
3714 14th Street, NW
Well that was fast controversial pawn shop, Quik Cash, that opened up despite neighbor protests last September has closed:


14th Street looking north toward Red Derby and Lyman’s

3714 14th Street, NW
Well that was fast controversial pawn shop, Quik Cash, that opened up despite neighbor protests last September has closed:


14th Street looking north toward Red Derby and Lyman’s

Located in the Cornerstone building of Monroe Street Market on Monroe Street, NE between Michigan Ave and 7th
With word of more bookstores closing it’s nice to hear of one opening.
From an earlier press release from Catholic University:
“The store will feature 14,000 square feet of retail space on two levels, a 44-seat Starbucks-branded café, and designated areas for Catholic University textbook and school spirit sales.”





11 Dupont Circle, NW
Some incredibly big scuttlebutt was reported by Elevation DC earlier this week:
“The store’s website [Mrs. Greens natural food store] had (now removed) a “Coming Soon” page for a Dupont Circle location at 11 Dupont Circle NW, the office building on the circle’s northwest corner, with a retail component (where there’s currently a Books-A-Million) on the ground floor. That building was put on the market in May, and the retail space was put on the market around the same time.”
Mrs Greens website says:
“Mrs. Green’s Natural Market is a neighborhood store, passionately committed to clean, natural foods. Dedicated to health and sustainability. Devoted to customers who care deeply about the foods they eat.”
Back in January 2012 I wondered about the long term future of this Books a Million.
Which would you rather have in this location Books a Million or Mrs. Greens?

1939 12th Street, NW
From a press release:
“Gallagher & Graham Fine Spirits are pleased to announce that they have reached a preliminary agreement with the owner of 1939 12th Street to open an upscale liquor store to serve the needs of the growing U Street Neighborhood. The group filed paperwork with ABRA in late June to open a Class A store and hopes to open its doors in early October.
Gallagher & Graham plans to specialize in craft beers, organic wines and selectively distilled spirits in addition to the staples. “We will carry a few of the name brands but really want to allow Washingtonians to sample some of the great products coming out of this region.” Said Tucker Gallagher, longtime U Street resident.
Gallagher, formerly in corporate marketing, has teamed up with his cousin, John Graham, a newly minted MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship. They are excited for the challenge of serving a changing neighborhood.
Mr. Gallagher came up with the idea while shopping for a dinner party: “The area east of 14th lacks a store where you can buy a fine wine for dinner, a decent craft beer to watch the game or a top shelf liquor to make cocktails. We want to be the first and only stop when U street resident are stocking their bars and wine cellars.”
In addition to serving the needs of the average customer, the duo hope to benefit from the recent trend in artisan products: “We want to help educate our customers about what they are drinking as well as introduce them to new brands. The craft spirit industry has really taken off in recent years and small batch products are in many cases better than the name brands people are familiar with.” added Graham.
“U Street has changed dramatically in the past 10 years and our neighbors are demanding more refined products for a cultivated palate.” Gallagher said “We look forward to providing a variety of quality products for the inquisitive gourmet.”
The store, to be located at 1939 12th Street, hopes to open in October upon approval of ABRA and input from local groups.”

looking north toward U Street

1428 U Street, NW
I just realized that GoodWood has turned 20 years old. Amazing. They are the coolest. If you’ve never checked out their stuff you can get a taste here. Happy 20th!



3000 Connecticut Avenue, NW
From a press release:
“Four years after founding Baked by Yael, lawyer-turned-baker Yael Krigman is taking her online bakery to the streets. Baked by Yael is opening Washington’s first cakepoppery across from the National Zoo at 3000 Connecticut Avenue. Washingtonians and visitors alike will be able to enjoy award-winning cakepops, bagels, and other preservative-free treats made from scratch at Baked by Yael’s first storefront when it opens later this year.
“I can’t think of a more perfect location,” said Krigman, adding that “not only will I be able to meet many of our customers who have been ordering through our website for years, but visitors to the zoo will be able to enjoy unique and delicious treats in an area that currently has limited options.”
The deal concludes Krigman’s two-year search for retail space. Last summer, Krigman ran a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, raising nearly $75,000 from 669 backers who pre-ordered cakepops to support Krigman’s dream of opening a brick and mortar store.
Krigman’s online cakepop business has been thriving with orders for birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, and even divorce parties. With a storefront, Baked by Yael’s cakepops and other baked goods will be more accessible to those people who don’t want to wait a day or two to satisfy their sweet tooth.
“When the cakepoppery opens, our customers will be able to have the full Baked by Yael experience,” Krigman said. “They’ll smell the cakes in the oven. They’ll watch us dip and decorate the cakepops. They’ll see our cakepops in different shapes and colors and the space will be available for children’s birthday parties.”
The company will also expand its special event and corporate catering business and will continue to sell other products, including its renowned hand-rolled bagels, black & white cookies, and rugelach.”


Riggs Road NE and South Dakota Avenue NE
Thanks to @lowbraudc for tweeting us the update:
“Blue panels are going up on a designed #walmart”
Walmart’s website says:
“Site Development Program Mixed-use residential and retail 400 rental housing units 118,000 SF Walmart Supercenter 8,700 SF other retail 740 underground parking spaces for residential and retail uses”

Rendering via Walmart

4620 Wisconsin Ave, NW
I admit I shed my fair share of tears when Morty’s (Formerly Krupins) and home to a fine pastrami sandwich, closed back in 2010. Now, I have nothing against spas but this seems like an unworthy replacement…


1133 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending word:
“The new H&M on Connecticut ave NW has a set grand opening day for August 7th”

looking north on Connecticut Ave

331 H Street, NE
A reader sends an update:
“This shop is now open. I went in this week. It’s fabulous, and the owner is just awesome!”
Island Dyes website says:
“Welcome to our newest and sixth location, ISLAND DYES – Washington, D.C. We are very excited to offer our wide array of Island coolness! Once inside you will quickly find this is no normal headshop. We have something for everyone here.
Island Dyes is home of SYN Glass, the makers of one the best and almost indestructible waterpipes on the market. Don’t stop there though, we have righteous tie dies, bodacious hats and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. Flower power to the people! Island Dyes style coming your way!”