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Writer's pictureChris Jones

Coba Submits Building Plans

Updated: Jan 18, 2020

Coba Properties has submitted its plans and received permits for its demolition and construction at 2208 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Glover Park, the former location of Georgetown Carpet which moved down the street to Georgetown (see prior article). Coba purchased the property one year ago for $6 million. They will build a four level plus penthouse structure containing 36 apartments and two main-level retail stores, plus an underground 20-space garage. Technically six levels when the penthouse/roof deck and garage are included. The floor area of the building will increase from the current 8000 s.f. to 43,000+ s.f.


Demolition hit a minor snag after they notified the neighbors of the plan. The owners of the Subway Sandwich building signed the consent, but the owners of the Sweetgreen building made their consent conditional upon receiving and reviewing detailed excavation and structural work from licensed contractors. Once this is worked out, presumably very soon, the bulldozers will roll off the flatbeds and Georgetown Carpet will be gone. Construction permitting hit another minor snag when their plans exceeded the 60% max lot occupancy by 2%. DCRA was able to review and approve this variance without the involvement of the Board of Zoning Adjustment. In fact, all construction has been approved as matter-of-right without the mandatory involvement of BZA or the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.


Coba has estimated its construction costs at only $1.875 million, which sees a little low. Backing out 20% for foundation, garage and main level retail, that leaves just $41K per residential unit plus penthouse. I'm no builder so what do I know - let's assume they are great at cost control. Coincidentally, the DC Regulatory Authority has set a construction limit of $1.9 million for requiring an Environmental Impact Review, which can take months of extra paperwork, costs and government reviews. What a stroke of luck to be just under! Though, what if there are cost overruns - do they need to go back to the drawing board and start over? Somehow I doubt it.


The drawings below show the front and side elevations as well as the floor layout of the apartments and the roof deck. We are waiting on a rendering of the building from Bennett, Frank McCarthy Architects - I'm sure it will look beautiful. The front corner apartments will have balconies overlooking Wisconsin Avenue - get ready to reserve those early....




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