This Friday, the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) granted developer CAS Riegler a zoning variance, allowing the planned redevelopment of the Dupont Circle church, St. Thomas’ Parish, located at 1772 Church Street NW.
In place of the church, the developer will construct a seven-story, 50,000-square-foot building. The building will house a new religious center as well as a 56-unit apartment complex. The Parish Hall will be incorporated into the new building, reported Washington Business Journal.
Borderstan reported that opponents of the project described it as too tall and incompatible with the neighborhood. Critics also argued that the new project would deprive locals of public space. In response to the criticism, the BZA described the opponents as "unpersuasive."
The church has been working to design and build a new church since 2009. According to the BZA application, the current building on the site is too small for the church’s needs.
For renderings of the project, go to CAS Riegler's site here.