If you've lived in DC long enough, you've surely been AMAZED at the transformation of the Meridian Hill/Malcom X Park area of Columbia Heights. Even a few years ago it was better known for its crime scenes than its trendy new lofts and modern mixed-use spaces. However, times have changed, and one of the advantages of being part of a newly revitalized area is the opportunity to participate in its development. One such opportunity is in the intriguing contest, hosted by developer Jair Lynch, which we spotted on DC Urban Turf. Here's the deal...
CEO, Jair Lynch's goal for the live-work spaces is to encourage small business growth in the up-and-coming neighborhood. With this hope in mind, he designed the contest to be open to the public. Ideas need not be complex, and contestants are not required to have any design experience or expertise.
The basic premise of the contest is to come up with an idea that best utilizes the 1,600 sq. ft. of the three live-work loft units in the newly built Solea, located on the corner of 14th and Florida Ave, NW. The ground floor is designated for storefront retail facing Florida Ave., while the lower level is designed for residential use, complete with kitchen, bath, and washer and dryer.
There are two $500 cash prizes, one for the design with the most votes from the public, and one selected by the developer to become the model used for the live-work units. Jair Lynch is working with MobFuse to transform contestant ideas into viable, buildable designs. While the cash may not seem like much, the glory of impacting this recently-crowned DC hot spot may well be.
To submit an idea, visit the Define Live-Work contest site.
To see more pictures of the live-work units, check out DC Urban Turf's article here.
To learn more about the Solea, visit their website.
(Images: DC Urban Turf and the Solea)
"hey, do our job for us! For barely any money!"
view Tomorrowful's profile
"Amazed" could be one descripter for this project, but considering the manner in which CH has been developed, and the number of empty condos cluttering up DC's skyline in all sorts of neighborhoods, I could also think of a few less kind adjectives.
view lotusmoss's profile
I agree with Tomorrowful--this is a (somewhat clever) attempt by the developer to get free advertising for their condo building, plus have somebody come up with plans for furnishing a model unit for nearly free.
view Jenny in DC's profile
"being part of a newly revitalized area"? "participate in its development"? Revitalized? You can't neglect a neighborhood of black residents, buy out homes, tear them down, rebuild condos, raise property taxes and run the poor residents out of the neighborhood and call it "revitalization". It is called gentrification. Why don't we "revitalize" the neighborhood while allowing it's citizens to enjoy their own Malcolm X community without worrying about being forced out? Shame on Apartment Therapy for glorifying gentrification and dislocation of poor black residents. Just because they are poor means that they have no face.
view I.P. Freely's profile
tsk, tsk, tsk
view silverburr's profile
Developers rent to whomever has the ability to pay the demanded rental price. Given the outright dismal market in real estate, renting out available space has become even more difficult. This contest created by Jair Lynch, however, sounds rather interesting, and seems to be pushing the envelope in building development beyond the quintessential 'rent as fast as you can' approach.
Instead of just renting the commercial spaces to whomever can afford his prices, JL is at least allowing the general public to suggest ways to use this space. That’s a lot better than the other 99% of developers who wouldn't even waste his time to ask what the general public thought.
view MikeDee's profile
Does anyone else think that the stair rail looks like a baby gate? I can't see enough of the rest of the space to make any judgements.
view cliokitty's profile