I went to a realtor event last week on development efforts in Southwest DC. Traditionally called Waterfront (because it is on the water, and that is the name of its closest Metro station), this area is the smallest quadrant of DC. It is slotted between the Potomac River, South Capital Street, a sliver of the Anacostia River, and the Mall to the North. It boasts the oldest fish market in the US (yes, even older than Pike's Place in Seattle). From SW DC rooftops, one has stunning views of the DC monuments and skyline and, of course, water.
New public and private development is afoot. A new concert hall, condos, apartments (including uber-efficiency units for minimalists), shopping of all varieties (think livability shopping like drug stores, grocers, dry cleaners, plus destination retail), office buildings, mixed use like churches with apartments attached, green space, walkable corridors, bike share, streetcars, the list goes on. There is a tremendous focus on sustainable development, LEED certification for both commercial and residential buildings, and multi-modal transportation and transit options built into the plans.
You heard it here first (well, at least that's my claim). Look to SW DC in the very near future as the place to be hip, before the word spreads. Give me call if you need help finding a rental or if you want to be notified when new properties go on the market in this area.
I moved to SW DC this summer and love it. It really is a gem. However, destination retail? I think there is a lot of room for improvement in that area.
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