Call it recreational healing.

The D.C. Department of General Services has submitted formal plans to raze and reconstruct a recreation center in Ward 7 named after none other than Motown hero Marvin Gaye. The last legs of an ongoing project, the $12 million renovation aims to be complete by next summer, according to the DGS website. A current 2,050-square-foot, one-story brick building will be demolished to make way for a 7,200-square-foot, two-story structure intended to “maximize the property’s use for outdoor programming space,” including activities related to the Watts Branch Stream, which cuts through the park site. The District says the new building, plans for which have been submitted to the Board of Zoning Adjustment, will allow better use of fields and basketball courts.

“While generally acknowledged by the neighboring community as having been overlooked and unkempt in previous years, the park and recreation center rejuvenation has recently garnered recognition throughout the District,” DGS says in a statement accompanying its filing. “The construction of the new recreation center and revitalization of the outdoor features will complete the transformation of this important centerpiece for the enjoyment of the surrounding community.” IStudio Architects, which designed the Girard Street Playground and the park at 14th and Girard streets NW in Columbia Heights, is working on Marvin Gaye. The new building will front 61st Street NE. The existing and proposed layouts for the green space follow below.

The recreation center and associated park is located at 6201 Banks Place NE, in Marshall Heights. It’s less than half a mile from the Capitol Heights Metro station and within walking distance of half a dozen bus lines.

VIA D.C. BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT