Support

“Regrettably, our building was sold to development groups who plan to evict all of us – the resident artists and organizations – by September 1”

411 ny ave ne
411 New York Ave, NE

“Dear PoPville,

Boutique hotel proposal goes to BZA Monday. Plans to turn Union Arts located at 411 New York Ave NE into an “arts hotel”. Has collected 80 letters of opposition which can be found on the zoning case search #15-19. Facebook group calling for more signatures and stand in at case Monday:

#SaveDCArts – The Union Arts building at 411 New York Ave NE is the last collective art space of its kind in Washington, DC. It has been home to more than 100 artists and numerous organizations for many decades working as a catalyst of creativity for many communities throughout the city.

Regrettably, our building was sold to development groups who plan to evict all of us – the resident artists and organizations – by September 1. They intend to displace us so they can build an 11-story luxury boutique arts hotel. The DBLee and Brook Rose development groups have enlisted Cultural DC to convert the now affordable and diversely accessible art space into a chic hotel, where only 7 art studios will be made available to no more than 20 artists. This is far fewer than the number of artist collectives currently working in the building, who after being displaced will then be forced to compete for studios at a significantly higher price. In addition, the new building will greatly alter the character of the area into another sterile development, not suited for creative inspiration.

What is definite is the building has been sold. The current tenants at 411 New York Ave NE must vacate out by September 1st.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

“1) Email the DC Zoning Commission telling them you support the creatives and entrepreneurs at 411 New York Ave and that you don’t want us to be displaced. Voice your frustrations regarding space for community artists in DC. Send an email to [email protected] with the subject, “Comments on ZC Case #15-19” and Bcc [email protected]

EXAMPLE EMAIL / STATEMENT / LETTER:
“I am ____ and I am/own/make/do ____ in the District of Columbia. I would like to state for the record regarding ZC Case #15-19 my dismay for the displacement of artists at the Union Arts building at 411 New York Avenue NE. The proposed hotel development project by 411 New York Holdings, LLC that you are considering today is a great step back for Washington DC’s creative community.”
.
2) Come to the zoning hearing this Monday, February 1st at 6:30 pm at Office of Zoning and Planning in Washington DC. If you have performed, exhibited, frequented, worked, or otherwise support the artist activities at 411 New York Ave, come and speak against displacement of the artists you like and on behalf of the ability of artists and musicians to work in Washington, DC. We want to stack the house.

The Office of Zoning and Planning is on 4th Street NW between D and E, right next to the Judiciary Square metro stop. The full address is:

Office of Zoning and Planning
Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room
441 4th Street, N.W. (aka One Judiciary Square)
Suite 220-South
Washington, DC. 20001
METRO STOP: Judiciary Square
DIRECTIONS: http://tinyurl.com/harnfoy

3) IMPORTANT – If you are unable to speak at the public hearing, written statements (see item 1) are STRONGLY encouraged, as each will be made a part of the official record.
.
SPEAK OUT, BE HEARD!
At this hearing, the public (that means YOU) will have an opportunity to make statements and testify to the truth, beginning 8pm.

The sale and repurposing of the Union Arts space at 411 New York Avenue fits the latest national trend of redevelopment and gentrification that makes existing as an artist in cities across the country, and especially in Washington, DC, a near impossibility.

411 New York Avenue is the last space of its kind in the District. This zoning and planning hearing is a perfect opportunity for artists who are active in DC’s contemporary creative community to make their voices heard to those who need to hear it.

Please come and make your voice heard!

Read the zoning hearing statement. See the plans for yourself.”

Recent Stories

Thanks to Dan for sending this great shot. If you spot a hawk, any interesting wildlife or celebrity skateboarder Tony Hawk, and get a good photo please send in an…

1813 Columbia Road, NW Namak is: “A new upscale casual Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Adams Morgan — opening in late March 2024!”

[More reaction, including from AG, Councilmembers, the Developer and Monumental, after the jump.] From the Mayor’s Office: “Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson and Members of the Council of the…

12th and M Street, NW Thanks to Lisa for sending around 8:50am: “Fire on M Street at 12th.” From DC Fire and EMS: “Working Fire 1200 block M St NW….

Calling all bookworms, thrill-seekers, supporters of the arts, and ping-pongers at all skill levels! Sign up for Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament supporting 826DC’s youth writing programs.

826DC is a local nonprofit that offers free writing programs, homework help, and publishing opportunities for DC students ages 6-18, in our Columbia Heights writing center and in learning spaces across the city.

Paddlestar Galactica helps keep writing education 100% free and accessible for all of our students! It’s also extremely fun.

This year’s games will be Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC. It’ll be a chaotic afternoon of ping-pong, costumes, terrible Battlestar Galactica puns, and good cheer. We’d love to have you join us!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Vakili Band at Pie Shop!

Three band rock n rolll lineup at DC’s Pie Shop! Vakili Band with “if you know, you know” DC rockers, Lot 18, and the many minds and songs of artist Kind of Christine.

“If you love Vakili Band like we

×

Subscribe to our mailing list