The Bike Estate - Proposed 100 Florida Avenue NE Project with "Bike Lobby" Makes Changes

Artist's rendering of residences of 100 Florida Avenue NE
that open directly on the Metropolitan Branch Trail
Image: MRP Realty

A public meeting between Mid-Atlantic Realty Partners (MRP) and the Zoning Commission held April 24, 2017 provided an update to the proposed 100 Florida Avenue NE project, also known as Washington Gateway Phase Two, which abuts the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT).  In good news for MBT users, MRP will expand the hours of operation until midnight and provide additional trail maintenance.

The project would contain commercial and residential towers with 72 long-term bike storage spaces and an elevator that would allow the use of two bicycles at a time. The elevator would connect to a building lobby, which would be specially-designed as an entrance to the MBT.

The two-story lobby would allow the public and building tenants to access the trail. The lobby would also contain seating, a trail-themed kiosk, a drinking fountain, a repair station, and space of 24 bikes. Bike ramps and an elevator would allow users to access the trail from Florida Avenue and provide access lobby amenities. 

A rendering of the proposed two-story bike lobby
Image: MRP Realty

Detailed drawings and examples of the
proposed bike lobby
Image: MRP Realty

The initial plans for this project included a lobby; however, it would have closed for public use at 9 pm. In a letter dated May 1 from the firm Holland & Knight, MRP stated that as part of the Planned Unit Development process the hours of operations would be extended to midnight.

During non-operating hours, the lobby would be secured by conceal overhead doors but the trail would be accessible to building tenets. Also noted in the post hearing submission, the project will maintain the trail and improvements made to it along the frontage between the North and South towers along the MBT.