Special offer

What's a POP-UP and do I care?

No; I didn't say Pop-tart - those were a staple of my breakfast diet as a kid.  A "POP-UP" is what is happening all over DC; when a developer buys a row-house and adds (POP-UPs) the top; to add a floor; and ultimately turn the once single-family house; into 3 or 4 condos.

 

It is happening all over the hot neighborhoods in DC, like Columbia Heights, Bloomingdale, Park View, Trinidad and others.  This trend has both proponents and opponents and like most debates, both sides think they have the best idea for the city.

 

The Good:  The growth of DC is dependent upon more available housing.  With height restrictions; we can't have towering hi-rise condo and apartment buildings.  There is only so much land to build; so by turning a 1 family residence home into a 3 or 4 family home; we can increase the population; increase the city's tax-base and fill the housing need.

 

The Bad: Historic neighborhoods are losing their old looks for newer modern ones. Quiet streets with 2 story row homes now are getting more crowded with 3 or 4 stories. Some of these new "pop-ups" are down right sore thumbs; and do not conform with the the other homes on the block.

 

The DC Office of planning introduced a proposal which is already meeting resistance. Also; looking at some local blog posts; most commenters disagree with limits like this. Of course; these people probably don't own a 2 story row-home next to a 4 story beast.

 

Posted by

 

             

 

Contact James Downing of the MetroDCHouses Team, if you are selling, buying or have questions!

Office: 202-469-6778   Cell: 703.244.3971

Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.

Real Living | At Home
11 Dupont Circle #650 | Washington D.C. | 20036 | 202-518-8781

4600 N. Park Ave #100 | Chevy Chase MD | 20815 | 301-652-0643

3033 Wilson Blvd #700  | Arlington VA | 22201 | 703-390-9460