Construction has started on
17 Solar, a unique development project comprising 26 modern residences that integrate solar energy and other high-efficiency features. Located at 401-417 17th Street NE, the development is just east of Capitol Hill and two blocks south of the Atlas District. Andy Botticello, president of
District Development Group (DDG), says that marketing for the project's mix of townhomes and single-story flats near the H Street corridor will kick off at the
H Street festival on Saturday, September 21.
A total of nine flats (approximately 950 square feet each), seven stacked townhomes (1,600-1,800 square feet each) and two corner townhome condominiums (1,800 square feet each) are being offered in Phase 1 of the project. Botticello says the homes will be available for non-binding reservations next week, with contracts available in about three months. Completion is expected sometime next fall.
Botticello says the project is a modern interpretation of the typical row-house-style development in the community: three stories divided into a two-story home above a one-story flat. "We also incorporated the bay window configuration present in the existing homes in neighborhood," he explains. "This was implemented utilizing modern materials including a lot of glass and incorporating the sloped roof to reflect the fact that the homes feature solar collectors oriented towards the south."
The two-story condominiums each come with a full PV (photovoltaic) system designed to supply usable electric power by using the sun as the power source. "Depending on energy usage, they will provide approximately 20 percent to 30 percent of the energy used," says Botticello.
The townhome prices will start at $599,000 and the first-floor flats at $375,000. "We also incorporated non-traditional financing to allow for the sale of nine homes to purchasers earning less than 80 percent of median income," Botticello adds.
The project was designed by
A2 Design, Inc., a licensed architectural firm in the Washington D.C. area that has worked with DDG on other residential and commercial projects. Botticello says that DDG believes "their designs reflect a unique approach to urban structures."
The District Development Group (DDG) says its mission is generating community-focused projects. It aims to develop housing and community facilities that are financial viable ventures while also enriching the local community.