Posted Friday May 4, 4:33 p.m.

The National Capital Planning Commission approved GW’s Square 54 plans at a meeting Thursday afternoon.

If the Zoning Commission follows the recommendation at its meeting May 14, the University will be able to begin construction.

The NCPC is a government organization that creates policies for District development and reviews building projects.

The proposed development, which will be built on the empty lot formerly occupied by the GW Hospital, will consist of more than 840,000 square feet of new commercial and residential space.

Boston Proprieties and Kettler, two for-profit development companies, will rent the property from the University.

After the zoning decision, there is a 30-day appeal period. This spring, The Hatchet reported that the Foggy Bottom Association, a neighborhood preservation group, may appeal if it feels there is a problem.

“We’ll wait and see if they dotted all their I’s,” said FBA President Joy Howell earlier this spring.