West End housing project still faces facility issues, pending litigation ahead of hypothermia season

The West End housing project to convert the Aston into a housing shelter has been further delayed due to repair needs and pending litigation from West End residents.

The beginning of November officially marks hypothermia season, meaning more people will look for city resources to stay out of the cold. With more homeless people across the DMV than the previous year, city officials were gearing to the Aston shelter in West End earlier this month – until problems struck. 

With failed inspections and residents complaints getting in the way, it is still unknown as to when the shelter will be ready to open its doors. 

The West End housing project to convert the Aston into a housing shelter has been further delayed due to repair needs and pending litigation from West End residents. 

A recent facility condition assessment performed by the D.C. The Department of General Services revealed the building failed its final housing code inspection. Officials concluded the building still lacks sufficient fire exits and other repairs throughout the building. 

As previously reported by The Wash, a 2023 building condition assessment performed by the same agency revealed substantial is needed for the building to remain up to code. The building is also estimated to cost the city about $8 million in repairs over the coming years.

As plans for the remodel of the former George Washington University dorm are continuously met with backlash, residents grow concerned for safety concerns regarding building conditions and surrounding issues. 

Following the news of the assessment, the West End DC Community Association (WEDCCA) filed another lawsuit against the city’s Board of Zoning office. The group calls for the Aston permit to be revoked and that it was issued on “incomplete, stale, and inaccurate information,” regarding the building’s safety standards. 

“You’re putting lives at risk when you can’t pass a fire code inspection,” attorney Scott Morrison, on behalf of WEDCCA, said. “You’re talking about whether the building itself meets the very minimal building code standards for life safety.” 

This is the third lawsuit the group has filed to halt construction of the project, as the filing claims the temporary shelter with medical support services would violate the area’s zoning regulations. The group claims the area only permits residential buildings, and the Aston’s special exception permit was “fundamentally defective.” 

“The district’s conduct has been deplorable,” Morrison said. “They’re trying to downplay everything.” 

The community group previously filed lawsuits last year regarding the approval process the city used, but voluntarily withdrew their first lawsuits, as previously by The Wash. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Building did not respond to requests for comment. The office of Mayor Muriel Bowser has declined to comment on pending litigation and maintenance issues surrounding the Aston. 

While the building was slated to open in early October, the Aston is expected “to begin serving clients in the upcoming hypothermia season.” The season begins on November 1. 

Jim Malec, the ANC 2A Chairperson, said he expected the needed repairs on the building are expected to take “weeks, not months.”

“I wish we would have been able to address this sooner, but this is a process,” Malec said. “…We conducted ourselves in accordance with the timeline set forth by the law.” 

Malec also expressed frustration that the members of WEDCCA have continued to remain anonymous under the litigation proceedings. He said the group that opposes the construction should “take a long look in the mirror and think about their priorities.”

In a declaration to the court, the association’s members include residents from the 22 West Condo association, as well as other neighborhood residents and “multiple businesses that own or occupy properties in the immediate vicinity of, including properties on the same block as, the Aston.”

The shelter, located at 1133 New Hampshire Avenue NW, is near businesses such as Casta’s Rum Bar, Rasika West End and a Call Your Mother deli location.  

The Wash reached out to the Department of Human Services to get the latest update on the delays. Kevin Carpenter, director of communications for the department, said in an emailed statement the city “has continually engaged with neighbors, nearby businesses, and community representatives throughout the development process.”

The next Board of Zoning meeting is set for Wednesday, November 6, where it will be determined as to whether the Aston deserved a special permit for opening. 

As the fight to open its door to tenants continues, Morrison said WEDCCA will continue to fight against the city’s lack of transparency to residents on the “dangers” of the Aston. 

“The district has manipulated the system to its advantage to try to get the Aston open for a homeless shelter, and [the district is] doing everything they can to keep this quiet,” Morrison said.