This rendering of the DC Archives is as viewed from across Van Ness Street, looking northwest.
The DC Archives at UDC are a go.
The four current members of the DC Zoning Commission voted on October 26th to approve an amendment to the UDC campus plan, one that will allow a new building to rise in place of UDC’s Building 41.
UDC’s Building 41, as viewed from Van Ness Street, in September 2023.
The vote was unanimous. The fifth seat is vacant.
“I think this is an important project for the university, and can provide a number of student learning and employment opportunities,” said commissioner Robert Miller prior to their vote.
The Zoning Commission heard from supporters and opponents of the archives project during a September 21st hearing, and drew from a case file with additional comments and testimony.
The commissioners also discussed a few reservations they had about UDC’s outreach to the campus community about the project, and about the university’s plans for new community gardens that are to replace garden beds next to the project site along Van Ness Street.
Commissioner Joe Imamura said it appeared that UDC had not been in compliance with the original campus plan, which requires quarterly meetings of the UDC Community-Campus Task Force. Rather, he said, agendas filed by UDC indicated the meetings, for a time, were taking place every six months, and he encouraged the university to hold the meetings more regularly.
Imamura and Miller were also concerned about accessibility and sunlight at new garden sites proposed by UDC.
“Accessibility, I think, is critical for those with mobility issues,” said Imamura. “In the photographs they provided, there seems to be a lot of shade, and I’m not fully convinced those might be the most suitable place for the community garden.”
Miller proposed including in the zoning order these conditions: that the new gardens be in place prior to the archives’ certificate of occupancy, that they be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and that they have three to four hours of daylight during growing season.
The Zoning Commission order had not been posted on the case website as of this writing.
The archives will house the District’s government and historical records, which are currently scattered at 18 different locations, and are inaccessible to all but a few researchers at a time.
The next meeting of the UDC Community-Campus Task Force is Thursday, November 16th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Here’s the link to the meeting, the optional link to register, and a place to send questions and request agenda items.
And here are additional details you might need to join the virtual meeting on the WebEx platform.
Meeting number: 2634 027 1888
Password: ePeMhWe9Y44
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0003
UDC Library renovation under way: The delightful UDC Library X account has been posting construction updates about its new space in Buildings 38 and 39.
Last week, we got to tour the library's space under renovation. To say we were excited to wear high visibility vests is an understatement. The new Learning Resources Division space will span the entire B Level of Buildings 38 and 39. #UDC1851 #UDCFirebirds #OneUDC pic.twitter.com/urUcYSjbWf
— UDC Library (@udc_library) November 6, 2023
Speaking of delightful:
This used to be an office. After our remodel, it will be a dedicated family-friendly study room. One of our librarians is squirreling away kids books to add to this space when we reopen. Firebird caregivers – what else would you like to see here? #UDCFirebirds #UDC1851 #OneUDC pic.twitter.com/pSDuHVOGXJ
— UDC Library (@udc_library) November 8, 2023
What a lovely gesture for Firebird families.
Albert J. Casciero says
This is a great progress for a project long time in coming. The importance of UDC role for academia and his it historic beginnings in our nations’ capital should be executed in excellent manner and in an atmosphere of dedication and unity in service to the community’ and academia.
In support, cordially, ALBERT J. CASCIERO
Kathleen A Jordan says
It is unfortunate that the issues of the students and the community in terms of the demolishment of Building 41 were not taken more seriously in terms of the environment as well as the taxpayers money for this project.
Kesh Ladduwahetty says
The Zoning Commission has quite a sense of humor.
Upset by the destruction of gardens that took over 10 years to grow? We’ll offer a steep hillside covered with pesticide-treated grass that will take years to develop into a productive garden.
Frustrated about the lack of meaningful community engagement? We’ll just repeat the same requirements for community engagement that the UDC administration has ignored for the last decade without meaningful consequences.
Luckily, the Zoning Commission doesn’t have the last word. Once the ZC’s written order is issued, which may take several months, the permitting process starts. The Department of Buildings (DOB) plays a key part in that process, and it appears as though the project may not get clearance from that agency.
DOB agrees with DOEE that the Greener Government Building Act applies to the proposed Archives project. The law enforces the net-zero standard for government buildings, by prohibiting fossil fuel combustion in building systems (except for backup power), and requiring the generation of renewable power to offset the energy used by the building. The proposed project relies on fossil fuel combustion and does not generate adequate renewable energy.
At the hearing, DGS made excuses for why they should not be required with that law. It is beyond disappointing that the Zoning Commission accepted those excuses, but fortunately it’s DOB that will actually enforce the net-zero standard. Sierra Club, DC Environmental Network and all those who care about climate change and environmental sustainability are paying attention.