Prime Retail Space Now Available on MLK

One of the reasons MLK Avenue doesn't have a ton of retail (restaurants or otherwise) is that it hasn't had a whole lot of available retail spaces come available. A lot of the retail space is taken by office users or is unavailable/has absentee owners/not in good condition. But, over the past couple months two great - and adjacent - spaces have come available: 2019 and 2021 MLK Ave.



The building on the left is the old Anacostia Bank building, and the one on the right has been (probably should not share this if I want the space leased) a funeral home for a number of years.


the buildings now...


...and in the early 20th century (Photo: Library of Congress)

But, they are located on a great stretch of MLK, between U Street and V Street, next to The Hive, along the future Anacostia streetcar route.



The buildings themselves are pretty cool. One has an awesome fish scale transom (see above), and both kind of have that classic small town charm that makes Anacostia unique.



At just $25/square foot, these buildings would be great for anyone looking to start a new business or expand into a neighborhood that - with the success of Uniontown Bar & Grill - has proven itself able to support quality local eateries.

If interested, Click Here for the listings (scroll to see properties) or call broker Carla Merritt at 301-702-3200 x102.

Uniontown Bar & Grill Update

Curious about what's going on behind the paper at Uniontown Bar & Grill? I got the tour of 2200 MLK's exciting retail space today, and it's starting to look like a real restaurant/bar inside.


the "Uniontown Bar & Grill" lettering is coming soon

Interior construction is happening really quickly, and they are hoping to be finished with the build-out within the next few weeks. As you can see, the bar is built, but still needs its chocolatey-brown granite counters and surface finishes.



Natasha, the owner, points out where the banquette and table seating will be all the way along the far wall. The space will essentially be one long set of tables against the wall, the bar on the left, and a few stools and high tables at the front windows.



The kitchen equipment will come in when all the interior finish work is complete, but the space in back is getting ready.



As you can see, the bar is definitely the prominent feature of the room ... but it will be interesting to see how that changes when the upholstered high-back bench seating is built into the far wall.



After seeing the space today I am encouraged that the restaurant/bar is actually coming to the neighborhood. Will update as soon as there is a tentative opening date! For more about Uniontown, check out the website: www.UtownDC.com

Sunbelt Rentals Build-Out Begins

Sunbelt Rentals, the national chain equipment rental brand, is finally building out its space at 2204 Martin Luther King Avenue. The store will rent out construction equipment, and is wisely locating themselves in one of the most under construction areas of the city.

Before the lease was executed, the space had been used for private parties and had a really great raw feel. Despite the loss of exposed brick and (intentional) graffiti, it'll be nice to have a well-run business operating here.


there won't be many exterior improvements other than a new sign and rebuilt iron fence


the space is divided into two sections - the storefront and ...


... the back warehouse and storage area

For anyone who would rather see something more exciting move in - I understand - but, this is a good step towards showing other retailers that this is an acceptable place to locate businesses. And with the "build it and they will come" track the neighborhood is currently growing on, facilitating that "build" stage is pretty important.

New Deli Coming to MLK and V Street

I was walking around the neighborhood the other day and ran into some news about 2026 MLK Avenue, the building just to the left of Fireside Restaurant: a new deli and convenience store called 2nd Chance is moving in.



The owner wants to differentiate from other options in the neighborhood, so it will be interesting to see if their sandwiches and "convenience" items are different from those offered at other places just up the block.



From what I understand, permits are being sought for interior improvements, and the owner is open to the idea of not using bulletproof glass inside (although apparently had a bad experience at another shop he owns in the District).

Sunbelt Rentals Coming to 2204 MLK

Here's some retail news for ya: Sunbelt Rentals, a construction equipment rental store, recently signed a one year lease at 2204 MLK Avenue. The owners had been holding out for a restaurant user, but decided to fill the space in the meantime.



This will be a good use for all the construction that is going on in the neighborhood. Plus, the more recognizable retail that moves into Anacostia, the more likely it is that other retailers give us a chance.

Industrial Bank opening soon!

I haven't covered this story much, but a branch of Industrial Bank is about to open in the Anacostia Gateway building at the corner of MLK and Good Hope. It is the first retailer to open in the building, which is still waiting for one more ground floor tenant.


the sign is now above the ATMs in the front room


the interior is very yellow, but pretty sleek


a few historical images of other Industrial Banks are printed on glass as room dividers


another view of the lobby, facing Good Hope Road


ever wanted to see the guts of an ATM?

Although there are many things besides a bank that we hope to see open in downtown Anacostia, this is a great first step. Having good-looking and established retailers set up shop here shows others that it's an okay place to be.

the neighborhood supermarket

this new sign was just installed in December

Anacostia gets a lot of attention for being a "food desert". We often hear about how Safeway moved out, how McDonald's moved out (thank goodness), and the perception of it being easier to cross over to Capitol Hill or even Arlington to shop than to anything in our general neck of the woods.

we share a sort of bond over here in River East - perceived lack of services, bad reputations, unknown-ness... to the point where even a full-service grocery store within the bounds of actual Anacostia is overlooked as not real enough to get a mention.


much bigger than a corner convenience store

Enter the Anacostia Warehouse Supermarket. Located at the corner of Good Hope and 14th, the store is in the old Safeway space and carries pretty much everything for not-unreasonable prices.

there's a sort of 1970s retro style on the inside... (okay, this place could pass for a period movie set)


there's even a guy (viewable through the window) who prepares the selection of fresh-cut meats


loving the old school wax polish reference


yogurt, milk, eggs, somewhat obscured by a giant banner

...but ignore the browning ceiling tiles and wood-veneer paneling and focus on the fresh produce and surprisingly good selection all around.


i was most surprised to discover the wide selection of produce


and the general freshness, despite not-awesome interior decor

To state the obvious, this isn't a corporate owned and operated grocery store. The inside could use a redo (although I'd hate to lose the mod timewarp), but this is a true local business that's pretty great for what it is.

full disclosure: I had never stepped inside until I was touring Tufts University professor Parke Wilde around the neighborhood last fall and he suggested we stop inside. His write-up and other interesting food posts can be found on his U.S. Food Policy blog.

photos by DG-rad

retail highlight: American Shottas

this past weekend was, as stated earlier, an amazing time to be outside ramblin around town. I made my way into American Shottas for the first time (ok, I'll admit, the extra loud music from the speaker outside sort of turned me off at first). Once inside it is a vision of classic record store meets local flavor. Definitely worth a visit.











Our neighborhood has both a real and perceived lack of retail. We feel grocery-less even though we have a full-service, albeit old-fashioned-seeming grocery store within blocks (see future post), ...we want to be able to walk to a neighborhood bar or sit-down restaurant, but can't because they don't exist.

We have banks, corner stores, a florist, a cleaner, an almost coffee shop, a clothing store, and even a Subway, but it's often the case that we don't recognize them until we walk inside for the first time or need them at the last minute and finally appreciate their convenience. We want more of them, but we definitely have a few kickin local shops already.

photos / graphics by DG-rad

just waiting on the new storefront glass...

otherwise, Tony's Place (northeast corner of 14th and Good Hope) has seen some nice upgrades in the last few months:


although the vinyl windows aren't my all-time favorite (this is outside the historic district), the new awning is a creative alternative to what is often seen

not sure I'd qualify this general take-out place as an American Diner, but to each his own:


the signs are pretty snazzy ... but does the pipe-wiring for the lights have to be on the exterior?

These are the kinds of upgrades that Main Street Anacostia helps oversee and even fund. They are a hugely important way to change neighborhood perceptions and legitimize the existing businesses along Good Hope and MLK.

photos by DG-rad

Community Forklift is where it's at

Literally.



Located in a sweet old warehouse, Community Forklift in Edmonston, MD (just off both Kenilworth Ave or Rhode Island Ave, Click for Map), is an amazing resource for anyone doing a renovation project of any kind.

To simplify, I usually describe Community Forklift as a "used Home Depot that also carries green building supplies", because I've bought things like doors, low-emissive caulk, a medicine cabinet, and recycled denim insulation there.

First off, the place is huge - and has stuff for sale both indoors and out:


want some doors made out of real antique books? or about a thousand other doors...


it's all here, folks


bathtubs, sinks, bricks, slate, roof tiles, fencing, etc is all in the yard


as is a ridiculously inexpensive (as low as $2.50/sf) selection of pre-cut granite and other natural stone slabs

Honestly, if you need a window, old hardwood floors, insulated pipes, glass doorknobs, antique mantles, or pretty much anything else - and want to get it at a total bargain - Community Forklift is the place to go.

photos by DG-rad

big welcome to DC Yoga!

Located at 1242 U Street SE (on Rosie's Row), DC Yoga is a totally exciting addition to the neighborhood. Although they haven't officially started classes yet, they will be offering all sorts of awesome yoga and pilates classes beginning in 2009. No worries, I will keep you all updated.

Interested in Yoga Teacher Training? DC Yoga is offering a comprehensive 200 hour teacher's training progam based on Bodhisattva Yoga, starting on November 1.

For more information, check out DC Yoga's website.

ahh, inspiration to get my stretch back on

Anacostia Retail & Restaurant Recruitment Fair

Click to Enlarge


When:

Wednesday, October 29, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.

Where:

Anacostia Gateway Building,
1800 MLK Avenue SE

What:

If you currently own a retail store or restaurant in the District of Columbia or beyond, this is an opportunity (or just call anytime..) to talk with you about a great place for a second location. Main Street Anacostia also seeking first-time entrepreneurs.

The fair will begin with a showcase of new development projects, followed by a roof-top reception and presentation. We will proceed with a walking tour of available properties for lease and for sale.

To RSVP, email Yavocka Young, or call 202-266-2989. Or you can just show up: the current Anacostia retail environment is such that no one is going to be turned away.

Extreme Makeover: 1916 MLK Edition

okay, so the first picture is from april, but it kept the overgrown flaking paint chained up appearance until last week, when all of a sudden this aqua makeover started. Lookin' good.

if it looks jarringly sea-green in the pic, it really is pretty classy in person. and with its location right across from the future Anacostia Square (see reflection in the windows) and at the heart of the gateway, this is/will be a hot ticket spot for a jazzed-up storefront.

to lease this space, contact Douglas Development's Normal Jemal at 202-638-6300

big chair coffee gets its permits

it's just nice seeing the word restaurant


still kind of crossing my fingers that the culture-clash front porch can be made to look nice

and a P.S. to Main Street Anacostia and the owners of BCC - Here is some signage inspiration:









sign photos courtesy of flickr users glistensound, jaremfan, Bonzo McGrue, thoughtsinbuttermilk