From the WCSA: Preliminary Work Begins on the Convention Center Hotel

From the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA):

(Washington, DC) - The Washington Convention and Sports Authority today announced that it will provide limited early access for preliminary site remediation work to the project development team for the Washington, DC Marriott Marquis, the proposed Convention Center headquarters hotel. The early remediation activities, which could start as early as this week, include removal of underground storage tanks, demolition of the Erhlich Building, erecting fences, placing signage around the site and readying the area for construction.

“We’re excited to get the pre-construction process started,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, Washington Convention and Sports Authority president and CEO. “The Authority and the District are finalizing the documentation and preparing to close on the bonds as we anticipate a groundbreaking within the next 30-45 days. This headquarters hotel will position us to aggressively compete as a premier convention destination and serve as a centerpiece for the continued economic revitalization of the historic Shaw neighborhood, including roughly 900 new hospitality jobs.”

The hotel site is bounded by Massachusetts Avenue, 9th, 10th and L Streets, Northwest. The 1,175- room headquarters hotel, which includes more than 100,000 square feet of meeting areas, is slated to open in 2014.

The developer and the Washington Convention Center Advisory Committee are working to establish a formal process to answer community questions and address community concerns. In the interim, questions regarding the hotel project construction and development may be directed to:

Norman Jenkins, Capstone Development, LLC
normanjenkins@cstonedevelopment.com or 202-661-3536

Shaw Main Streets Gala, September 30

On September 30, 2010, Shaw Main Streets will hold a gala celebrating the renaissance of the historic Shaw neighborhood and acknowledging the individuals, organizations and businesses whose tireless efforts continue to reinvigorate the area. It will be a night of cocktails, awards, live musical entertainment, a buffet dinner, and much more. Individual tickets are $75 and may be purchased here (several sponsorship levels are also available, the details of which can be viewed here as well). It should be a fantastic evening of community, and I cannot wait to attend!

UPDATED 9-21 - From SMS: Development Forum Wednesday

From Shaw Main Streets comes a reminder of the annually popular development forum:

The annual Shaw Main Streets Development Forum will be held on THURSDAY, SEPTEMPER 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the new Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 7th Street, NW. The event is open to the public, no reservations are required, and there is no charge to attend.

Developers with projects, large and small, new and now on track, will present their plans to the community and answer questions. Come hear the latest on such development projects as CityMarket at O, the Howard Theatre, Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel, and even a few surprises.

For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.

Finalist Named for Development of Florida Avenue Parcels

The Washington Business Journal reports that D.C. developer LaKritz Adler has been selected as a finalist by Metro to redevelop three vacant parcels on the South side of Florida Avenue between Seventh and Ninth Streets, Northwest (formerly slated to become The Jazz at Florida Avenue).

The developer's webpage describes their plans for the project by stating:

LaKritz Adler would join the parcels with an adjacent parcel controlled by a LaKritz Adler affiliate, and develop the sites as a 180,000 square foot hotel and conference facility serving Howard University, a 100,000 square foot office and retail building, and a prominent freestanding restaurant with live entertainment at the corner of 9th and U.

The webpage also has some images of the plans.

No word on when Metro will make its final decision.

Buy Me: 1318 Ninth Street

The former home to EFN Lounge and Motley Bar, 1318 Ninth Street, is now available.  Per this listing, the two story, 6,000 square foot remodeled space is available for purchase for $2.6 million.  Papadopoulos Properties also shows the building as available for lease for $15,000 a month.

A Few Beau Thai Updates

Our incredible new neighborhood gem Beau Thai has three exciting updates as we go into the Labor Day weekend.

First, Beau Thai finally accepts credit cards! No more scrambling for cash to get your next fix of their delicious, made from scratch curries or any of their other tasty and fresh menu items! Woot!

Second, Beau Thai just issued a menu update (viewable at the right). The updated menu includes some great new dishes, such as Thai Sausage. Thai Sausage is an appetizer that has a little spicy heat to it, which is balanced with the slivers of fresh ginger that come with it.

Finally, Beau Thai will be a little more noticeable to passers by with a new banner-style sign above the front door (likely to be installed today)! The banner is not the intended permament sign, but will suffice for a little while as the business gets established.



Beau Thai
1700 New Jersey Avenue, NW (corner of New Jersey and R)
202.536.5636
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 7 days a week

A Groundbreaking Event Today

I know I've already mentioned it, but it's worth repeating:  CityMarket at O breaks ground today (September 1, 2010) with a celebration from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Seventh and O Streets.  I plan to cut out of work to attend in order to show my support for the many people who have worked tirelessly to make this wonderful project happen. 

CityMarket at O will really be an amazing place when completed.  It will transform the heart of Shaw with new residents, new uses and a gorgeous new grocery store.  I am so excited to see it move forward!

UPDATE - here's a photo from the ceremony: