Park Planned On Anacostia Riverfront

A five-acre park will be built along the Anacostia River under an agreement between the District and a developer, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty said yesterday.

Under the deal's terms, Forest City Washington will construct the $42 million park several blocks east of the Washington Nationals' ballpark.

The park is a main feature of Forest City's massive development along the waterfront, a 15- to 20-year project that is to include 2,800 condominium and rental apartments, offices and retail. It is to include what the developer describes as a "scenic riverfront esplanade," a sprawling lawn and a marina.

"We're building a new city here," D.C. Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) said at a news conference. "We're building the amenities today that will last centuries."

How quickly that vision becomes reality is unknown, particularly with the credit crunch and fluctuations in the economy.

Forest City is building one of at least 15 apartment buildings it plans for the site, a 170-unit complex along Tingey Street. The developer is also planning two retail hubs and at least six office buildings, although no groundbreaking has been scheduled.

Gary McManus, Forest City's director of marketing, said the developer will not proceed with the office buildings until it lands anchor tenants. "It's difficult to find credit in this market without an anchor tenant," he said.