SMS Development Forum Proves Informative and Exciting

I attended last night's development forum and was excited to hear that a lot of projects seem to be truly, finally nearing starting. Below are some of my notes from the meeting.

1. Developers Not in Attendance - Developers of the new convention center hotel did not attend on advice of counsel due to the pending lawsuit (discussed yesterday). Developers of the Jazz at Florida Avenue also did not attend due to pending negotiations with WMATA regarding the parcels. Developers of CityCenter DC (the old convention center site) also did not attend due to scheduling. Developers of Parcel 42 did not attend, and the SMS Executive Director informed the group that the project -- like many -- is working on financing. Marriott, which is developing two smaller hotels on L Street across from the proposed new convention center hotel, also did not attend. SMS Executive Director informed the group that the two smaller Marriott hotels will likely open before the convention center headquarters hotel opens.

2. Douglas Development -
a. Ninth Street Properties - Douglas Development has several projects pending throughout Shaw. Douglas sees the Ninth Street corridor developing most quickly. The building housing the new Long View Gallery -- 1234 Ninth Street -- has a retail space adjacent to the gallery that has garnered a lot of interest from restaurant groups. The company owns several row homes a few row homes also in the 1200 block of Ninth on which the company will begin renovations in the next few months. Restaurant groups have also expressed interest in these spaces. The Exchange boasts the headquarters of Independence Bank and a completely leased residential component.

b. The Wonder Bread Building - this office development is on hold due to the current economy. In order to finance the project, they need a tenant committed to leasing sixty to seventy percent of the building in order to get the project financed.

c. Seventh Street Properties - Douglas Development plans to bring its historic properties in the 1100 block of Seventh Street online for lease very soon. Expect to see boards to come off windows and restorations of the facades shortly. This is a viable stretch of retail opportunity.

d. Seventh and Florida Avenue - The renovation of this building -- formerly home to a Popeyes franchies -- is almost complete. Douglas is trying to lease it now and wants a high quality tenant. Nike, for example, almost signed a lease for the building and represents the type tenant they desire. Do not expect to see a cell-phone store, a liquor store, a fast food chain, or even another drug store in this highly visible spot.

2- Inle Development - Inle is the developer behind 1501 Ninth Street at the corner of Ninth and P Streets. The property is a vacant lot and was long time home of shady car lot Wings Motors. The property will be developed into a four story building. The building is already fully sold out (!!!!!). A popular Burmese restaurant from Silver Spring, Maryland known as Mandalay will occupy the basement and the first two floors of the building. It will feature outdoor seating along P Street. The restaurant owner and executive chef will occupy the condominium above the restaurant. The development should break ground this quarter or next, and the restaurant should be open by the holidays of 2010.

3. Metropolitan Development - Metropolitan is the developer of Addison Square at Kelsey Gardens (the west side of the fifteen hundred block of Seventh Street and the seven hundred block of P Street). The development has its final PUD and zoning approved and is working on getting financing. Expect to see the current apartment complex demolished in late spring 2010, with construction starting immediately thereafter.

4. Ellis Development -
a. Media Center One (formerly Broadcast Center One) - Ellis hopes to break ground by the end of the year (2009) on this office, retail and residential project on Seventh Street between S and T Streets. Construction of Media Center One will take 24 months to complete. Despite the stock values of the lead office tenant, the media company is strong, with a lot of cash, and is a solid, good tenant.

b. The Howard Theatre - Renovation and expansion of the Howard Theatre, located in the seven hundred block of T Street, will take 13-14 months to complete. The goal is to start construction later this year. The theater itself will house a completely new sound stage and restaurant, featuring flexible, cabaret style seating. Negotiations are underway with a major internation operator, interested in a twenty year lease, for the theater/restaurant. The back of the building will feature a new addition and will house the Washington Jazz Arts Institute.

5. Roadside Development - Roadside is developing City Market at O Street, which will occupy the parcels of land between Seventh and Ninth, O and P Streets. The start date for the proejct is September 3, 2010, at which time underpinning of the historic market will commence. The current Giant will close on January 15, 2011, and its demolition will occur in February 2010. The new Giant grocery store (which be located in the old O Street Market and will occupy almost the entire ground floor of the block on which the market sits), will open no more than twenty four months later. months (they are planning for 18 mos).

Five Years, One Thousand, and Counting…

This is my 1,000th post here on renewshaw.com!!  And, somewhat incidentally, it falls on the fifth birthday of the blog!

When we bought our house in Shaw in November 2006, I decided I’d begin this blog as a way to force myself to learn more about the neighborhood and as a way to help promote the many good things going on in the area.

Looking back, lot has changed since I started writing back on that November 12th. And some things haven’t changed much at all. Below are a few ramblings on what’s better, what’s worse, and what’s pretty much untouched since yours truly became "Shaw Rez."

New Businesses Abound
A ton of new businesses have appeared since I started blogging, and I think I’ve discussed many of them here. Some of the notable ones to open up shop since 2006 include 1905 Restaurant, Beau Thai, Corduroy, Chatman’s D’vine Bakery, Civilian Art Projects, Dickson Wine Bar, The Eldon Condominium Hotel, Independence Federal Savings Bank, Lamont Bishop Gallery, Maruka, Nellie’s, Old City Green, Old Dominion Brewhouse, The Passenger, Rogue 24, Seasonal Pantry, SUNdeVICH, Touchstone Gallery, Town, and Veranda.  A pretty impressive roster, no?!

Public Amenities Everywhere

The improvement of the quality of life in Shaw in the past five years is undeniable. Among the recently added amenities are a new award-winning library on Eighth, a new dog park on Eleventh, a new park on Tenth, a renovated park on French Street, new iron treebox guards up and down Ninth, an overhauled skate park, a renovated Seaton Elementary, community gardens, and so on and so forth.  Others are in the pipeline, like a new Shaw Middle School and a new Dunbar High School.

Improved Storefronts Invite Patrons
Several businesses have dramatically improved their storefronts, thus making our commercial corridors a lot more attractive. Wagtime is an impressive example -- its building is so cute and inviting. Queen of Sheba is another (its improvement was facilitated by Shaw Main Streets).  The list could go on and on -- Long View Gallery’s new location is the result of an overhaul of a long-neglected vacant building’s storefront, and Axum Ethiopian Restaurant’s makeover completely transformed 1934 Ninth Street.

Corners Have Been Transformed
I know it’s a weird subject to call out, but corner properties really set the tone for a block, and an area can feel particularly depressing if several properties at an intersection are blighted. A handful of notable corner properties have been transformed since 2006. The closest to home and most dramatic change took place at Ninth and Q Streets, which sported a fenced off hole in the ground (evidencing a failed development attempt) on the southeast corner, a boarded up pizza place on the southwest corner, and vacant, muraled, deteriorating properties on the northeast corner in 2006. Today, the hole in the ground has been replaced by a four unit Christian Zapatka-designed condominium building, the pizza place is a fantastic single family home, and the formerly boarded up properties are being completely gutted and restored.

The intersection of Eighth and Q is another example of dramatic change. Two previously/notoriously blighted properties – 1543 and 1600 Eighth Street  – were sold in 2009 and are now under renovation into a single family home and a boutique condominium building respectively. The Exchange at Ninth and N was a stalled construction project when I began blogging, and now it’s occupied with residents and businesses.

The gorgeous building at the corner of Ninth and Naylor Court, 1314 Ninth Street went from being a diamond in the rough to being a true diamond, with the excited vision of its owner (who I’ve gotten to know over the years through the blog).

And countless other corner properties have been or are being fixed up and given new life, affecting the feel of the area.

Major Developments Are Indeed Moving Forward
Even before the economy tanked in 2008, people were bemoaning how long it was taking to see movement on the convention center hotel, the O Street Market redevelopment, Progression Place (formerly to be known as Broadcast Center One upon completion), the Howard Theatre project, City Center, and Kelsey Gardens. And while none of these are complete today as some optimistically hoped way back when, all are actually now, finally, seeing movement and will be completed before another five years pass.

Population Boom  
Many people have moved into new buildings over the past five years.  Eleventh Street has seen a number of new buildings come on line. The Whitman in the 900 block of M Street delivered soon after I began writing. And of course Mount Vernon Triangle’s growth is inspiring, with a handful of huge residential buildings, many with ground floor retail (and even a Safeway).

“Car Lots” Gone
Car lots -- many of which were not legal -- dotted the neighborhood in 2006, cluttering the landscape. And now they’re gone!

The site of Wings Motors at Ninth and P Streets is now under construction to house Mandalay Burmese Restaurant and a condominium above. Other former car lots are sure to see movement soon as well.


We Lost a Few
Sadly, we’ve lost some great assets as well. I loved Vegetate and still mourn its 2009 closing. Be Bar, which became EFN Lounge and Motley Bar, shuttered its doors taking away a unique draw to the neighborhood. Toucan Boutique was a great retail addition in the 1900 block of Ninth that ceased brick and mortar operations last month. Shaw’s Tavern had probably the quickest run of any establishment we’ve ever seen. And there are a host of other small, beloved businesses that sadly haven’t made it due to the economy, rent increases, consumer tastes, and management issues.

We also lost a few bloggers along the way.  Back in 2007, we were named one of the "bloggiest"  neighborhoods in the United States.   We're down a few bloggers since then, so I doubt we'd receive such a crown in 2011.  Of course Mari at inshaw, who predated us all, is blogging just as consistently and wonderfully as always.

Some Things Stay The Same
A few things haven’t really changed much. I can’t comprehend why the building at Ninth and O and the buildings at Seventh and Q remain vacant, as they have so much potential. The Flats at Blagden Alley parcels remain untouched. Many of the convention center retail spots have never been occupied (or really even marketed for lease). We’ve yet to see tangible movement on the smaller Marriott hotels planned along Ninth and L.  The Carter G. Woodson Park remains untouched.

Community Sense

I tend to cover brick and mortar and commercial topics involving Shaw, but one of the most significant changes over the past five years is how this community has become my home and a source of pride.   I've really come to know and love my Shaw friends and neighbors, and can't imagine any other place in D.C. I'd rather live.

Anyway, thanks for reading!

Why Development Hasn't and Isn’t Skipping Over Shaw

Last Thursday I was interviewed for an upcoming Post article about development (or the lack thereof) in the Shaw neighborhood. A lot of the interview focused on why I bought in Shaw and on what I’ve observed and what I forecast in terms of development. I tried to stress that I didn’t buy in Shaw just to make a buck--that I’m not just “waiting” for the area to change--but that I want to be an active player in and observer of our area's renewal. There are a lot of great things about the neighborhood as it is that drew me to Shaw. I love our diversity and rich history, I love the architecture in Shaw, and I find convenient Shaw’s proximity to a lot of things, including Logan Circle, 14th Street, U Street, and downtown. I also have a growing number of friends in or close to Shaw, which is a big draw.

There is, admittedly, a lot of yet-to-be realized potential. That's not to say that development has "skipped" over Shaw, however, as others posit. Rather, development has been ongoing. As for widespread infill and renewal of vacant structures, I think the timing just hasn't been right and the forces haven't aligned as they are aligning now. I believe we're going to see major changes in the next five to ten years, and here are some of the things I point to for believing so:

1. The Convention Center and the New Convention Center Hotel – the Convention Center already draws people to our neighborhood; the new hotel (which reportedly must open by 2010 or the convention center will start losing bookings) will keep convention foot traffic north of Massachusetts Avenue, thus helping our retail/galleries/restaurants. Based on my Internet research, it seems that construction *should* commence in 2008. We need to hold the Fenty administration accountable to getting this project on track and on time.

2. Proximity to Everything – our easy access to downtown (I mean, many of us can WALK to work--that's huge), the Capitol, the Metro (the green AND yellow lines run through our neighborhood), the interstate, museums, U Street, 14th Street, the Circulator, etc. make us a naturally appealing spot in which to reside. Indeed, it seems we might be the most convenient urban neighborhood in D.C. given our connectivity and proximity to everything.

3. Development Trends in D.C. – development is moving our way. From the west, Logan Circle (which technically used to be Shaw) is already a safe, beautiful, and desirable area in which to reside. Compare what Logan is now to what it was ten years ago, and the eastern movement of renewal is apparent. From the South, Chinatown and Gallery Place are booming, and growth to the north is natural, especially with the convention center and the metro aiding growth. To an extent, saturation of these hot real estate markets seems to be a necessary predicate to Shaw's development boom.

4. Big Projects Underway in Shaw – several large projects planned for Shaw, like the O Street Market and the Broadcast One Center, will be catalysts for growth and renewal. Although Shaw citizens are tiring of unfulfilled promises on the commencement of these projects, I truly think some of these large projects are going to move forward soon (e.g., the O Street Market sounds like a very viable project, anchored by Giant--a store busting at its current seems--and a senior living facility--a major market need). Once these projects are on line and brimming with residents and businesses, ancillary development will surely occur. The Exchange at 9th and N is another example of a catalyst project. It's well under construction and set to open in early 2008. It will likely do a lot for the 1300 block of 9th.

5. Change in the Local Political Environment - The political environment in Shaw has already changed considerably over the past few years. The wonderful (contrast in) leadership that Kevin Chapple has already brought to Leroy's former seat on the ANC and the increasing number of responsible, active, concerned, invested, and impassioned citizens create an environment that fosters development. The surge in Shaw blogs, and the increased accountability/information sharing produced by such, evidence the change in the political atmosphere.

6. More Accountability Regarding Vacant Structures - Related to point #5 above, historically bad stewards of vacant properties (like Shiloh Baptist Church) are being held accountable for their real estate holdings. I know of efforts underway to make sure that property taxes on vacant structures are collected and maximized, which will hopefully prompt these bad neighbors to action (sell or rehab).

That’s not to say that we don’t have our challenges. I’d say the biggest three things hurting us are 1) Crime, especially the recent surge in violent crime (check out this interesting piece on crime and urban renewal; I read it in USA Today while traveling for work last week); 2) The number of low income housing projects—-in contrast to mixed income housing, which is less conducive to crime and more socially responsible than traditional public housing--is a red flag to many developers; and 3) The reputation of the schools in our area discourages many families from setting down roots. Although slower than desired, these deterrents are slowly being addressed (e.g., various crime fighting efforts being implemented currently, the Kelsey Gardens complex goes off line soon, the Fenty administration has made the school system a priority focus).

Anyway, all to say, I love Shaw for what it was, is and will be, and am happy I moved here.

Artists Wed and Show New Works at Long View Gallery Friday

The new Long View Gallery will undoubtedly be the place to have one's wedding reception or rehearsal dinner for years to come. This Friday, the gallery will host what will likely be one of their more unique weddings, at which notable D.C. artists Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow will unveil a show of matrimonial-themed works entitled "Till Death Do Us Part" and exchange vows. Below is the press release for the event, which is open to the public (but you must R.S.V.P. to info@longviewgallery.com). The show will run through March 1.

Art Brings Us Together: Till Death Do Us Part
Matt Sesow, Dana Ellyn Gallery Exhibit at Long View Gallery Opens February 5 With Couple’s Wedding (Washington, DC)

Where do two artists meet and fall in love? At an art show, of course. On Friday, February 5, from 6:30 – 9:30 PM, two of Washington, DC’s most celebrated local artists will tie the knot at Long View Gallery at 1234 9th St NW. During the opening night reception for Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow’s “Till Death Do Us Part” art exhibition, the long-time couple will exchange nuptials. The couple is inviting all of DC’s artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to the public event.

It all started eight years ago when a friend suggested to Dana Ellyn that she check out a venue for her premiere art show. While she liked the space and the art that was on exhibit, she was most attracted to the man behind the paint and canvas, the artist Matt Sesow. Sesow also liked what he saw and invited Ellyn to “see his studio,” which she interpreted correctly as artistic code language for inviting her on a date. Over time, the two found synchronicity in a rhythm together as full-time artists. Painting canvasses and producing art shows mark the beats of their lives.

The “Till Death Do Us Part” exhibition and wedding will be a landmark event for the DC art scene, as well as the couple’s lives. Sesow and Ellyn have challenged themselves to address the meaning of marriage through art. You will see all the myriad hues of married life, the “the good times and the bad times and in sickness or in health.” In Ellyn’s “Institution of Marriage,” the couple wears straight jackets with untouched wedding cake lying nearby. Sesow also takes on the complicated feelings of love, pain and commitment in his “Til Death Do Us Part” as the celebratory couple stands ready to stab each other with sharpened knives, while a bright red heart pulses above. Their artwork also shows the confidence and comfort of marriage. Ellyn’s “Date Night” is a portrait of a beaming woman, sipping two-buck Chuck with curlers in her hair and red booties on her feet. Only a truly happy wife could pull of that look and make it sexy.

Ask Sesow what the marriage means, he jokes, “We get to share paint.” Together, the couple shares canvas, acrylic paint, time together in their studios, and they share the spotlight as two of DC’s sought-after artists. Ellyn’s recent Blasphemy Day show grabbed CNN, NPR, and USA Today headlines, while Sesow’s political art made Artnet Magazine’s top-10 for 2009 list.

For the “Til Death Do Us Part” Long View Gallery exhibit, running February 5 to March 1, 2010, Sesow and Ellyn fill the space with a diversity of work, including Sesow’s 100 for $100 small works and Ellyn’s large oil on canvas. Sesow’s work is an emotional response with a foundation built on personal childhood trauma and disability, growth, healing, and a reaction to politics, policies, travels, and life experiences. Ellyn’s colorsaturated work is exemplified by a risk-taking vision and playful, yet scathing, critiques of social norms. Both are exploring new materials to create unique sculptures reflecting this next stage in their lives. Sesow's unique sculptures will be created using kitty litter.

“Til Death Do Us Part” Long View Gallery show, running February 5 to March 1

Long View Gallery
1234 Ninth Street, Northwest
202.232.4788

Progress on The Exchange Resumes

I received a tip today that construction on The Exchange appears to have resumed: the site is buzzing with workers, tractors are moving dirt and the lights are back on in the construction trailer. All are good signs that The Exchange will indeed be constructed (though probably not with a Fall 2006 completion date as advertised last year. . . ).

When completed, The Exchange will be a mixed-use (retail/office/residential) development at 1301-1309 9th Street. The project will incorporate the facades of some of Shaw’s oldest buildings. The location of this project—-across from the convention center and at a major intersection in the Shaw neighborhood-—makes it a key development project in Shaw.

Ground breaking occurred last December after over two years of zoning and historic preservation approvals. Demolition of just about everything but the buildings’ facades was completed before construction came to a halt earlier this year. Speculation about what brought the project to a halt abounds. Today’s activity on the site puts aside fears that the development would never proceed.

PHOTO CREDIT: Douglas Development Corporation

The Exchange Gives Us a Sidewalk Back and Looks Great

It appears that The Exchange is progressing nicely and that the Spring 2008 delivery date (announced last year) will likely be met. This past weekend, I noticed that the construction fence closing the sidewalk adjacent to the N Street portion of The Exchange has been removed. A new brick sidewalk is now open to pedestrians. Hopefully the sidewalk adjacent to the 9th Street portion of the building, still fenced off, will likewise reopen soon.

I love the detail work currently being installed on the first floor exterior (lots of granite, marble, and ornate woodwork frame the bay windows and doorways) and the paint scheme of the upper windows. I am glad to see such high quality finishes and attention to detail on this important project just north of the Convention Center. I can't wait to find out what tenant mix will fill the first floor retail spaces and to see the residences filled with new neighbors.

"Here or There" Art Project Seeks Residents' Collaboration

An interesting art project is about to hit the streets of Shaw soliciting items from residents to become part of an art installation. The following description is from the project's leaders:

"Here or There," the name of the upcoming art installation, was conceived by an artist, architect and real estate developer, all of which work locally in the area. This unusual collaboration explores value in the community; the value of art, space and commerce. Ultimately, the installation will consist of mementos and objects from residents of the Shaw and U Street neighborhoods that show how these residents make a living.

In order obtain these items, the team will provide 100 bags to homes along the Ninth Street corridor from U Street to N Street today (Friday April 9) by leaving the bags at doorsteps along the way. These bags will then be retrieved on April 12 to be assembled for display.

The path of the bag distribution is guided by the locations of the installation. The initial installation will take place April 19 in the retail space of Moderno, a mid-rise residential building at Twelfth and U Street, developed by one of the members of the team. The collection of items will follow a path to the second and final point, Long View Gallery at Ninth and N Streets. The installation will be displayed in the gallery at the beginning of May.

Each bag provided contains a Shaw Buck (pictured). The Shaw Buck is a community currency created for the purpose of this art process and installation. In exchange for a personal memento or object, residents may redeem the Shaw Buck at a handful of local businesses for discounts or gifts.

Check out the Pop Up Gala Website for more information on the Here or There project as developed by Team WORK as well as the Pop Up project as a whole: http://popupgala.tumblr.com/

This project is sponsored by the Cultural Development Corporation (CuDC). CuDC is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that creates space and builds the capacity of artists to prosper within that space.

CuDC ensures the continuing creation of affordable spaces for artists to live and work. Each year CuDC serves 5,600 artists, 75 arts organizations and touches over 150,000 greater DC metro area residents by providing space, funds, knowledge, marketing, advocacy and presentation opportunities.

Through programs, such as Flashpoint, Source and the Creative Communities Initiative, CuDC works with artists and arts organizations to build the creative infrastructure that fuels the arts and economy in Washington, DC.

http://www.culturaldc.org/

Interesting, right?! I look forward to posting more about this project soon.

Civilian Art Projects Presents Terri Weifenbach and Trevor Young

Two new shows open at Civilian Art Projects this Friday (April 22) with a reception from 7-9 pm. The shows will be on view until June 4.

From the press release:

Civilian Art Projects is pleased to present two solo exhibitions: Woods II, new work by photographer Terri Weifenbach, and "Thrust," new painting by Trevor Young.

Terri Weifenbach

Woods II

Terri Weifenbach's second solo exhibition with the gallery continues the Woods project with twenty-one large and small scale images from within the autumn and winter woods of the DC metro area.

Before she picked up her Leica camera 33 years ago, Weifenbach was first trained as a painter. According to the artist, she has always been drawn to the layering of surface and the sumptuous accumulation of material found in painting.

On occasion, she has contemplated Cecily Brown's brushstroke with deep understanding and curiosity. It is no surprise, then, that Weifenbach's photographic work embraces the tactile nature of non-photographic mediums. She understands the limits of photographic technology and, through focus, metering, depth of field, vantage point, film selection, printing strategies, and other more intuitive decisions, plays with and pushes them.

She is, in short, a master of her craft; and her selection of what may seem a familiar scene of a walk in the woods is transformed through her skill into a deeper examination of space, palette, and the growth and morphing of nature. These are not accidental shots.

Just as a painter cannot make a single brushstroke and call the work complete, Weifenbach cannot click a shutter and call it a photograph. Photographic projects of this nature take months, years; perhaps even a lifetime. One image lends weight and strength to the next, but each must be able to hold it's own as a work of art.

Trevor Young

Thrust

Civilian Art Projects is pleased to announce Thrust, new paintings by Trevor Young, his second solo exhibition with the gallery. Thrust is an installation of three paintings by Young inspired by airports, continuing his research of the French anthropologist Marc Augé coined term "non-places." Non-places are spaces that we use or pass through, on the way to other places, but to which no one really belongs. They are not often places of real comfort and exchange.

Young is drawn to places such as glowing gas stations, complex highway overpasses, lonely cash machines, and airports including the runway and the plane itself. These new large-scale paintings consider the way humans interconnect and assign meaning. Young sees these non-places as providing comfort and beauty through their familiarity and transience, commenting on our continual evolution and movement to and away from intimate connection and communication. No longer is the non-place something to pass through, or something lonely, it is something to behold.

The subject matter is enthralling to the artist, considered into paintings depicting strength, vigor, and an almost a spiritual worship of the built world. But it is the nature of his medium that brings him to paint non-places. According to Young, "painting is an awkward medium that shows the human hand and imagination. It is the challenge of painting that brings me to paint these concrete roads and shiny surfaces. I am interested in making these lonely places fill with atmosphere. To that end, I rework an area over and over to create the space and the surface. And then I go back into the painting, many times, to develop the mystery and wonder."

Civilian Art Projects
1019 Seventh Street NW, Second Floor
202.607.3804

Wishful Thinking: National Geographic

Rumors abound about Scripture Cathedral's desire to sell its property (a significant chunk of land at 9th, O and 8th Streets). I haven't been able to find any actual real estate listings on point, so I don't know if such rumors are anything more than urban legend. Nonetheless, I've been thinking about my ideal use for that spot and ultimately came up with what I think would be pretty freaking good: The new National Geographic museum, retail, entertainment, and office complex.

In August 2006, the Washington Business Journal reported that National Geographic is looking to move significant operations from its present 17th and M location. While most reports associate National Geographic's focus with the old convention center site, the Society has been non-committal. From the WBJ article:

National Geographic spokeswoman M.J. Jacobsen also declined to discuss specifics, but says the venerable institution has spent two years vetting locations, including the old convention center site.

"It would be a great place to put it because of the prominence of the site," says Jeff Zell, president of JM Zell, National Geographic's real estate adviser.
The institution is interested in buying the property from the city, says a source close to the talks. It likely would build a museum and retail store on the lower levels and several hundred thousand square feet of office space above.

National Geographic is in the midst of a growth spurt. Its assets increased to $696 million in 2004 from $560 million in 2003, and its revenue jumped to $506 million from $434 million during that period, according to its most recent tax filings.
The institution operates a 15,000-square-foot museum at its 17th Street location, where it draws about 250,000 people a year.

It isn't clear whether National Geographic would move its 1,400 employees to any new development at the old convention center site. About 80 percent of the institution's headquarters complex at 1145 17th St. NW is tax-exempt because of its nonprofit status, according to D.C.'s tax

The Scripture Cathedral site could be prime for National Geographic: it's close to the tourist traffic of the convention center and the impending convention center hotel, and its proximity to the metro and the circulator line make it easily accessible. Furthermore, this area of Shaw is becoming a hotspot for development: with the O Street Market, the Exchange, the Whitman, the Walnut Street Development projects, and retail filling in along 9th Street, by the time such a facility would be built, the streetscape will be very inviting to NG tourist and employee traffic alike.

Anyone else with me on this pipe dream? Does anyone have any official word in Scripture's desire to sell?



PHOTO CREDIT: ANC2C02 Forum; photo available here.

Convention Center Retail

It’s a shame that several years after its opening, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center has retail spaces that have not yet been occupied. I peruse local real estate listings a lot, yet cannot find anything marketing the convention center's empty perimeter spaces. It seems unlikely that the convention center ever signed a retail broker to manage its retail, as it attempted to do last year. For the sake of our neighborhood residents and businesses, I hope that the convention center will place renewed emphasis on retaining its current retail tenants and on attracting new ones.

First, especially in this economy, the convention center needs to do more to help its current tenants succeed. One major step the convention center could take is to resolve amicably the lawsuit in which it is involved with several tenants. It does not seem that such a resolution is coming anytime soon (they have a pretrial date coming up in about a month). I imagine the litigation isn't helping the convention center's ability to attract new tenants and that the attorney fees are not the most desirable use of the tenants' or the convention center's resources. Also, as discussed here recently, the convention center could do a much better job of internal marketing of and directing convention-goers to its shops (and other local businesses). Finally, the convention center should create a more lively streetscape through hanging flower baskets on the adjacent streetlights and through installing more festive and inviting signage for its retail tenants (the current red and black vertical banners leave much to be desired visually, in my opinion).

Second, the convention center needs to market actively and to be flexible in its leasing of its empty retail spaces. As I indicated a few weeks ago, I think most of the convention center's retail spaces fall in an area ideally situated for neighborhood and specialty retail (as opposed to convention-oriented retail -- I will elaborate on this topic soon). There is unmet demand for retailers and restaurants in our neighborhood, so these spaces need not be empty. However, the convention center needs to be willing to minimize its potential tenant's investment risks.
I think the convention center's mostly vacant retail strip on N Street has the potential to be a really cool haven of commerce, with its wide sidewalk and beautiful views of The Exchange and the Immaculate Conception Church. The stretch is currently a lifeless canyon that provides no foot traffic to surrounding businesses and that is conducive to malfeasance. I am most anxious to see the convention center's corner space at 9th and N filled. As demonstrated in the above rendering, wouldn’t it be neat to have a nice casual restaurant with outdoor seating assume that prime spot (I could see a Pieworks Pizza Restaurant with outdoor seating open there)?

Douglas Development Contemplates New Building on Ninth

At tomorrow (Thursday, March 18, 2010) night's Blagden Alley-Naylor Court ("BANC") Association Monthly Meeting, Douglas Development will discuss its development plans for the southwest corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest (the lot presently occupied by Old City Green). Plans are very preliminary and probably at very least a year away from becoming a reality. Douglas Development requested this opportunity to solicit community input.

How do you think this corner lot should be developed? I think a mini version of The Exchange (the building on the opposite corner), with ground floor retail and residences above, would look great. A modern, large restaurant with rooftop seating like Lauirol Plaza would be cool too.

I will be sad to see Old City Green displaced, but hope that when this project moves forward we can help find them a new home nearby. A few places I have in mind are the corner of Seventh or Marion and P or in the 1300 block of Ninth.


BANC Association Monthly Meeting
The Exchange Building, 875 N Street Northwest (North side of N on the side of the Exchange Building at the corner of Ninth and N Streets, Northwest)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Gathering 6:45, Meeting 7 PM

The Exchange Gives Us Our 9th Street Sidewalk Back

Drew submits this photo and report that The Exchange has given us back another -- and final -- sidwalk back! The construction fencing and dumpsters have been removed, easing pedestrian movement north of the convention center and indicating that the end of The Exchange's construction is near.

As far as I know, there is still no offical word on when the residences, offices and retail will be ready for occupancy. This development will surely give the 9th and N intersection even more vibrancy when tenants move in.

What Might 2007 Hold? A List of Hopeful Predictions. . .

Here are my--admittedly hopeful, though not utterly unrealistic--predictions for what 2007 holds for our neighborhood.

1. Permit approval of and groundbreaking on the O Street Market.

2. Final property acquisition for and permit approval of the Convention Center Hotel.

3. Designation of a neighborhood dog park (or two).

4. DC Auditor’s disapproval of 12/6/06 ANC 2C allocation of $3,000 to the ECCA.

5. Criminal indictments issued based on a finding of ANC 2C financial malfeasance.

6. All church owned vacant/abandoned properties in the neighborhood reassessed to reflect higher tax values, thereby making the churches pay higher taxes for holding these properties (yes, unlike church buildings or parking lots, churches have to pay taxes on their vacant properties).

7. Actual tangible progress on the plans for the building of the Carter G. Woodson museum and the C.G.W. memorial park.

8. Thriving success of the soon-to-open restaurants in the Convention Center (the sushi/Mongolian place and the brewery), prompting other businesses to follow.

9. Additional retail and restaurant spaces filled along the 7th and 9th Street corridors.

10. Lower crime through neighborhood watches, additional police presence and better communications with the police.

11. Opening of The Exchange at 9th and N.

12. Sale of the the building at 9th and Rhode Island to Abdo, and Abdo’s application for permits to commence rehabilitation of the property (I mean, they were interested once, why can’t they be interested again?)

13. Liquor license approval for Vegetate and Queen of Sheba.

14. Walnut Street Development’s application for ANC approval of its Flats at Blagden Alley and its 1212 9th Street developments.

15. Lease signing of one more bar on 9th Street in the Vegetate or Be Bar blocks.

Any other (hopeful though they may be) predictions?


PHOTO SOURCE: Internet Sacred Text Archive, available here.

Coming Soon to a Convention Center Near You. . .

Last night, I attended a grand opening celebration at the Old Dominion Brewhouse. I was happy to meet some of the owners of our new neighborhood gathering spot and am impressed that such wonderful people are invested in Shaw. At the event were many local business owners (including folks from The Space and The Long View Gallery), government leaders (like Kevin Chapple and Alex Padro), family and friends of OD, and local bloggers (like Mari from InShaw).

We had the pleasure of speaking with the owners of two retailers coming to the convention center, D’vine Cravings Bakery on 9th Street and the Julie Sumner Salon and Spa on N Street. Here’s a report on what we learned (as reported by Remaking Le Slum correspondent Drew):

D'vine Cravings Bakery

D'vine Cravings should open within two months. The owners--a very cute couple currently residing in Alexandria--plan to be open early in the morning to serve coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries. They will also serve lunch: three signature sandwiches and homemade soups. D'vine Cravings will be most recognized as an exceptional pastry shop and catering business. D'vine Cravings will provide our neighborhood with a great new resource (not to mention many delicious carbs--I can't wait to try their cakes, pies, and pastry goodies). I look forward to many neighborhood parties catered by them.

The Julie Sumner Salon and Spa

This business will be on the back side of the convention center across from The Exchange. They will do it all: hair, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, etc. Julie had a highly successful salon and spa in Chinatown, which she closed after signing her lease for a space in the convention center about 3 years ago. She hopes to be open in the next 3-4 weeks. This will surely fill a neighborhood need, as we're currently lacking nice salons and spas.

Thinking About: Fourteenth Street Galleries Should Move to Shaw

On Friday, the Post reported that rising rents on Fourteenth Street are calling into serious question whether the cluster of galleries on the street can remain in place. In particular, notable art purveyors G Fine Art, the Curator's Office, Adamson Gallery, and Hemphill Fine Arts are all located in1515 Fourteenth Street, Northwest, and, after years of paying subsidized, under-market rent, face unprecedented rent hikes.

I think there is a strong business case for these galleries to move a few blocks east to re-establish themselves in the 1200 or 1300 block of Ninth Street, Northwest, or in the 1000 block of Seventh Street, Northwest in Shaw. Proximity to the convention center, the metro and two circulator lines, several white table cloth restaurants (and others in the pipeline), downtown Washington, and to their current Logan Circle client base make Shaw a desirable locale for the galleries. Rents in Shaw are lower than on Fourteenth Street, while the buildings exude character. Additionally, there are several available spaces clustered together that could mimic the synergy the galleries have on Fourteenth Street. For example, on Ninth Street, there is a fantastic space with great street frontage adjacent to Long View Gallery's upcoming new location at 1234 Ninth Street; The Nine has a fantastic, large new ground floor retail space; the second floor of The Exchange is available; and the former home of Long View Gallery at 1302 Ninth Street is now available.

The Exchange: Offices Available Immediately

On my way to work today, I noticed this sign advertising that offices in The Exchange are available for lease immediately (sorry for the poor cell phone picture quality).

I am so excited for The Exchange to be nearing completion; it really is looking awesome. With the residences, offices and retail that this mixed use development/historic rehabilitation will bring to 9th and N, lower 9th will really get a boost of even vitality and energy.

Thinking about: Restaurants and Loving Cork

One of my dreams for Shaw's main streets is that they will be lined with more great, interesting restaurants like Vegetate, Etete, and Corduroy. In addition to enjoying trying new foods and dining out, I would love to see more restaurants because I think restaurants significantly drive revitalization and give a wonderful buzz to the streetscape. I also think existing restaurants benefit from the addition of new restaurants and the corresponding patrons, attention to the area, and vitality that they bring.

Every time I encounter a charming spot serving up delicious food, I picture where such a restaurant would fit neatly in our neighborhood. For instance, I recently ate at this awesome little cuban restaurant in the East Village called Cantina. I can totally see a Cantina-type restaurant in one of the newly renovated retail spots of the Exchange or across from the Convention Center on lower 7th (wouldn't a great Cuban restaurant be an awesome addition to our food scene?) .

On Friday night, I found another restaurant that I can totally picture on one of our main streets: Cork. If you haven't had the pleasure to check this 14th Street newcomer out, you must. The atmosphere is really neat and the food is spectacular. Among the many stand-out dishes we tried (small, share-able plates seems to be the M.O.) were the duck confit, the potato and leek gratin, and the red wine braised lamb. I've been wishing for a wine bar in central Shaw for a while now, dining at Cork gave clarity to my vision!


Cork
1720 14th Street, N.W.
202.265.CORK

Development Name, Delivery Date Announced

A few weeks ago, I snapped this photo of an ongoing renovation in the 1300 block of 9th Street:On Saturday I noticed that a banner has been hung announcing the name of the project, "The Nine," and a website for the same http://theninedc.com/. The renovation of the historic building fronting both 9th Street and Naylor Court should deliver this summer. The mixed use project includes a ground floor commercial space and several residences. The residences are advertised as being "nestled around an intimate courtyard and access to one of Washington's only remaining historic block-wide alleys." Here is a rendering of what the completed development will look like:It is thrilling to see this recently-vacant building brought back to life. The addition of another new commercial space and additional new residences to this block will really add to the vibrancy of the block (which is already pretty vibrant, with such notable neighbors as Be Bar, Azi's Cafe, The Long View Gallery, and Maruka School of Yoga and Boutique, and the upcoming tenants of The Exchange). Any thoughts on what kind of retail would be desirable for this building?

Recent Past: 2004 at The Exchange

Continuing my look back at 2004 photographs from the Property Information Verification System, take a gander at what's now known as The Exchange at Ninth and N Streets just seven years ago. The building was vacant, graffiti-ridden and in terrible shape at the time. 

Douglas Development began a major redevelopment of the property in 2005 that delivered in 2008.  The beautifully restored historic buildings and new construction behind contain the headquarters of Independence Bank and residential apartments.

It's hard to believe it's the same place, right?

Rent Me: The Exchange Apartments

Construction at Douglas Development's beautiful mixed use historic redevelopment at the corner of 9th and N Streets, NW, The Exchange, finally wrapped up late last year. From the street, it really looks awesome (and will look even better when the retail spots are occupied!).

The residences on the upper floors are officially for lease now. Check out this website for information about and pictures of the seventeen one bedroom and studio apartments for rent. All have hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, washers/dryers, modern lights and great closets.