Zoning commission approves design review for Bridge District Parcel 5, first mass‑timber residential tower in plan

The District of Columbia Zoning Commission voted 5–0 on Sept. 8 to approve final design review for BD Parcel 5, a 130‑foot, mass‑timber residential building in the Bridge District along Howard Road SE. The approved proposal calls for roughly 272 units, about 8,500–8,600 square feet of ground‑floor retail, two levels of below‑grade parking, approximately 160 parking spaces, bike parking and a mix of studios through three‑bedroom units. The applicant said 29 units (about 12 percent) will be set aside under the Inclusionary Zoning program at 50–60 percent of area median family income, and that most of the three‑bedroom units are in the inclusionary set. The project team described the building as the first mass‑timber residential high‑rise proposed in the Bridge District and highlighted sustainability goals including an all‑electric mechanical program, on‑site energy generation and a target of LEED Platinum and ILFI carbon net‑zero in operations. In presentation comments, project counsel Jeff Utz said, “We are really excited to be here this evening.” Redbrick senior vice president Suhail Chawfla said the team is “targeting LEED platinum and ILFI carbon net 0 from…