One of the most discordant infill rowhouse popups I've ever seen...

I am not against popups per se, and I believe in infill construction, to maximize the ability to offer housing. I also believe in a variety of types of housing (apartments, rowhouses, detached houses, basement apartments, carriage houses, etc.) in neighborhoods to support a diverse range of needs and incomes, and to militate against homogeneity with the aim of building more resilient neighborhoods.
But there is a reason I believe in mandatory design review -- not to stop projects from proceeding, but with the aim of ensuring that the design of the facades is compatible with the general architectural style of the block and neighborhood.
Because the city's residential architecture dating from the 1930s and earlier is so distinct and so identified with "Washington", design review is justified because diminishment of the architectural character of blocks and neighborhoods diminishes the architectural character of the city.
Labels: building regulation, design review, historic preservation, infill construction, neighborhood planning, urban design/placemaking

