subject: The Capitol Riverfront - An Emerging DC Neighborhood [print this page] The Capitol Riverfront - An Emerging DC Neighborhood
A once depressed area, the new Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is poised to become one of Washington DC's hottest communities. As a mixed-use neighborhood, the former industrial area located between Capitol Hill and the Anacostia River is slowly transforming into a combined business center, urban neighborhood and entertainment district. More than 9000 new apartments, condominiums, and lofts were envisioned as part of the project's growth over the next ten years. While commercial development stalled with the recession, residents are moving in. Luxury properties include The Onyx on First, the 120 Capitol Quarter Townhomes, and the 200-unit Velocity condo building - all of which are either 85 percent leased and 75 percent sold.
In addition to its waterside location, the area boasts the Navy Yard Metro Stop -- with close proximity to the workplace as well as an array of social hubs. As a metro-accessible neighborhood, Capitol Riverfront is designed to be a "walkable community" for young professionals, empty nesters and anyone eager to enjoy city life. Located just five blocks South of the US Capitol Building, the "Front" is home to the Washington Nationals, the District's newly acquired baseball team, as well as number of other prominent tenants, such as the US Navy Yard, US Coast Guard, and Department of Transportation. The congressional office buildings and Barracks Row entertainment district are all within a mile's walk. A 16-mile riverwalk for joggers, walkers, and bikers along the banks of the Anacostia River is slated for public use later this year.
The new Nationals Park, opened officially in 2008, serves as the cornerstone of the growing community. The exterior faade of the 41,000+ seat facility features an innovative design of glass, steel, and pre-cast concrete (simulating limestone) to set the tone for the area. Sweeping views of the Capitol dome and panoramic glimpses of the riverfront and other DC landmarks are available from numerous positions around the ballpark.
Directly behind the stadium is the new five-acre waterfront Diamond Teague Park. The Park replaces the old Arthur Capper/Carrollsburg Dwellings housing complex that dominated the area for more than 60 years. Using the Park's piers, water taxies shuttle visitors from Alexandria, National Harbor and the stadium.
While commercial business has trailed the growth in residential living, there are a number of retail, entertainment and hospitality tenants currently operating. These include: The Courtyard by Marriott, Starbucks, CVS, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Cornercopia Market and Deli, Justin's Cafe, Subway, Quiznos, Chicken Tortilla, The Port Cafe, Barracks Row Restaurants (including Matchbox, Belga Cafe, Cava, Starfish Cafe and more), Congressional Dry Cleaners, Sizzling Express, Chevy Chase Bank, SunTrust Bank, Wachovia Bank, Dogma Dog Daycare, Casa degli Angeli Bed and Breakfast, as well as the Nationals Park, and the U.S. Navy Museum.
The Front continues to be a unique opportunity for DC businesses and residents to take part in shaping a new, vibrant community on the water.
