Art Place at Fort Totten is located in Ward 5 along South Dakota Avenue, one of the city’s major thoroughfares. Perkins Eastman worked with the Cafritz Foundation, a non-profit organization, to develop the master plan in collaboration with BenWood StudioShanghai (BWSS). The client’s commitment to the arts programs in Washington, DC, as well as its engagement with the neighborhood groups and local stakeholders is what drives the commercial program.
Expanding on the success of The Modern, the first residential phase of the Art Place, this next phase consists of almost 300 apartments including artist live/work units, a 25,000 sf grocery store, and multiple cultural, culinary, and community venues. Fourth Street will be converted into a flexible pedestrian street with activities and outdoor dining. Residential buildings accompanied by retail are organized along the street to serve the neighborhood.
Parking is all below grade, and service entries are conveniently located to minimize visual impact and any conflict with pedestrian activity. The project also includes a 45,000 sf food collective, made up of local artisanal food and beverage vendors, a 56,000 sf interactive art experience that includes a 23,200 sf Explore! Children’s Museum, and a 34,000 sf performance venue that seats 1,750 people. Phase 2 will create an engaging, experiential hub of activity after completion.
