Retail

Results Gym Closing at City Vista in Mt. Vernon Square Sept. 1

By Prince Of Petworth

Normally we’re used to hearing exciting news or at least exciting scuttlebutt when talking about City Vista in Mt. Vernon Square. This is the first time I can remember big news of a closing. Many readers are bummed and last night sent emails like the following:

“Dear PoP,

I’m a relatively new MVT condo owner (bought in 2009) and was devastated to hear from an excellent source with firsthand knowledge that the Results in City Vista will close abruptly on September 1st. This is terrible stuff, especially for the staff that will lose their jobs.

I’m writing to break the news in the hope that it will spread and cause such an uproar that it will make the Results brass reconsider…”

Another reader sent in definitive word from one of the trainers so I’m afraid an enormous uproar won’t be able to make Results reconsider at this point. But perhaps another gym can/will move into the space?

Dear PoP – Help a new bakery come to Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’d love to get your readers’ thoughts on a business my family is trying to open. It’s a French coffee shop and bakery, with authentic French pastries and several varieties of bread– including real baguettes!– baked on site. We’re thinking wi-fi, comfy chairs and good coffee. It’s the sort of Mom and Pop operation where the proprietors will get to know their regulars, and take special orders, and keep little treats on hand for your kids.

We’ve found what seems to be an ideal spot, in DC USA. However, the main office of the development company has been blowing us off for months. The good folks of the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights are excited about our proposal, but have also expressed frustration with the passive resistance of the head office. It’s true, we don’t come with the backing of a nationwide chain. This is, however, a local, woman-owned business, exactly the sort of thing that the developers claimed they would be seeking out. We’ve just about given up on this property, but Jim Graham’s office has indicated some willingness to facilitate between us and the landlord; it’s too early to know if anything will come of that.

So if you think this sounds like the sort of place you might patronize, let’s hear it! Maybe some support from the community, along with our solid business plan, long small-business experience, and singleminded determination, will encourage the landlord to talk to us. We’d also love to hear suggestions for elements that would make you love a bakery/coffee shop even more.”

This sounds amazing. I’d definitely support it! I’m really frustrated reading about your experience. I can’t believe some people would rather have these store fronts sit empty than have a promising business like this. Would you guys like to see a bakery like this go into the DC USA? If so, show your support and let’s help them make it happen.

Coming Soon, Looped Yarn Works – Going, Pleasure Place on 1700 Block of Conn. Ave, NW in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

Looped Yarn Works will be coming to 1732 Connecticut Ave, NW above Mourayo restaurant. Their Web site says:

“Looped Yarn Works is bringing yarn back to Dupont Circle. We’ve all missed our local yarn store (lys) in the neighborhood. We’re excited to bring the community a friendly, comfortable and warm shop with a selection of beautiful yarns and notions. Some of the yarns you’ll find at Looped include Malabrigo, Berocco, Koigu, Rowan, Frog Tree, Classic Elite, SWTC, Blue Heron and Tilli Tomas. And this is just the beginning!”

And in sadder news the Pleasure Place, always fun to walk by, has closed nearby at 1710 Connecticut Ave, NW. Looks like there is still a location on Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown. For those who will miss the Dupont location you can go nearby to Secret Pleasures located at 1510 U Street, NW.

Woah, Big Adams Morgan News – Blockbuster Closing at 1751 Columbia Rd, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user Scott Clark. Ed. Note: There is an amazing selection of Blockbuster closing pictures on flickr…

Crazy, I just walked through Adams Morgan this weekend and hadn’t noticed signs that both Blockbuster was closing and Crooked Beat Records were moving. Fortunately The 42 did notice. He said that the Blockbuster closing sign went up yesterday and also noted that Crooked Beat Records will be moving from its current location at 2318 18th St, NW.

I guess this means I’ll finally have to set up that Netflix account…though I bet this’ll be a good opportunity to pick up some really cheap VHS cassettes before Blockbuster closes their doors for good.

Here’s a good list of your favorite films and favorite foreign films.

Dogs By Day/Green Pets Moving from 1724 14th St, NW Needs Your Help to Re-Open

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the news and an email from the owners of Dogs by Day/Green Pets. The reader mentions that they believe the proposed new site is at 1711 Florida Ave, NW. The owner of Dogs by Day is requesting your help to obtain a C of O:

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

As many of you already know, Dogs by Day and GreenPets are moving out of our current location to a new building a few blocks away. We are being forced to move for a number of reasons; mainly the building is no longer safe and the landlord refuses to do any repairs. In addition, the landlord thinks a large restaurant would pay more rent than we have offered, so unfortunately, we must leave. The good news is we found a wonderful new building with a terrific landlord only a couple blocks away. We have also found a second location a couple of blocks south as well. We’re hoping that with these 2 locations we’ll be able to serve you even better than we can now.

That being said, we need your help to move forward. As is true with all dog care facilities, we must apply for a special Certificate of Occupancy no matter how long we’ve been in business. We are fortunate to have a meeting scheduled for this Friday the 13th to discuss this issue. We are urging all of you who are willing to write a letter of support and or sign the petitions we have at the front desks of both Dogs by Day and GreenPets.

We have been in business for over 11 years and we’d very much like to continue for another 11 years. Please help us and fax your letter to the number listed below. Any words of support would be most appreciated.

Board of Zoning Adjustment
441 4th Street, N.W.
Suite 210S
Washington, DC 20001 *
Fax # (202) 727-6072***

I apologize for the urgency however, we need letter of support submitted by noon, Friday, August 13th. Please fax once you completed your letter.

Thank you so very much for your prompt attention to this matter.

Gratefully,
Linda Welch
Owner
Dogs by Day, GreenPets
1724 14th St NW

Can’t Rent Your Retail? Sell the window space as an ad

By Prince Of Petworth

The Moderno, located on 12th St, NW just south of U St, has found a clever way to raise some revenue while waiting to rent out its retail – plaster the retail windows with ads. I guess if Mastercard is willing to pay then it’s smart move on the Moderno’s part. I wonder if this will be a trend given all the vacant retail spots around the city. Do you guys think it looks ok?

ADC Mapstore Having a Going Out of Business Sale. Closing for Good Aug. 14

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of ADC

From an email:

“I work at a ADC Mapstore on 17th Street exit of the Farragut West Metro Station on the Orange and Blue line. We have been located in DC for about 40 years . We will be closing our doors next week on the Aug 14 forever. Most of our store is 50- 80 percent off.”

I always liked this store (1636 I Street NW). However, I always thought it must be tough for them to make enough sales to pay rent in a downtown spot like this. Very sad to see them go.

Ed. Note: I was graciously offered an extra discount, which I have declined.

Columbia Heights Not Getting Just a Dentist but an Urgent Care Center Plus 826 DC Confirmed in old Scores Space

By Prince Of Petworth

About a month ago I mentioned that the retail space at 2750 14th St, NW was getting a dentist (next to the Dunkin Donuts). Turns out that in addition to a dentist they are getting an Urgent Care Center.

In other Columbia Heights Retail news, the scuttlebutt from last month that the non-profit group called 826 DC is coming into the old Scores retail space at the Columbia Heights Plaza has been confirmed. Some build out of the space is currently on going.

For those that missed the last discussion you can read more about this great group here.

CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire Ave, NW Opens

By Prince Of Petworth

It had that great new car smell and looks awesome. My first purchase? A bottle of water. If you come to the next PoP happy hour the second Thurs. in August (details soon) remind me to tell you stories of my walkabouts in the 100 degree weather. Good times, good times.

But back to the CVS, for real, the inside looks great. And the woman who came in behind me, went straight to the folks working behind the counter and said, “thank you so much for opening in our neighborhood”.

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