Retail

Ginger Roots Opens up at 1530 U St, NW (Grand Opening Sept. 18th)

By Prince Of Petworth

U Street’s newest retail spot was looking good last weekend. I chatted briefly with coowner Erin Derge who also works on their eco friendly sustainable design clothing line called Revamp (including tailoring). Ginger Roots showcases a few artists/retailers featuring clothing, photos, jewelry, custom designs and more. Their business card sums up the shop nicely – Tailoring, Eco-Design, Local Artisan Boutique. While they are currently open Sun. from 1-6pm and Mon, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. from 12-7pm they will be having a grand opening Sept. 18th. It’s great to see U Street get another cool retail option.

A few more photos after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Anyone Know What’s Happening at the Oasis Liquor store in NE?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was walking towards the NY Ave-Gallaudet metro when I noticed that the Oasis Liquor store on 3rd and M St NE is getting a whole new facelift inside and out. The exterior has been repainted and there were construction workers inside fixing up the place. The Oasis Liquor sign is still up in front of the store so I’m wondering if they’re actually renovating the place for a re-opening or will it be something else entirely?”

Any readers that live nearby know what the story is? I’m always happy to hear about places getting fixed up even if it’s just a facelift.


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Coming to 2400 14th St, NW (b/w Belmont and Chapin)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Do you have any information on the nice looking store front at the new View 14 apartment building loated at Florida/14? It appears to have multi levels and perhaps a perfect spot for a mid size grocery store or bookstore or something like that. What do your readers think?

Also, what is happening with the empty lot across from it?”

Well the lot across the street has just started sporting a coming soon sign. So that’s positive. Construction of the old Nehemiah Shopping Center has been slated to begin in Fall 2010. You can see a rendering here. Back in Nov. ’09 we learned that There will be 240,000 square feet of which 16,000 will be retail and the rest will be 225 apartments.

As for the View 14 retail space, back in the day it was slated to become a gym but that deal fell through. No word yet on a possible new tenant. I’ll be sure to update when any developments or rumors occur.

Design Within Reach Closes Shop in Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

And the closings continue on Columbia Road. Thanks to all for sending word that Design Within Reach, located at 1838 Columbia Road, NW in Adams Morgan has been completely emptied out. A reader took the above photo from Friday and when I walked by on Sat. the store was completely empty. Another reader writes:

“DWR in Adams Morgan is gone. There’s absolutely nothing inside the store at all. Though I didn’t see any closing signage, it’s fairly apparent that the store is gone. Can’t say I miss it. Their prices were pretty outlandish and their stock was abysmal. I remember going in there needing a little small table for two people and the cheapest one was over $800. Blegh.”

We talked about the shop back in June ’08. Will they be missed?

SportsZone Coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights and other retail news

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

It’s not as exciting as a French bakery but I still thought folks would be interested in the update. I’ve just learned that the newest tenant coming to DC USA will be a SportsZone. They are a sports and apparel company with locations in MD, VA and DC. They’ll be located between the Lane Bryant and Staples on the 14th St, NW side. They are looking to open by the end of Nov.

The IHOP also aims to open by the end of Nov. and they’ll be located on the Irving St, NW side.

Finally I’ve been getting tons of reader inquiries about Ellwood Thompson’s grocery store. Last we heard they planned to start construction sometime in July with a target completion date of Mid-January. Sadly that did not happen. I am hearing that all the ducks are in a row but that more investors are being sought. I’m not exactly sure what that means but I’m certainly not going to hold my breath for a January opening, sadly. More updates as they become available.

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

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