It was about 14 months ago that word first started filtering out about plans to redevelop the site, and in early 2016 the designs were unveiled for a two-phase project starting with a 380-unit apartment building at the corner of South Capitol and I. A raze permit has been filed for, and excavation and foundation permits are currently in process.

Until such time as McDonald's decides to deign the neighborhood south of the freeway with its presence again, the closest outlet for Big Macs, Egg McMuffins, and the best fountain Diet Coke on the planet is at 4th and C, SW (though 15th and Pennsylvania SE is the closest drive-through, and perhaps the one in Crystal City on Route 1 is the quickest-closest).

See my 2 I project page for more renderings, and photos. And maybe I'll throw this one out, for one last time. ("One last time / Relax, sit and have a Diet Coke with me / One last tiiiimmmeee.....")

This is where RCP Development is planning a two-phase project that will start with a 380-unit apartment building.

I know nothing about any expected closing date for Mickey D's, which was just renovated in 2012. But I have heard rumors that the developers are looking to start construction on the apartment project late this year, and this raze application would certainly seem to be in line with that.

As a devotee of McDonald's fountain Diet Coke, I am willing to go on record in saying that this pains me.

While there is no change to the overall "program"--a first-phase apartment building with about 380 units and around 2,700 square feet of retail, plus a second phase with either another 170ish apartments, or condos, or maybe even a hotel--there have been some "enhancements and modifications" in response to comments from ANC 6D at its December meeting, including revising the facade facing South Capitol Street and adding glass balconies to the southwest and northwest corners of the building.

They've also revised the rendering of the entranceway (original here, new one seen below). I'm also including the floor plan of the ground floor to show where the "phases" will be, as well as how the interior driveway/courtyard is laid out.

The BZA hearing is February 9.

(RCP doesn't actually own the land, but is listed with Crescent Communities LLC as "Contract Purchaser/Development Team," and there is a letter from McDonald's authorizing RCP and Crescent to "represent the Property owner" in all BZA proceedings. McDonald's has owned the land since 1985.)

The first phase would run along South Capitol Street and turn toward the east in an L-shape, paralleling the Southeast Freeway. Tthe second phase would be a tower built to the east, with a glass walkway structure connecting it to the first tower along I Street, and with an open courtyard and driveway (as seen below).

The filings show only about 3,200 square feet of retail at the building's southwest corner. (No word as to whether McDonald's would return, though I note that the rendering above shows a "bank" in that space.) The architect is SK&I.

(As for that Southeast Freeway ramp shown just to the west of the proposed building in the top rendering, it is slated to eventually go away as part of a not-yet-funded not-yet-scheduled later phase of the South Capitol Street reconstruction, with cars instead turning left onto a ramp at a location under the freeway about where Nats Lot HH currently is.)

More as I get it, clearly.

UPDATE: One or two additional tidbits: the first-phase building would be about 380 apartments--the second phase could be more apartments, or condos, or a hotel, at this point undetermined. Also, it's worth keeping in mind that the design in the renderings is a pretty early one.

Never let it be said that I have completely abandoned my mission.