Press Release For Immediate Release April 27, 2004 DC Office of Planning Wins National Award (Washington, DC) Today, the Near Southeast Urban Design Framework, a major component of the District's plans for the Anacostia River waterfront, received the 2004 "Outstanding Planning Award for a Plan" from the American Planning Association. The annual award honors the most outstanding national effort in city and regional planning. The Near Southeast plan, produced by the DC Office of Planning (OP), beat more than 190 other entries. "We're honored to receive this prestigious award and excited that the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is gaining interest and recognition across the country as a model for urban regeneration and riverfront restoration," Andrew Altman, Director of the DC Office of Planning, said. About the Plan The Near Southeast Urban Design Framework focuses on the transformation of the area along the Anacostia River at the doorstep to the US Capitol. The Plan envisions a vibrant neighborhood where maritime activity and commerce mix with culture and housing to form a true urban destination, replacing parking lots and underutilized streets with public plazas, restaurants, shops, museums and theatres. The Plan envisions 4,200 new housing units, 41 acres of new open space, 13.6 million square feet of office space, and 700,000 feet of retail. OP's Second Big Win In winter 2003, The Southwest Waterfront Development Plan was chosen as one of six projects in North America to receive the prestigious EDRA/Places Award for 2003. The Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) and Places Magazine annually recognize exemplary projects in architecture, planning and urban design for their commitment to excellence in the design of the human environment.