Zoning commission takes proposed action on 901 Monroe Street PUD, directs design refinements and tree-caliper review

The District of Columbia Zoning Commission voted 5-0 on Sept. 11, 2025, to take proposed action on case 24-15, 901 Monroe Street LLC consolidated PUD and related map amendment (Square 3829, Lot 23). The motion directed the applicant to submit additional design information before final action and removed "superior urban design and architecture" from the PUD’s list of offered public benefits.

Commissioner Wright moved to take proposed action and asked the applicant to explore additional architectural treatments along the Monroe Street façade to reduce the perceived massing without removing floors or altering the overall housing program. Commissioner Emma Moore seconded the motion with a friendly amendment clarifying that the commission was taking proposed action (not final approval) to allow time for refinements.

During deliberations commissioners balanced public benefits — including the applicant’s housing program, undergrounding of utilities on Monroe Street and streetscape improvements — against concerns raised by nearby residents and 200-foot parcel owners. Commissioners and the applicant discussed specific public benefits the PUD would provide: the project team stated it would deliver roughly 233 units of housing, including 12 three-bedroom inclusionary zoning units and a set of affordable units under the IZ and other subsidy programs; commissioners emphasized the value of undergrounding utilities and improved streetscaping as significant public benefits.

Several commissioners said they were disappointed in the Monroe Street elevation’s massing and architectural articulation even after revisions; they requested that the applicant pursue modest design refinements (for example, changes in material, projecting cornices or other elements that visually break up the upper floors) rather than eliminating unit count or floors. Commissioners asked the applicant to consult with the District Department of Transportation about whether street trees larger than the DDOT minimum caliper could be used on the site.

The commission set a schedule for additional filings and responses: the applicant said it could provide the requested materials in three weeks; the commission set Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. as the applicant’s submission deadline and Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. for responses from other parties, including Office of Planning and DDOT. The commission indicated it would consider the matter again at its Oct. 23 meeting.

Staff recorded the roll-call vote 5-0-0 to take proposed action on case 24-15. The motion removed "superior urban design and architecture" from the list of amenities the applicant offered and retained the remaining public benefits (housing/affordability, streetscape/site planning, environmental/sustainability measures, undergrounding utilities and comprehensive plan consistency).

Less critical details: the case has a long history, multiple remands and community engagement; ANC support and letters of both support and opposition are in the record.