Radio One Backs Out of Media Center One

The Washington Business Journal has the breaking news that Radio One is no longer going to move its headquarters to the long-planned mixed use project at Seventh and T Streets, Northwest. Media Center One seemed like it would finally materialize this year, having recently made strides toward bringing in the United Negro College Fund as another anchor office tenant. The project's future now is unclear.

UNCF College Knowledge Center Pitched for Media Center One

In making their pitch to the D.C. Council for incentives (as reported by the Washington Business Journal here), the UNCF sheds light on its plans for the space it would occupy in Media Center One at the Shaw Howard Metro. Check out a PDF of their presentation here.

Of particular note, UNCF proposes a street level "College Knowledge Center." According to UNCF's president, "UNCF envisions that the College Knowledge Center will serve as an economic catalyst in the Shaw neighborhood and community. Individuals and student groups from across the nation will be drawn to the District to access unique college informational tools that are not otherwise available. The Center is also designed to function as a mixed-use facility, including restaurants and commercial establishments. The increased tourism as well as UNCF and its staff’s move from its current headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia will increase the need for food and services from already-established businesses in the area."

In the PDF linked above, the UNCF breaks down the benefits of the College Knowledge Center to beneficiaries as follows:

Students and Parents
Upon entering the UNCF College Knowledge Center students and parents will have access to . . .
• Kiosks featuring information on member colleges and universities
• College fairs
• College planning seminars
• Help completing financial aid forms (FAFSA and others)
• College application assistance
• Scholarship information
• History of UNCF

Member College Presidents and Staff
• Convenient and accessible space
• Office space
• Conference & meeting space
• Interview space for recruitment and financial aid officers
• Ability to feature their institutions in the College Knowledge Center
• Space for college fairs

Corporate & Public Officials
• A glimpse into the world of HBCUs
• Kiosks featuring UNCF schools
• Donor recognition walls
• Insights into the unique qualities of UNCF and its member institutions
• Access to data and research from the Patterson Research Institute
• Public presentations on P-16 education
• Meeting space to discuss issues related to education
• Alumni Hall of Honor
• History of UNCF display
• Naming Opportunities!!!!

I think the Center could be a really interesting draw and addition to the streetscape. What do you think?