“Annie’s Ace Hardware, famed restaurateur Joe Englert, and arts incubator ReCreative Spaces” coming to Mount Rainier

Big score for Mount Rainer!

From a press release:

“The Menkiti Group has been selected by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County, Maryland to redevelop the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue in the Mount Rainier Gateway Arts District. The three historic buildings comprising the 3300 block will be restored by the Menkiti Group and will consist of 12 residential units above 10,000 square feet of commercial space. The Menkiti Group has already obtained commitments from Annie’s Ace Hardware, famed restaurateur Joe Englert, and arts incubator ReCreative Spaces, to occupy the three commercial spaces fronting Rhode Island Avenue.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the redevelopment of this site and we are very excited to breathe new life into the existing buildings,” stated Mark Rengel, Vice President of Development for the Menkiti Group. “The vibrant collection of uses that we have planned for the site will activate the commercial core of Mount Rainier and bring much needed economic activity to heart of the neighborhood.”

The Menkiti Group is partnering with the Gateway Community Development Corporation, a local nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of the Route 1 corridor, in the development of the project. During the design phase, the project team will conduct a number of public design charrettes to engage local residents and gain a practical understanding of the needs of the Mount Rainier community.

The proposed redevelopment will involve a number of sustainable design practices including provisions for an extensive green roof capable of retaining storm water on site, solar hot water heating, in addition to the potential for solar photovoltaic arrays on all roof areas.

“Mount Rainier benefits from many economic and physical attributes, including many historic and cultural assets, that position the neighborhood for a resurgence,” stated Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO of the Menkiti Group. “The renewal of the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue will be catalytic for Mount Rainier, and we intend to devote our time and resources to building the vibrant urban centerpiece that has been long desired by the local community.”