Book Store? Other Retailers?

alaaro · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 573 Location: 11th and Park

Any idea whats happening to the rest of that small strip that Columbia Heights Coffee is in? at 11th and Park?

New2CH · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 652 Location: Park Road

Funny you mention it, I just came across this, which appears to pertain to that exact building. I am going to post something on the yahoo listserver as well on this, because it kind of concerns me. It is an 11 unit building which appears to be planned for the exact building Columbia Heights Coffee is in. They are asking for several variances, at least one of which pertains to having more residential use than zoned for on that commercial strip. I think it bears watching and I am curious if anyone has more information. On the one hand, that corner looks pretty blighted right now, so obviously something being done to it is great. On the other hand, if it is a large residential building, it could be out of scale to the area and, just as importantly, I don't want to see what coudl be a vibrant little commercial corridor become totally residential in nature (mixed use would be OK ...). Here is the info on the April 18th hearing:

Application of 3DG/3400 11th Street LLC, pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3103.2, for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements under section 772, a variance from the residential recreation space requirements under section 773, a variance from the rear yard requirements under section 774, a variance from the closed court requirements under section 776, and a variance from the off-street parking requirements under subsection 2101.1, to allow the construction of an eleven (11) unit apartment building in the C-2-A District at premises 3400 11th Street, N.W. (Square 2839, Lot 121).

SeanonMonroe · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Monroe St

I think 3400 11th St is the building on the corner with Park Rd, not the one with CH coffee (which is at 3416 11th). There used to be a corner store there which was closed when I last walked by...maybe someone's planning to replace the building. It would be a shame to lose a corner commercial space if that's the plan.

-- Sean

New2CH · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 652 Location: Park Road

I think you are right about location, but I am not sure exactly how much of the strip they are planning to build up (all the buildings seem to be continuously connected along that stretch). At the very least, it appears the development will include the two boarded up stores, liquor and grocery store:

http://www.3dgllc.com/news/archive/detail.php?id=17

This press release is encouraging, in particular the reference to local residents' desire for non-chain stores and restaurants. I'll be curious to learn more on April 18th. I am also encouraged that this is a local developer who seems attuned to local residents' concerns.

New2CH · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 652 Location: Park Road

Someone on yahoo listserver posted this follow-up, with floor plans:

http://realestate.3dgllc.com/exclusives/3400_11th/

SeanonMonroe · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Monroe St

So it looks like they'll maintain retail there at the corner which is good. 3DG (the developer) is one of the renting companies in the Tivoli building and seems to be trying to build a name for themselves as a environmentally-friendly, local developer; they used to be in a townhouse on Holmead. I walked through one of the units they converted (on Otis?) in the fall they did an interesting job of modernizing the rowhome. Maybe somebody who lives near that unit can comment on the job they did. I know they added a floor to the top, which usually gets everybody nearby aggravated, but it wasn't that noticable from the front until it was pointed out to me.

-- Sean

Mr. T · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 902

Wow, that looks good. Small-scale retail, enviro-friendly design, could be a good fit on 11th Street. Thanks for posting the link.

manieri · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 5 Location: 13th & Monroe

I agree that the chains that are committed thus far seem adequate and we should all be trying to balance that development with a push for local mom and pops.

My additions to the wish list:
nail salon
dry cleaners
bakery
hardware store

bunga · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 10

I am glad to find this forum after looking at the development on the CH news website. Bookstore is one thing I really miss after moving to CH early last year. The library really need to be improved, it is far from comfortable and that's the closest source to books in the area that I can find. Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Politics and Prose anyone is good.

Frances · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 1

erica · Joined: 28 Apr 2006 Posts: 7

I agree, a bookstore of any kind would be heaven. Also on my list:

Pet Store
News Stand
Dry Cleaners (I live closer to GA Ave where this is more of a problem)
Whole Foods
More sit down restaurants

Erica

kdubin · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 2

Why does everyone want a Barnes & Noble or Borders? Aren't there enough of those in this city? Olssons is no different. Anyways, there is always the library, the most underused of all buildings in any city. Why hasn't anybody thrown out Kramer Books or something less commercial/lame with more to offer than just books such as a legit restaurant/cafe? As far as what Columbia heights truly could benefit from, definitely a dry cleaners fits that bill. What about a late-night hole-in-the-wall eatery? Something like a sub shop or a falafel shop or a wing place? Something delicious and cheap aside from Distrito Federale. Some place that stays open past midnight.

Ferdelance · Joined: 05 Jul 2006 Posts: 213 Location: Columbia Rd

Book store is needed. Wouldnt mind having a pet store too.

Meekaiel · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 44

How about a professional/medical building...or...outpatient clinic? I'm thinking a building where GPs, psychologists, dentists etc...can set up shop.

Local_E · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 2:09 pm Post subject:

I would love a Trader Joes. I have no idea about their rules or preferences but a TJ would be great in our neck of the woods. The food, beer, and wine selection is great and the prices are a lot less than Whole Foods or Giant.

I agree with a past commentator, the current selection at the DC USA mall was not chosen very well. Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath, and the sports club are great but I would like to see smaller local businesses and smaller restaurants. If we get too many corporate owned businesses then CH will turn into Pentagon City and not a fun trendy area.

It would be nice to see CH become something in between what happened at U Street and in China Town. U Street has a great local feel and China Town, well it's funny to walk through China Town and see no Chinese restaurants... I would hate to see downtown CH become a shopping mall. This area truly needs a great walking community feel with fun shops, great restaurants, coffee shops, and the such.

Just my two cents…
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