When we talk about vacant retail spaces the topic of chain stores/restaurants is often a concern. Personally I think it would be horrible for retail strips to have nothing but chain stores. Having said that, I have no problem if one of the spaces were used for a chain. And whenever I walk past a Chipotle, in any neighborhood, it is always packed. So clearly some folks do like a chain store. So for today’s FQotD – if you were to have ONE chain represented in your neighborhood – which chain would you most like to have? Chipotle? Something else?

In late Feb. the signage went up. In early March the signage came down. Well, the signage is back. They did fix the spelling of Jewelry…

3714 14th Street, NW

Photo by PoPville flickr user jen2e

NoMa ANC Rep @TonyTGoodman tweets:

“Upcoming at @UnionMarketDC – seafood vendor, 2nd bakery, chocolate, international market. Upstairs construction underway for events.”

Union Market is located at 1309 5th Street, NE.

Thanks to a reader for sending word from M street NW between 15th and 16th. Shobha’s website lists a spring 2013 opening for DC.

Dear PoPville,

My wife and I have noticed that the “Swiss Upholstery Shop” right next to the Cardozo-Shaw laundromat (at 11th and Fairmont) seems to be under construction of some sort. Do you know what the story is? The shop has been boarded up for years…is this a sign that the building sold?

Dear PoPville,

What is the deal with vacant retail space at park place? It seems the Donatellis, who I understand received considerable tax breaks for developing park place, are now appearing a bit too greedy. I would be interested in hearing their side of the story about why they haven’t managed to place tenants in two prime end unit retail spaces, as well as from prospective retails tenants (over past years i have seen some checking it out) about why they haven’t pursued. What is informing the logic here and what say or pressure can our community apply to move the process along?

From Donatelli Development:

We continue to work with our equity partner, Canyon Johnson. Our hope is to have total control of the property as soon as possible.

Until then, we’ve asked them to approve a listing agreement for a well-known retail brokerage company to market the empty space at Park Place.

We want to get the best retail mix for the neighborhood. Hopefully, with the Safeway crane and brokers working the space we can get leases signed and build-out started sooner than later.

For a hot second this was home to a frame shop. Stay tuned for Bouquets and More to take over the space at 1628 U Street, NW.

9th and Rhode Island Ave, NW

THe Revival of the Slum Historique building in Shaw continues to amaze me. The new barbershop that is set to open the first week of April is looking great:

Here’s what the building looked like in only 2010:

7th and H Street, NW

From a press release:

Walgreens will officially open the doors to its newest Well Experience flagship store on Thursday, March 21. A ribbon cutting ceremony will commence the grand opening at 9 a.m.

Exclusive experience and preview of the flagship location:

Ceremonial ribbon cutting with Walgreens executives and local officials.

Pharmacy and Take Care Clinic: Insights into a new approach to community pharmacy.

LOOK Boutique: Showcasing upscale and premium beauty products and services.

Fresh/Up Market: Preview Walgreens approach to healthy, convenient and high-quality food offerings such as fro-yo and smoothies.

Walgreens and Bausch + Lomb recently announced the SightSense™ online and in-store patient education program – an initiative to heighten eye health awareness and encourage consumers to take proactive steps to protect and preserve their sight.

Foundry Lofts at 300 Water St, SE

From a press release:

The roster of retailers and restaurants locating at The Yards continues to grow and diversify with the announcement that Desi Living Loft Furniture plans to open its newest store at The Yards. Forest City Washington, the master developer of the 42-acre, urban mixed-use, waterfront development project made the announcement of this latest retail signing.

Desi is the DC area’s premier stop for the most affordable, stylish and unique concepts in living room furniture. The stores provide many color choices, including approximately 200 different fabrics and 70 different leather colors. Desi strives to give customers abundant options in fabric, leather, configuration and style for the most affordable price. Additional information about Desi Living Loft can be found online at www.desisofas.com.

Expected to open in late spring of this year, the 3,000 square foot Desi furniture showroom at The Yards will be located on Water Street at the south end of the Foundry Lofts Apartment building, facing The Yards Park. The Yards will be the third area location for the growing furniture retailer which has existing stores in Rockville and Annapolis.

18th and L St, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending an update on the Nordstrom Rack opening in the former Borders Bookstore at 1800 L St, NW. Grand Opening is April 18th.

Back in 2010 plans were for The Independent, a new coffee house bar and lounge. Then in 2012 I heard some scuttlebutt that Richard Sandoval was considering opening a space here. Turns out he’ll be opening Toro Toro downtown. Now the space is up for lease again. I hear the Hilton brothers (Marvin, Brixton, Chez Billy etc.) may open something on the 2nd floor and somebody new may take over the first floor. But at the moment no new tenant has been found yet. Stay tuned.

3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW

Back in early Jan. we learned that Nana would be closing brick and mortar operations at 3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW. Now comes exciting news of their replacement – Each Peach Market:

A community-oriented grocery store showcasing ingredients from local producers and beyond. Coming soon in 2013!

Jeanlouise Conaway and Emily Friedberg, proprietors of Each Peach Market, are working away to get our shop open soon to bring fresh and delicious food to you.

We will be carrying a diverse range of produce, dairy, farm fresh eggs, meat, beer and wine, prepared foods and house-made items, and other inspirational ingredients!

3710 14th St, NW

Utopia Nails and Spa only opened up back in July ’12 (near Red Derby) but for some reason have already closed. Thanks to all who sent emails and tweets.

Lion’s is located at 3614 Georgia Ave, NW just south of the Petworth metro.