Commission sets down rezoning for former Grace Reformed Church to ARTS-3 for public hearing

The Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to set down a map amendment proposed by MR 14O1 Fifteenth Street Retail LLC to rezone 1401–1405 Fifteenth Street NW (the former Grace Reformed Church, in Square 210) from RA-5 to ARTS-3 for a contested public hearing.

Philip Bradford, a development review specialist with the Office of Planning, told the commission that the site is a historic landmark within the Greater Fourteenth Street Historic District and that the comprehensive plan identifies the site for medium-density residential and moderate-density commercial uses. Bradford said the proposed ARTS-3 zone would permit certain commercial uses, including eating and drinking establishments, and "would not be in conflict" with the plan. He also said the map amendment is a downzoning (ARTS-3 has a lower floor-area ratio than RA-5) and therefore does not meet the applicability requirements for IZ Plus, so Office of Planning does not recommend applying IZ Plus with this amendment.

Commissioners emphasized the possibility of adaptive reuse of historic buildings and noted the Office of Planning's view that the property has limited potential for new housing because of its landmark status. Commissioner Wright said historic preservation and housing "are not at odds with each other," describing the potential for creative adaptive reuse. The commission voted to set the case down for public hearing so further detail on proposed uses, design, and any impacts can be explored.

The commission recorded an absentee ballot from Commissioner Stidham in favor. Staff will schedule and notice a contested-case hearing as part of the case record.