EastBanc submits plans for West End, again

Anthony Lanier's EastBanc has submitted its application to D.C. officials once again to build 10,303 square feet of retail, 172 market rate residential units, and 192 underground parking spaces around the West End Library and fire station at 23rd between L and M Streets NW. The project also includes construction of a new fire station beneath 52 affordable apartments, if they receive District public funds in support, reports the Washington Business Journal.

The $149 million project has been a saga of stops and starts, including a sole-source contract with the administration of former Mayor Adrian Fenty, a reversal following community outcry, hearings before the D.C. Council, and on and on. Financing of an $18 million part of the project -- once thought to come from public incentives -- is in question. 

EastBanc founder and Georgetowner Lanier also envisions an eight-court, international regulation-size squash club with a special emphasis on young players. Lanier's daughter Camille is a top-ranked competitive player.

The developer and exercise devoté can often be seen riding his bicycle around Georgetown and downtown before his long work days begin. "When I'm feeling down, I ride to the monuments on the Mall," he says. "They give me inspiration." But in the winter, Lanier admits, he would rather play squash inside.