Washington Commissioners support adaptive reuse of historic church building

The Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss a significant zoning map amendment concerning a historic church building. The meeting focused on the potential adaptive reuse of the structure, which has been a topic of interest for community members and preservationists alike.

The discussion began with a presentation highlighting the building's historical importance and the need for its preservation. A representative from the development team expressed excitement about maintaining the building's interior features, emphasizing the significance of its connection to notable historical figures, including former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower. The team aims to restore the building while ensuring that its historical integrity is preserved.

Concerns were raised regarding previous attempts by a religious organization to acquire the building, which had not materialized. The development team clarified that while there was interest from a congregation, their financial capability to purchase the property was insufficient compared to the current proposal. The team underscored the urgency of moving forward with the project to prevent further deterioration of the building, which has been vacant for an extended period.

Commissioners voiced their support for the project, noting that adaptive reuse is often the best solution for preserving historic structures. They acknowledged the community's concerns about the building's future use but emphasized that the goal is to maintain the structure's historical significance while allowing for its functional adaptation. The importance of community engagement and education was highlighted, with commissioners encouraging ongoing dialogue with local residents to address their concerns and share the vision for the building's future.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among the commissioners that the proposed zoning map amendment aligns with the comprehensive plan for the area. They expressed appreciation for the development team's efforts in preserving the building's historic character while adapting it for contemporary use. The next steps will involve further consultations with the Historic Preservation Review Board and continued community outreach as the project progresses.