At its public meeting on September 10, 2026, the DC Zoning Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve a time extension for the third and fourth phases of the Art Place at Fort Totten development (known as Blocks C & D) (ZC case no. 06-10J).

On July 1, 2026, the Cafritz Foundation filed a time extension request for the final two phases of the project to seek more time to secure financing. These phases are supposed to include more apartments and cultural/civic uses. In approving the time extension, the Zoning Commission granted two waivers: one to permit more than two time extension requests (this is the third) and one to permit more than a one year extension (the developer requested two years). ANC 5A, ANC 4B, and the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA), which are all parties to the case, chose not to submit a response to the developer’s request.

Current deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:

• December 31, 2026 (for either Block C or D)
• December 31, 2030 (for remaining block)

Proposed deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:

• December 31, 2028 (for either Block C or D)
• December 31, 2032 (for remaining block)

The Zoning Commission previously approved sequential development of the second phase, known as Block B, located along South Dakota Avenue NE between Ingraham Street and Kennedy Street. Block B is supposed to include a family entertainment zone concept, more apartments, additional retail, and artist studios. Aldi grocery store opened in Block B in December 2024 but progress on this phase has been stalled since then. The housing component is supposed to be the next in line. The Foundation is still seeking financing to complete the housing portion. They are also in talks with retailers for Block B.

One of the proffered benefits of the project is a public dog park. The Foundation has stated in meetings that the dog park will deliver with the housing in Block B. In response to requests to consider building out the dog park at one of the vacant sites, at least temporarily while waiting to secure financing for the remainder of Block B, the Foundation has stated that that is too much to ask. The Foundation is also supposed to install electric vehicle charging stations for Block B. While they have constructed the parking garage for Block B, they continue to state in meetings that they will not install EV charging stations until the Block B housing is built because they say it does not make sense that people will have to pay to enter the garage to charge their vehicles.

The project was previously modified to permit the inclusion of schools as part of the development. Rocketship, an elementary public charter school, opened in 2020 at 5450 3rd Street NE. Social Justice School, a public charter middle school that previously sublet space from Rocketship, just opened up its new permanent home at 5455 3rd Street NE in time for the 2026-2027 school year after completing a full renovation of the last remaining warehouse space.

The Foundation’s filing notes that they continue to work on leasing up the remaining retail spaces in the first phase, known in previous filings as Building A, or The Modern at Art Place, which delivered in 2017 along South Dakota between Galloway Street and Ingraham Street. The first phase includes Hibiscus Medical internal medicine practice, DC Dental Studio general dentistry practice, Love & Care child development center, Shining Stars pediatric dentist, One Life Fitness gym, Tz’ikin Cafe pop-up coffee shop, and interim space for Explore! Children’s Museum which has offered children’s arts programming in the past and continues to offer youth dance classes in conjunction with Dance Loft. The filing states that “prospective tenants include a mix of fast-casual dining establishments, traditional sit-down restaurants, a coffee shop, and an upscale wine retail and tasting venue.”

In addition, the popular Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series hosted by Art Place in conjunction with DC Fray and The Parks Main Street is wrapping up for the summer. This year they partnered with UDC’s Lamond-Riggs farmers market to have market vendors offer food and beverages during concert performances. The final make-up performance is scheduled for September 25 with performer Justin Trawick.