Highly Anticipated Solar-Powered Townhomes Near H Street Corridor Moving Forward

 Rendering of 17 Solar townhomes.

It looks as though a block of 17th Street NE near the H Street Corridor could get a slew of new solar-powered townhouses by the end of the year.

17 Solar, a project from District Development Group (DDG), would bring 26 glassy, solar-powered, modern-looking residences to 17th Street NE between D and E Street (map), east of the H Street Corridor in between Rosedale and Kingman Park.

Andy Botticello of DDG said that they are in the process of acquiring permits now, and will break ground on the first phase of the project in a few months. The construction timeline for the first 18 units — two-story, three-bedroom townhomes stacked on top of two-bedrooms condos — is 9 to 12 months. The townhomes will start at $569,000, and the first-floor condos at $375,000. Nine will be set aside for those making 80 percent of the area median income.

The developer, Andy Botticello, is known for his innovative projects. Pictured below are images from Kentucky Courts, which was an award winning project in Capitol Hill.





Botticello and his development partner Phinis Jones secured financing for the development last spring, and are working with DC’s Department of Housing and Community Development on the project.

In addition to solar cells on the roof, the homes will have highly efficient systems and more insulation than a typical home. The glass-heavy facades will allow plenty for natural light and may reduce some energy usage. The project will be LEED certified, and DDG is currently working with a LEED consultant as they finalize plans.