Dance Loft Highlighted as Example of Infill Development in the District

The DC Office of Planning recently highlighted Dance Loft as an example of an infill mixed-use project. On September 8, 2022, the Zoning Commission approved the redevelopment of Dance Lofts on Upper 14th Street, an infill project that includes active ground floor arts uses and five stories of residential above.

A new theater, dance studio and art gallery space for Dance Loft, along with approximately 1,900 square feet for retail shops or restaurants, will be located on the ground floor and mezzanine level.

Affordable housing is also an important part of this project with 66 of the units being set aside as affordable housing for households earning up to 30%, 50% and 60% of the medium family income. The project includes the lot along the commercial corridor and extends onto a long alley lot surrounded by existing alleyways and homes.

Affordable housing is also an important part of this project with 66 of the units being set aside as affordable housing for households earning up to 30%, 50% and 60% of the medium family income.

New buildings that are constructed on a vacant/underutilized site or additions to existing buildings is commonly called “infill development”.  Infill development results in affordable and family housing as well as new shopping and dining options. Infill development is a key tool for expanding housing in the District and achieving the goal of 36,000 housing units by 2025, with 12,000 of those units being affordable.  

The Framework Element of the Comprehensive Plan states “infill opportunities along corridors and near transit stations will be an important component of reinvigorating and enhancing our neighborhoods. Development on such sites must be designed to respect the integrity of stable neighborhoods and the broader community context, and encourage housing and amenities for low-income households, who rely more on transit. Adequate infrastructure capacity should be ensured as growth occurs.”

In addition to the Comp Plan, recent changes to Zoning Regulations have helped facilitate infill development. The 2016 zoning regulations made it possible for lots recorded prior to 2016 to be developed as a matter-of-right regardless of lot width and lot area, where it was difficult to do so before because many existing lots did not meet zoning requirements for width and area.

Read the full DC Office of Planning newsletter here.