Zoning Commission approves PUD modification and penthouse relief for hotel at 899 O St. NW

Zoning Commission Chair Anthony Hood on Feb. 3 approved final action on a planned-unit-development modification that clears the way for a hotel conversion and limited penthouse changes at 899 O St. NW (case No. 07-26G).

The commission voted 5-0-0 to grant the applicant a special exception to convert an enclosed rooftop pool area into an eating-and-drinking establishment within the penthouse, to allow a 1.5-foot elevator overrun, and to add a 40-square-foot enclosed elevator lobby to the penthouse plan. Commissioner Imamura moved for final action and the motion was seconded; roll-call votes were recorded as yes from Imamura, Wright, Hood, Miller and Stidham.

The applicant, represented by Kyra Freeman of Holland & Knight, said the proposal is part of a conversion of the existing Cambria hotel to a Hyatt House and is intended primarily as an amenity for hotel guests. "We would just request that the Zoning Commission approve our application," Freeman said during closing remarks.

Why it matters: The decision authorizes limited rooftop and penthouse modifications for an operating hotel in ANC 2G and removes the need for a separate variance or longer review. The change replaces an underused enclosed pool with an interior dining and drinking space and extends elevator service to the penthouse, which the applicant and the Office of Planning said would not increase neighborhood traffic or materially change views from the street.

Details of the proposal and record: Evans Charles, managing partner of 899 Lodging Group, said his company purchased the former Cambria and is investing capital to convert it to a Hyatt House. "The pool was underutilized when we purchased it," Charles said, explaining the decision to repurpose the penthouse. Architect Manish Patel of Flat Plus Architecture walked the commission through plans showing the new enclosed elevator lobby (about 40 square feet) and a modest 18-inch (1.5-foot) overrun needed for the elevator, which the record indicates results in a total penthouse height of about 20 feet.

Office of Planning staff summarized their recommendation in a short statement to the commission: "This project has met the requirements and the standards for special exception relief as a modification that you're requesting, and we will rest on the record of our report," Ms. Thomas said. The record also includes a DDOT report with no objection and an ANC 2G letter (Exhibit 13) stating ANC support by vote (5-0-0).

Commission discussion: Commissioners asked for clarifications on elevator service and potential neighborhood impacts. Commissioner Imamura confirmed that, after the modification, two elevators will serve the penthouse (one already does; the second will be extended). Imamura said he was "unconvinced" the interior rooftop establishment would generate additional traffic or noise and signaled he would vote in support. Commissioner Wright described the change as "a very small change" compatible with the existing building and said an enclosed restaurant would likely generate less noise than an above-ground pool.

Conditions and next steps: The commission approved final action and asked the applicant to submit a draft order within two weeks by 3 p.m., a scheduling detail recorded in the meeting. No speakers registered opposition at the hearing. The Office of Zoning staff recorded the vote as 5-0-0 and closed the public hearing for this case.

The commission’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13, when other items on the docket will be considered.