Adding value in development: a case in point.

When looking at a development site, mid-block micro site, or industrial rail yard macro site, we approach each with an eye to unlock hidden potential and maximise value.

A case in point is our Columbia Quarter study for Redbrick LMD. The development (since renamed as the Bridge District) is a 44-hectare site Southeast Washington DC. The scheme will attract businesses and residents seeking a new live/work lifestyle where nature and downtown accessibility are key. Located along the Anacostia River and adjacent to an existing Metro station, the site gently slopes affording views of the Capitol Building. Our approach to maximising the site’s value set-out the following principles.

Connect: near/mid/far

The site is buzzing with the potential to connect people, ideas, entrepreneurs, and facilitate a cohesive way of living. The site is book-ended by two new bridges (one built, one planned) so we linked to them via active travel cycle & pedestrian ways creating a network of “soft” connectors. The added value resulted in a weave of “people spaces” dotted throughout the site and joining developments Brookfield’s Yards site.

Extract its uniqueness

The site, a former arboretum, is awash with mature trees informing where best to position building clusters. Our approach creates bespoke spaces reflecting the site’s uniqueness and hits accord with trends on life choices on seeking greener, softer, slower live/work neighbourhoods. The added value provides a wellbeing focused relationship between the city and nature.

Accentuate the (not so) obvious

Acknowledging the ever present L’Enfant Plan is important to our approach. By creating a strong axial relationship with the city’s radial plan, we “draw” the city across the river inviting the visitor to experience the site on its own terms. This added value provides seamless integration and a sense of belonging and placemaking specific to the site.