COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: On Target

At the same meeting where it approved a financing plan for Frank Gehry's stunning expansion for the Corcoran Gallery, the D.C. City Council also approved a plan to help construct a large retail complex, anchored by a Target supercenter. The Washington Post reports that the "DC USA" project will receive a $42 million subsidy for a giant underground parking garage. It would be one of the largest retail complexes in the city, serving as a retail anchor for much of the Northwest quadrant of the city east of Rock Creek Park. It is slated to open in 2007, eight years after it was first proposed. The DC USA complex would be at the corner of Irving and 14th streets, adjacent to the Columbia Heights metrorail station.

The council also approved a $25 million subsidy for a similar project in Southeast called Skyland. That project, in Ward 7, has "drawn interest" from Target as well.

"D.C. Agrees to Subsidize Corcoran Addition, 2 Retail Areas" [The Washington Post]