WASHINGTON, D.C. — A partnership between Lowe, FLGA and Davenport Group has secured a 99-year ground lease from Howard University to construct a new residential tower on two sites in Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood currently being used as student parking lots. The 1.9-acre assemblage at 2251 Sherman Ave. and 2047 9th St. NW will be converted into a 525,000-square-foot, 10-story tower housing up to 500 residences, 27,000 square feet of commercial space and an underground parking garage. The partnership is undertaking the development with USAA Real Estate. JLL arranged an undisclosed amount of bridge financing for the land transaction through Eagle Bank. Construction is anticipated to commence in fall 2023.
The project is the latest transaction by Howard University to densify its campus while maintaining long-term control of its real estate. Plans for the new housing include units ranging from studios to larger two-bedroom with den floor plans. Approximately 40 units will be designated as affordable housing, with the potential to increase that number to 60 units.
Planned amenities include a club room, fitness center and rooftop patio and pool. The unnamed project is also set to include a 25-foot-wide public plaza fronting the future extension of W Street that will provide an activated gathering space and a connection between Howard University and the Shaw neighborhood.