the neighborhood in question.