Updated with links to filed documents

On April 28, 2023, the Cafritz Foundation filed a “modification of consequence” for the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten to make sure they are able to get certificates of occupancy turn over the space for buildout of the grocery store and children’s museum before construction of the entire second phase is complete. (ZC case no. 06-10H)

My understanding is that representatives for the Cafritz Foundation will share a quick update about this at tonight’s Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association meeting. Getting the gym open in the first phase was a big deal. Getting spaces turned over to Aldi and the children’s museum for the second phases will be an even bigger deal. As these key tenants come online, the viability of this project remains intact.

The filing states:

This proposed application does not propose any changes to the size, height, uses, or appearance of the Block B PUD Project which was last approved by the Zoning Commission in ZC Order No. 06-1 0G. The modification that the Applicant is requesting in this application is solely related to construction and occupancy sequencing so that the Applicant can deliver the Aldi Grocery Store and the Children’s Museum space by February 28, 2024 (as required by the leases for these spaces), and then continue with construction of the other elements of the Block B PUD Project without decommissioning of construction activity on the site.

There are currently no conditions in ZC Order Nos. 06-l0D, 06-l0E, or 06-l0G that address the ability of the Applicant to open portions of the building as they are ready for occupancy. The purpose of this Modification of Consequence application is to create a specific condition of the Zoning Commission’s approval of the Block B PUD Project that the Applicant can refer to as it processes certificate of occupancy applications with the Department of Buildings, and specifically the Zoning Administrator’s Office.

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The creation of a condition in the Zoning Commission’s approval of the Block B PUD Project that explicitly allows the identified uses to sequentially and safely occupy each block of space while construction activity continues on remaining portions of the site is essential to the Applicant’s ability to finance and continue the construction of this important project.

Construction & Sequencing from Filing

1st Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Build the FEZ north block, which includes the ALDI grocery store and Children’s Museum core and shell. The core and shell will be complete, including rooftop green roof areas. The Applicant intends to allow the ALDI grocery store to occupy their space first, with parking provided on B1 level of garage.
• In support of the occupancy of the ALDI grocery store and Children’s Museum space within the commercial north block, construction of the below-grade garage, the north parking ramp to Kennedy Street, and the commercial loading docks will occur.
• The extent of site development includes construction of the ALDI facades to the curb along South Dakota A venue, with attendant civil improvements. In addition, the sidewalks up Kennedy Street and along South Dakota will be installed for pedestrian access to the ALDI and Children’s Museum entrances/exits. The internal private road connection from Kennedy Street to the commercial loading dock will be built in order to provide access to dock.

2nd Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Construction of the balance of the FEZ central block, and the Residential East, North, and South buildings. The residential buildings will include at-grade, retail core and shell space.
• The extent of site development includes construction of the approved site features to access the residential and retail entrances and exits. The alley will be constructed in order to provide access to the residential loading dock, rear entrance, and connection to the private street.

3rd Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Construction of the balance of the FEZ building, primarily southern block, including the rotunda.
• The extent of site development will include the remaining approved site features along the pedestrian sections of the private street and the perimeter of the FEZ building along Ingraham Street and South Dakota A venue.

View renderings of phased construction.