Zoning Commission approves Press House PUD modification, allows flexible placement of rooftop noise monitor

The District of Columbia Zoning Commission on Nov. 25, 2025, voted 5–0 to approve a modification with hearing to a first‑stage planned unit development (Case No. 15‑28A) at 1225 3rd Street NE, allowing design changes to an approved mixed‑use project and the addition of a penthouse eating and drinking establishment.

The commission’s action lets Press House Pursuit LLC increase the hotel’s guest room count to 179 (the applicant said this is down from a previously filed 189 but slightly above the original 175 approved) and authorize an approximately 2,700 square‑foot rooftop food and beverage venue. Commissioners said the architectural revisions were generally non‑substantive but raised questions about a canopy/curved roof element and how to ensure rooftop operations comply with neighborhood noise expectations.

The applicant, represented by counsel Jeff Utz of Wilson & Storrs, told the commission the modification keeps the PUD’s previously approved density and massing (approximately 6.67 FAR and ~461,000 square feet GFA) and that the project remains consistent with the Comprehensive Plan analysis in the…