SAISgeist

Many times when you head out to the local bar scene around SAIS, it feels as though you’re in a capsule… one that involves aging frat-stars and obsequious Capitol Hill name-droppers.  Too many times I’ve ventured into the Dupont area and been beaten back by the “posh,” Blackberry-carrying mofia that is striving to make a name for themselves in the District. And usually all I wanted was a beer and maybe something a little more “bohemian.”

Please don’t get me wrong – we all have our own paths and I do not disrespect those of us who pursue such careers and networking opportunities.  It’s just, personally, I don’t care which Senator you hung out with today thankyouverymuch.  I’d rather find out what you’ve done to make the world a better place.

Which is why I was pleased to discover a unique project brewing in Northeast DC… a land rarely visited by the coveted Blackberry community.  I want to take a moment to nod to a previous post highlighting the virtues and budding atmosphere that is the H Street NE area – certainly a part of town I’m eager to revisit due it’s atypical DC crowd.

The project in question is the Bearden Arts Building Beta Community, a new endeavor to bring green residential space to the NE area in the form of affordable condos.  And when I say affordable, I mean that they are intended to start at under $200K for a space – a breath of fresh air from the typical $300K studio to $500K two bedroom apartment you can get around Logan / Scott / Thomas Circle.

At the suggestion of a friend, I attended a meeting for this “Beta Community” – more because I was interested in learning more about crowdsourcing than I was necessarily interested in the community (after all, who knows where I’m going post-SAIS).  I was not prepared for what I encountered.  Not only was I met with a warm and engaging group of people interested in sustainable buildings, but I learned that going green was not the only focus of this project.

The Beta Community also strives to build exactly that – a community - one that involves individuals from all walks of life, not just young professionals seeking a political career.  Granted, such professionals may add a great deal to the envisioned community, but what struck me most about the event was the desire to involve current H Street residents in preserving the existing community, while simultaneously offering a new concept of homeownership to the greater Washington area.  Imagine as a new SAIS grad working for the World Bank or the GAO or State or a high profile law firm and being able to make a down payment on your own home… because it’s actually affordable.  And now imagine that it’s not only affordable, but it’s GREEN as well… saving you many expenses and doing something beneficial for the community as a whole.

Now that’s change I can believe in.

I, for one, will be attending the next meeting at SOVA Espresso and Wine on November 5th to see what the next steps are in developing this community.  Newcomers are welcome – and bring friends.  See you there!