U.S. capital could begin moving upward
Urban development Lack of land threatens historic building height law

By The Associated Press

Published: October 12, 2008

WASHINGTON — No skyscrapers jut from this low-lying federal city, allowing iconic buildings like the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol to dominate the horizon.

However, the historically sparse skyline might not stay that way.

As land disappears in Washington, concerns about high real estate prices are fueling debate on whether developers should be allowed to build taller, which is prevented under a century-old law.

Land scarcity and concerns about the need to curb suburban sprawl have even spawned talk of eventually bringing office towers to a city long known for its picturesque views, sunlit streets and compact buildings. Within 15 years, according to one analysis, no more space will be available in a 3.5-mile stretch from Georgetown to Capitol Hill.

Christopher Leinberger, a land use strategist and visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank, warns that unless more room is found, the artificial cap on space will further inflate already soaring downtown real estate prices, which rank second behind Manhattan.

As a result, only the wealthiest businesses and residents will be able to stay in Washington, stunting the city’s tax base.

Contrary to popular lore, the city’s low-lying skyline has nothing to do with preserving the prominence of the Washington Monument’s 555-foot stone obelisk.

The law limits building heights to the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet. There have been exceptions to allow for construction of the National Cathedral and Georgetown University Hospital.

The Height Act has capped most buildings at 130 feet, though heights of 160 feet are permitted in certain areas of Pennsylvania Avenue.

In Leinberger’s view, though, tinkering with the Height Act to allow a few extra floors here and there won’t solve anything.

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