By Beth Hall
On June 18, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser joined local leaders to cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of The Stacks, a new Buzzard Point development at 101 V Street SW.
Named after the three smokestacks that rise from the nearby former Pepco generating plant, The Stacks is located on almost seven acres south of Audi Field. The project includes three unique residential buildings with more than 1,000 units of housing.
There will also be new retail facilities, including a community gym, a co-working space and a small grocery market. The apartments and townhomes are located at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, and many parts of the buildings, including public spaces, have panoramic views of the water, Fort McNair, Haines Point and Washington Reagan National Airport.
At the ribbon-cutting, Bowser pointed out the power of public investment, noting the proximity of the soccer stadium, which included District spending on infrastructure improvements. She also said that the Buzzard Point area now represents 2% of the land area and 10% of the district’s tax base.
“I literally can’t recognize the place,” Bowser said, reflecting on the vacant parcels and industrial uses that used to be the character of Buzzard Point. She related how legendary local journalist Tom Sherwood once described it a “godforsaken part of the District.” Now, it’s a neighborhood.
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen also attended the ribbon-cutting, and said the finished sections “look even better” than the renderings presented during the planning process. Other speakers described how the project was a team effort driven by people and relationships.
The Stacks includes public parks, open plazas and community gathering spaces, and free events and activities will be open to the public. V Street Park, a 15,000-square-foot green space, includes a play lawn, al fresco dining areas and public seating.
The new development is part of a growing community of Southwest residents in Buzzard Point, populating buildings such as the Watermark (1900 Half St SW), Peninsula 88 (88 V St) and Riverpoint, (2121 First St SW) which also houses DC Central Kitchen and The Point Restaurant. Hen Quarter Prime is another upscale restaurant located in the area. The Verge (1800 Half St. SW) is located near the Frederick Douglass Bridge and a new Cambria Hotel is at 69 O St SW.
