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Shakespeare Theatre Co. Withdraws Plans for Controversial HQ

The developer will resubmit their application in the fall

The people have spoken, and the Shakespeare Theatre Co. (STC) has listened. BisNow reported that the STC recently withdrew its application for a 136-unit mixed-use high-rise planned for 501 I Street SW. Some of the concerns the community has vocalized on the project, known as "The Bard," include that it could negatively impact traffic as well as undermine the Southwest Neighborhood Plan.

This past week, the STC revised its project in the effort to please the community. These revisions involved raising the number of below-marking housing units and promising twice-weekly workshops and twice-yearly in-school live performances for the nearby Amidon-Bowen Elementary or Jefferson Academy schools.

Other community benefits first reported by UrbanTurf included five years of financial support for the SW ArtsFest, free use of assembly rooms in "The Bard" for community meetings, discounted acting class tuition for locals, summer camp scholarships to 10 low-income children, and allowing up to 100 students and teachers to attend one STC production each year with all transportation paid for.

HillRag.com reported that the STC hopes to resubmit their application this fall.