Engineering Academy students at Charlestown were presented with a unique opportunity and challenge—plan, design, engineer, and propose a development to be built on a plot of land on the Shadow Lake site in Charlestown. These students worked closely with DC Develop’s Chief Infrastructure & Development Office, Josh Hillman, for several months to build their final presentations and proposals. In this process, students considered zoning, phasing, financing, and adjacent parcel developments to create a cohesive plan and presentation. In preparation for their presentations, students created hand sketches and computer-animated drawings that illustrated their vision at scale. Additionally, they integrated financial spreadsheets to justify their project’s feasibility. At the conclusion of the project, students presented to various community members and industry experts who would naturally be involved in the approval of a plot’s development. These bankers, real estate agents, construction managers, civil servants, and economic developers provided authentic feedback, which helped students understand what concerns may exist from their unique position.

Check out this amazing video of the students showcasing their impressive projects!