Civic group looks to nix construction of apartments behind historic NW DC masonic temple

WASHINGTON, DC (7News) — In the shadow of the historic Scottish Rite House of The Temple in Northwest DC, construction barriers are up.

A giant crane that is changing the landscape in Logan Circle towers over the temple.

Still, one group continues its push to reverse the work that has already started.

"They want to put up an inappropriate building," said Nick Delledonne with Dupont East Civic Action Association. "It's too large for the site."

The DECAA has flagged a number of issues, including the classification of the top of the temple.

They say it's obviously a roof, but the developer claims it's an "embellishment." The determination would dictate what can built in the temple's back yard.

"The appellants have tried to throw out as many arguments as they can in the hope that something sticks, but nothing does," said Christine Roddy, counsel for development company Perseus at a zoning commission meeting Wednesday.

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Beyond concern for the appropriateness of the incoming structure, and the fact that it will block the rear view of the landmark, Delledonne believes the 158 unit "Scottish Rite Apartments" will be anything but affordable housing.

"These people are rich," he said. "It's going to change the character of the neighborhood. It's going to raise real estate taxes for everyone who is already here and it's going to displace some of our own people."

The DECAA's appeal is still being considered. It claims the construction violates zoning regulations.

Still, construction is already well underway.

"We have a lawsuit in the works," said Delledonne. "We don't have a decision from the courts yet and they're already building their building."

"This project has gone through all of the required and relevant processes and has been approved every step of the way," said Roddy. "The appellants have tried to throw roadblocks, unsuccessfully so, at each stop. Again, It's important to know that the ANCs do not support these appeals. You can see in their submission that they support the subdivision."

Wednesday's hearing ended with the DC Zoning Commission deciding to take a few days, and then come back next week to deliberate on their decision.