The fortress-like underground structure posed unique challenges to engineers redeveloping a former U.S. Army complex.

A Washington, D.C. adaptive reuse project is making creative use of a six-decade-old underground parking garage, reports Andy Peters for CoStar.
The Parks at Walter Reed development is a 67-acre redevelopment project transforming the former Walter Reed Army Hospital property now being developed by Hines, Urban Atlantic, Triden Development Group and Bridge Investment Group. According to Peters, “The Parks at Walter Reed developers decided to convert the existing Army-built garage as a way to limit the project's carbon emissions. One way to limit carbon is to renovate existing structures rather than build new, a process that often requires pouring thousands of cubic yards of new concrete.”
However, the garage was built differently than most, likely designed and reinforced to withstand a military air attack. “The designers later discovered that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers left behind only threadbare information about the garage’s building specs. Blueprints that were located were missing pages and some pages were mangled and illegible.” The developers used 3D laser scanning to scan the entire structure for accurate measurements, and engineers discovered a slew of irregularities.
To date, “About 70% of the residential segment of the project is complete and includes condos, apartments, townhouses, senior housing, assisted living and coliving units, according to a Hines spokeswoman.” The garage is now operational and can accommodate 840 vehicles.
FULL STORY: Parking, under fire in many US cities, posed a different problem for architects on Washington, DC, project

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service