The old KFC building at 1442 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Some new information on the old KFC building at 1442 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Douglas Development plans to begin demolition of the building on Tues., Sept. 25 and start construction on a new building in the next 2-3 months. Instead of the four-story mixed-use retail/residential building reviewed by ANC 6B in 2011, Douglas plans to build a two-story retail/office building.
The updated plans envision a total of almost 11,000 sq. ft. of retail space with additional space on the building roof. It is unclear from the plans if the roof would be used for a roof deck or other purposes. Loading and trash pick-up would be off of 15th Street SE with a main entrance at the corner of 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue SE. From the drawings, it appears that the entrance for the second floor retail/office would be off Pennsylvania Avenue SE. The architect, Antunovich Associates, is the firm that designed the “Market Commons” in Clarendon.
I’m working with my colleague Commissioner Jared Critchfield (6B06) and neighbors to schedule a meeting for residents to ask questions of Douglas Development. Since the previous commission approved plans for a two-story retail development 3-4 years ago, Douglas does not need additional review from ANC 6B nor approval from the Zoning Commission or the Board of Zoning Adjustment to begin construction.
Please post your thoughts on the old KFC building/new plans below.
Update 9/26/12: The meeting is set. Douglas Development will discuss their new plans on Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:30 pm at New York Pizza (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE). Also, crews have been clearing and removing debris out of the interior of the KFC building.
Brian Flahaven 
Could the change from retail&residential to retail&office be of significant negative impact? If yes, would this be considered significant enough to request a review by the Zoning Commision?