D.C.'s height limit: Measure of their impact

[tamias6]

I wonder how developers would respond if D.C. lifted its height restrictions in at least a part of the city. Would there be an immediate building boom? Just to keep me from catching a bunch of flack, let's say a less historical part of the city that doesn't mean of that much.

[bmorescottamanda]

I wonder how developers would respond if D.C. lifted its height restrictions in at least a part of the city. Would there be an immediate building boom? Just to keep me from catching a bunch of flack, let's say a less historical part of the city that doesn't mean of that much.

[urbanvb]

I wonder how developers would respond if D.C. lifted its height restrictions in at least a part of the city. Would there be an immediate building boom? Just to keep me from catching a bunch of flack, let's say a less historical part of the city that doesn't mean of that much.

[tombarnes]

There is enough room for tall buildings in the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland without removing the height restrictions in DC. Having the Capitol, Washington Monument and other landmarks prominent on the skyline is part of Washington's identity. I'd hate to see this long-established pattern altered in favor of tall towers.

[krazeeboi]

I can't even imagine it happening but I doubt few would say DC is not a neat city in spite of it not having tall buildings. Density is more desirable imo than tall buildings although I can appreciate them very much.

[Shakman]

DC's height restriction has not negatively impacted DC. In light of the height restrictions, DC has the third largest downtown in the US (behind Downtown Manhattan and Chicago).

[urbanvb]

I agree. The height has done little if anything to cause DC not to become a great place. Density is what DC has plenty of which is what counts imo.

[Spartan]

^These are all great points.

DC has one of the largest downtowns, and a much more spread out urban feel than any other city its size, and I think you can attribute most of that to its height restrictions. This forces more urban neighborhoods to form because you can't cram as many people into one place. There is certainly a threshold of density for great urban neighborhood, and 10 stories more than meets that requirement. Its proof that skyscrapers are just eye candy.

Here's a fun fact: "Nine percent of its residents already walk to work, the most of any U.S. city..."

DC also has one of the best transit systems in the country, and second largest behind New York... all of this is becuase that density was forced to spread out by the height restrictions!

Here is an interesting article about the height restrictions and its effects on DC's growth.

[Spartan]

There are some people suggesting a change to DC's height limits... the realy focus on the benefits of raising the height limit. Definitely worth a read.

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