Skyland Town Center | Southeast Washington

Skyland Town Center is a major mixed-use redevelopment project located in Southeast Washington, D.C., within the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7. Covering approximately 18.5 acres at the busy intersection of Good Hope Road, Naylor Road, and Alabama Avenue SE, this development represents a significant revitalization effort for a historically underserved area east of the Anacostia River. The project aims to blend residential living, retail commerce, and community spaces into a cohesive urban hub that promotes economic growth, social inclusion, and improved quality of life for local residents.

Historical Context and Purpose

Skyland Town Center is situated on the site of the former Skyland Shopping Center, which had declined over decades and was largely vacant before the redevelopment initiative began. Recognizing the area’s potential and the community’s need for accessible amenities, the District of Columbia government partnered with private developers to transform this site into a vibrant, modern town center. The goal was to create an economically sustainable and socially inclusive space that provides affordable housing, local jobs, and convenient retail services in a safe, attractive environment.

Development Phases

The redevelopment of Skyland Town Center has proceeded in multiple phases, carefully planned to balance construction with ongoing community needs.

Phase 1 – Residential and Retail Foundation (Completed 2021)

The Crest Apartments: The initial phase introduced a new residential complex consisting of 263 units. Among these, 79 are designated as affordable housing, ensuring accessibility for low- to moderate-income residents. The apartments feature modern amenities such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, in-unit washers and dryers, and access to a fitness center, resident lounge, bike storage, a dog park, and secure parking.

Retail Spaces: Ground-floor retail includes essential service providers like CVS Pharmacy and Chase Bank, as well as local businesses such as Roaming Rooster (a popular chicken restaurant) and Like That Barbershop. These retail tenants contribute to everyday convenience and foster community engagement.

Phase 2 – Retail Expansion (Completed 2022)

Anchor Grocery Store: One of the landmark achievements of this phase was the introduction of Lidl, a full-service grocery store. This was the first full-scale grocery option east of the Anacostia River in over a decade, addressing a significant food desert issue and improving local residents’ access to fresh food.

Additional Retail: The expansion also brought in diverse dining and service options, including DC’s first drive-thru Starbucks, PNC Bank, Tropical Smoothie Café, Mezeh (Mediterranean cuisine), Maizal (Mexican food), and &pizza. These offerings provide a wide range of food, beverage, and banking services, contributing to local convenience and job creation.

Phase 3 – Final Phase (Expected Completion Post-2024)

Townhomes and Senior Housing: This phase focuses on adding 126 for-sale townhomes, offering homeownership opportunities within the community. Additionally, a 75-unit affordable senior housing building is planned, designed to support aging residents with safe, affordable accommodations.

Retail and Public Spaces: Approximately 10,000 square feet of additional retail space will be developed, including new restaurants like Savage Breakfast Club and Peri Peri Original. The project will also introduce a public plaza and community square intended for social gatherings, cultural events, and neighborhood activities, fostering a stronger sense of place and connection among residents.

Community Impact and Economic Significance

Skyland Town Center is much more than a collection of buildings; it is a strategic investment in social equity, economic empowerment, and urban renewal. The project:

Combats Food Insecurity: By bringing Lidl and other fresh food retailers to the area, it directly addresses the absence of quality grocery stores, which had limited residents’ access to healthy food options.

Increases Affordable Housing: The inclusion of affordable rental units and affordable senior housing ensures that a diverse socioeconomic demographic can benefit from the development, preventing displacement and promoting community stability.

Creates Employment Opportunities: Retail and service businesses within the development provide local job opportunities, supporting workforce development and economic self-sufficiency.

Enhances Public Spaces: The design of parks, plazas, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks promotes outdoor activity, social interaction, and community programming.

Improves Infrastructure and Access: By revitalizing a key neighborhood intersection and improving transit accessibility, Skyland Town Center enhances connectivity within Southeast D.C., facilitating mobility for residents and visitors alike.

Architectural and Urban Design Features

The development embraces contemporary urban design principles that emphasize walkability, mixed-use functionality, and community integration. Residential buildings are designed with modern aesthetics, featuring quality materials and amenities that reflect current housing market trends. Retail spaces have been configured to encourage street-level engagement, with storefronts opening onto sidewalks and plazas to create an inviting pedestrian environment.

Green spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian pathways are thoughtfully incorporated to break up the built environment, offering visual relief and areas for relaxation. Sustainable design practices are incorporated where possible to support environmental stewardship, including energy-efficient building systems and stormwater management solutions.

Location and Accessibility

Skyland Town Center’s location at the intersection of Good Hope Road, Naylor Road, and Alabama Avenue SE places it within a dense residential area that had long lacked a centralized commercial hub. The site is served by multiple Metrobus routes, with the nearest Washington Metro stations being Congress Heights and Anacostia on the Green Line, both accessible within a short ride. This connectivity enhances the center’s accessibility for residents and visitors, linking the community to broader parts of the city.

Summary

Skyland Town Center stands as a transformative example of urban revitalization through mixed-use development, thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of Southeast Washington, D.C.’s residents. By integrating affordable housing, essential retail, dining, banking, and public gathering spaces, the project addresses historical disparities and fosters economic and social resilience. Its phased approach ensures sustained community involvement and responsiveness, making it a landmark for equitable development and neighborhood renewal in the nation’s capital.