BZA approves 2,700 sq ft penthouse expansion at 1401 New York Ave NW after Secret Service review

Car Properties and project counsel presented a plan to expand the existing penthouse and rooftop amenity space at 1401 New York Avenue NW, a 12‑story office building in the D6 zone. The proposal would add roughly 2,700 square feet of interior penthouse area for a tenant lounge and multipurpose room and upgrade the rooftop terrace while meeting penthouse setback and massing standards.

Jessica Bloomfield, counsel for the applicant, said the team met with the Secret Service, which raised no security objections; she also noted unanimous ANC 2C support and an Office of Planning recommendation. Jason Bachnik of Car Properties described the enhancement to tenant amenities and said the project will replace and relocate green‑roof areas so the net green roof area is not reduced.

Office of Planning concluded the expansion met penthouse setback and massing requirements for the D6 zone and recommended approval. The board also noted that the expansion will trigger a contribution to the District’s Housing Production Trust Fund at time of permitting; the OP estimate in the record was approximately $291,000. After discussion, the board voted 5–0 to approve the special exception for the penthouse expansion.

What’s next: The applicant will proceed to permitting and pay required contributions at building permit/CO issuance. The board closed the record for deliberation and approved the application.