Media Release Feb. 7, 2022
Contact Nick DelleDonne
703 929 6656
Historic Appeal of Masonic Development to be Heard Feb. 10
The historic appeal of the Masonic Temple luxury apartments at 15th and S Streets, NW, is set for hearing at the DC Court of Appeals on Thursday, February 10. “What began as a dispute over historic preservation has become a celebrated case of administrative corruption,” said Nick DelleDonne, president of the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA) which filed the lawsuit against the city in 2020. DECAA is appealing the dismissal by the DC Superior Court and the decision of the Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation.
Neighbors in the historic, diverse community of East Dupont oppose the proposed five-and-half story luxury apartment building as oversized and inappropriate in an historic district. Among other objections, it would forever block public views of the rear of the world-renowned Temple, an early design by John Russell Pope, the architect who spurred the emblematic neo-classical style of Washington DC’s federal buildings.
In one appeal, Case No. 20-CV-315, DECAA challenges the DC Superior Court’s dismissal of March 2, 2020, arguing that the trial court erred in concluding that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction, that DECAA had not exhausted its administrative remedies, and that the Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation has jurisdiction over its constitutional claims, including, among other things, due process and equal protection of the laws. In the other consolidated appeal, Case No. 20-AA-0693, DECAA challenges the Mayor’s Agent’s approval of the subdivision of the historic landmark.
“Difficult, complex cases such as these can sometimes be dismissed because of lack of good legal representation. DECAA is fortunate to have a legal team headed by Barry Coburn of the law firm, Coburn & Greenbaum, leading our legal effort, and Michael Hays and Ed Hanlon, neighbors on DECAA’s Board of Directors,” said Nick DelleDonne.
A 501(c)3 neighborhood association, DECAA was initially chartered to oppose the Masonic Temple development. Dedicated to community engagement and civic action, it now pursues campaigns to house the homeless, affordable housing, the preservation of green space, pedestrian safety and leads the city-wide Coalition against DC Bike Plans.
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