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Zoning Commission approves Gallaudet University campus plan amendment for Merrill Learning Center renovation
Summary
On Jan. 27, 2025, the Zoning Commission voted 5-0-0 to approve an amendment to Gallaudet University's 2012''1027 campus plan and further processing for partial demolition and renovation of the Merrill Learning Center at 800 Florida Ave. NE; the Office of Planning recommended approval and DDOT registered no objection.
The Zoning Commission on Jan. 27, 2025, approved final action on zoning commission case No. 12-15D, allowing Gallaudet University to amend its 2012''1027 campus plan and proceed with partial demolition and renovation of the Merrill Learning Center at Square 3593, Lot 4 (800 Florida Ave. NE). The vote was 5-0-0.
The amendment would preserve and repurpose the building's below-grade spaces while removing some above-ground portions to reopen and landscape the campus mall. Richard Doherty, identified as Gallaudet University's architect, said the building's basement contains "over 65,000 square feet" of usable space and that the proposal would remove the red-marked portions of the existing structure to "open up the entire mall of the campus from a visual perspective." The applicant's team described plans for an open gallery, a surface-level cafe, landscaped garden areas, amphitheaters, film studios, archives and innovation spaces in the basement, and wider, accessible circulation across the mall.
Philip Bradford, Development Review Specialist with the District's Office of Planning, told the commission that OP recommends approval. OP found the project consistent with the Comprehensive Plan's institutional designation and said the proposal advances policies on reuse of existing structures, educational facilities, environmental improvements and economic development. Bradford also said the Office of Planning had been contacted by the District Department of Energy (DOE), which asked that the applicant continue to work with DOE to meet LEED requirements under the Green Buildings Act; the applicant agreed during the hearing.
The District Department of Transportation registered no objection, and ANC 5D submitted a letter supporting the application (listed in the record as Exhibit 30). Representatives of ANC 6C informed the applicant they would not participate; ANC 6A did not submit comments to the record. No members of the public testified for or against the application at the hearing.
Dennis Hughes of Holland & Knight LLP, land-use counsel for Gallaudet University, said the applicant believes the record is complete and that the submission demonstrates compliance with applicable zoning criteria, including analysis relative to the Comprehensive Plan. Hughes asked the commission to vote in support. The applicant's presentation included renderings and a PowerPoint that detailed the proposed site plan, the program for below-grade uses (archives, a Schuman documentary center, film studios and two amphitheaters), and the intent to prioritize students, faculty and staff for surface-level amenities such as the cafe.
Vice Chair Miller moved that the commission take final action on case No. 12-15D; the motion was seconded and then approved by roll call with Commissioners Miller, Stidham, Hood, Wright and Imamura voting "yes." The commission directed the applicant to provide a draft summary order; the applicant agreed to submit the draft order within two weeks of the hearing.
The decision allows Gallaudet to proceed to the next administrative steps under the campus plan process. The record for the case includes OP and DDOT reports, the ANC 5D support letter, the applicant's project materials and the commission's final action.
