UDC is in talks about turning 4250 Connecticut Avenue into student housing

4250 Connecticut Avenue (Nov. 2015 Google StreetView image)

UDC meets with the surrounding community every three months, and at the last one, in January, one topic under discussion was the commercial building next to the campus that was recently sold to Bernstein Management. When Fannie Mae moves out in a couple of years, UDC is interested in moving into 4250 Connecticut Avenue. Here are some details of the latest meeting from two of the task force members.

by David Dickinson and Theresa Cameron

The Community-University of the District of Columbia Campus Task Force (Community-Campus Task Force) schedules regular quarterly meetings, and the most recent meeting occurred on January 11, 2017.

Topics discussed included a presentation by Mr. Troy LeMaile-Stoval, Chief Operating Officer of UDC, about the 2018 budget process and scenarios that will be considered by the Mayor’s office and the DC Council during the coming budget season. The recent acquisition of the Fannie Mae property, at 4250 Connecticut Ave, NW, by the Bernstein Development Corporation (BDC) was also discussed. UDC is in ongoing negotiations with BDC in order to determine whether a mixed-use (student housing and commercial and retail space) is feasible at the site. UDC plans to keep the Task Force and the community fully informed as negotiations and further plans may materialize.

Lastly, UDC events were discussed – including an amazing art sale (all pieces framed and only $20 each!) on January 18th at UDC.

The Community-Campus Task Force was initiated in response to a D.C. Zoning Commission Order in 2011 that approved a new campus plan for the Van Ness Campus of UDC – including matters associated with the planned new student center and issues concerning nearby off-campus housing.

The task force comprises of Shirley Adelstein, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for ANC 3F02; Theresa Cameron, the Executive Director of Van Ness Main Street; David Dickinson, ANC 3F01 Commissioner; MaryAnn Miller, a community resident representative; Michele Pourciau, the Director of External Affairs at UDC; and William Latham, UDC’s Chief Student Development Officer.

The “Mission” and purposes of the Task Force will continue to evolve and the community is encouraged to participate and provide feedback on other opportunities and general matters of community concern. The contact is [email protected].