Recent Work
Explore our recent panel reports below to learn about the challenging land use and real estate issues that ULI members have helped to solve.
Upcoming Panels:
Foggy Bottom / Kennedy Center Infrastructure TAP – September 2023
Three MWCOG-ULI Grant Assisted TAPs – Dates TBD
Town of Kensington TAP
The Town of Kensington convened a 2-day Technical Assistance Panel to study the proposed Summit Avenue Extension project and associated development opportunities/challenges.
One of the main goals of the 2012 Kensington Sector Plan was the creation of a Town Center by diverting traffic flows via the Summit Avenue Extension project. Projected to be completed in FY32, the Summit Avenue Extension project would extend Summit Avenue past its current terminus at Plyers Mill Road, and connect Summit Avenue to Connecticut Avenue, via Farragut Avenue.
The project was proposed for its potential traffic alleviation, but could also create opportunities for developable frontage, along with multimodal infrastructure. However, the project also creates new challenges, mostly pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle safety, as the new Summit Avenue terminus at Connecticut Avenue, near the University Boulevard split, presents challenges for pedestrian movement and safety.
The Panel cautioned against using the extended Summit Avenue as a traffic mitigation strategy, and instead proposed using the new road as a residential bridge between the historically Black Ken-Gar community and the Town of Kensington. In addition, the Panel recommended the Town consider co-location of uses at the current (or future) site of the Kensington Fire Station.
Prince George’s County Housing Strategy
The Prince George’s County Planning Department convened a 2-day Technical Assistance Panel to evaluate the current housing strategy in the County, with specific focus on two current policies: the rent stabilization and townhouse moratorium bills.
The panel was asked to identify the best tools for managing residential real estate development in (1) achieve the goals of Plan 2035; (2) support a robust and diverse residential housing market; and (3) generally support the county’s economic vitality. ULI is asked to assess the likelihood that Plan 2035’s goal of achieving specified amounts of residential development in identified urban centers can be achieved, and to identify tools that will successfully direct more growth to urban centers.
Grant Building TAP
President Lincoln’s Cottage and the National Trust for Historic Preservation convened a 2-day Technical Assistance Panel to investigate future uses for the historic Grant Building, situated next to the Cottage’s Visitor Education Center.
The Grant Building is situated on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), was originally built as a mess hall and dormitory for the 400 some armed forces who lived on the grounds. The building stopped being used as a dormitory in the 1960s and has been closed since 1998. Today, the Grant building has serious safety concerns: water damage, asbestos, lead paint. The panel explored the financial reality of mothballing the building, and razing the building, but ultimately recommended rehabbing Grant and reusing it as affordable housing for veterans.
University Boulevard TAP
The Montgomery County Department of Planning convened a two-day Technical Assistance Panel with the overall goal of addressing community needs as they pertain to traffic safety, regional connectivity, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The panel was asked to explore potential opportunities for new infill development, bikeways, future bus rapid transit (BRT), and the potential for creating a “complete street” – a boulevard with wider sidewalks, comfortable public transportation stops and safe access. These goals are in line with the Thrive Montgomery 2050 plan, which envisions how the entire county can focus on growth, development, safety and resilience for the coming decades – particularly in the east county, where the University Boulevard corridor is located – while still keeping the agriculture reserve and parklands intact.
University Boulevard TAP Presentation
Great Seneca Corridor TAP
The Great Seneca Corridor is the epicenter of national public health research and serves as a hub for life sciences and education institutions. While this area has grown in recent years, more can be done to promote connectivity and community engagement in the space. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has geographic authority in Montgomery County, and approached ULI to convene a Technical Assistance Panel to address this issue. Over two days, panelists toured the area, met with stakeholders and produced recommendations to improve health, wellness and public spaces, improve connectivity and transportation, and better facilitate development and land use.