Toucan Boutique will fill in the space formerly housing the Lettie Gooch boutique (now located 1517 U Street, NW). The Toucan Boutique site says:
“Toucan Boutique started with a mother-and-daughter team who wanted to bring warm, tropical fashion to the chillier climates of North America. They saw a need for unique, casual clothing, and were not satisfied with what they saw.”
Sounds like this will be a nice addition to 9th Street.
Well there obviously hasn’t been too much progress this last week but I thought it was cool to see the structure of the new CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire Ave., NW starting to take shape.
Best Cellars is located at 1643 Connecticut Avenue, NW.
“Dear PoP,
I was in the Dupont Best Cellars wine store yesterday and noticed that everything is 20-25% off. When I asked what the occasion was, they told me they are closing. Why? Because the rent is too high. They also told me the space they are in will be taken over by a cell phone store.
So to sum up, the neighborhood is losing a great little wine store and is “gaining” a cell phone store that I’m guessing most of us would gladly do without. I don’t know who the owners of that building are but thanks for absolutely nothing. Way to put lining your pockets ahead of what’s best for the neighborhood.
Regards,
Depressed in Dupont”
I also called to confirm that they were closing and it is indeed the case. The last day in their current location will be Feb. 13th however they are looking for new retail space. When they find a new location I’ll be sure to update.
The old Caribou Coffee spot on 18th Street in Adams Morgan has been vacant for ages. It seems insane to me because this is such a prime location. Many folks have probably walked by this space dozens of times. It’s not a huge space so I’m curious what you think would work in this location. What would work is not necessarily a dream retail outlet, rather I’m curious what you think would realistically be successful in this spot. Any ideas?
A few readers have written in mentioning that the new CVS has opened up on Columbia Road just east of 18th Street, NW. I believe the old one across the street has closed so it’ll be interesting to monitor that space to see if anything interesting goes in. And to continue the less exciting news of that stretch of Columbia a T-Mobile store has also recently opened. Why do you think that stretch of Columbia (east of 18th) has a hard time attracting interesting retail/restaurants?
There was a little confusion as to whether or not Cork and Fork was coming to 1522 14th Street next to the recently opened HomeMade Pizza. I just want to clarify that I’ve received word from the folks behind Cork and Fork and they are indeed still coming. They write:
“Cork & Fork is on track to open in the retail space located next to Homemade Pizza. In addition to a well rounded wine selection created by owners Anna and Dominique Landragin, winemaker from Champagne France, we will also carry a extensive micro- and craft brew selection. The “Fork” part will be focused on light foods that compliment wine and beer, as well as our catering branch. Our wine education series, as well as social vineyard day trips will be ready to launch on our opening day.”
You can read more about Cork and Fork here.
This was a pretty quick turn around since the coming soon signs went up in October. Sunday evening there was a soft opening and I was able to snap some photos.
In addition to wine they will also be offering cured meats and cheeses:
And very soon they will also be offering sandwiches. You’ll be able to find more information on their Web site here soon. They’ll be open Mon. – Thurs. 11am – 9pm; Fri. 11am – 10pm; Sat. 10am – 10pm; and Sun. 10am – 8pm. More photos after the jump. (more…)
“Dear PoP,
I’m curious about two projects at 14th and Florida and wondered if you have heard anything about them. The Solea condo suddenly has some build-out activity taking place on its main level. Any word on who/what will be going in that space?”
Here’s the official word from Solea:
“The tenant at Solea is the Greater Washington Sports Alliance. They bought the entire 14th Street side of Solea and will be occupying the space by late spring/early summer. They’ve got a great fit-out planned with dynamic street-level engagement vis-à-vis signage, lighting, etc.”
After last week’s discussion about where to get art framed I took particular notice when I walked by this shop at 623 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. The artwork titled Songlines in the window by Sue Weisenburger was pretty sweet:
1809 14th Street, NW
We visited Go Mama Go! back in June of ’08. From a press release from the owner:
“Go mama go!, the vibrant housewares, accessories and gift shop on 14th Street NW , will be closing its doors in the next few months, according to its owner, Jonathan Chudnoff.
Chudnoff attributes the closing to the twin blows of the general economic decline and the death of the store’s founder, Noi Chudnoff, whose dynamic spirit, creativity and personality were key ingredients in the store’s early success.”