1914 14th Street, NW
In early January we learned the Trader Joe’s coming to 14th and U Street would be opening the week of March 21st. I’m told that is still accurate. A new sign and a peek in the window reveals they’re getting close:
grocery stores
Update on Brightwood’s Safeway from Council Member Muriel Bowser:
“About an hour ago, the Safeway located at Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW has re-opened after correcting violations cited by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health has released their official report about the Safeway that can be found here.
I’m highly concerned with the observations made in this report. My priority is to ensure that only quality produce and groceries are available to the residents and families in our neighborhoods. I will be meeting with Safeway officials to demand and guarantee that they meet the standards that our community deserves.”
From the DoH official report:
“Location is infested with vermin, mice and rats. [continue reading at your own risk] (more…)
2400 14th Street, NW (between Belmont and Chapin)
Thanks to a reader for sending word about the paint job at the Streets Market & Cafe natural market coming to the Capitol View building.
From Council Member Muriel Bowser:
“Earlier today, the Safeway located at Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW was closed because of Department of Health code violations. Our communities rely on grocers such as Safeway to provide them with fresh produce and groceries. Ensuring the utmost quality and safety of any food consumed by our families should be the number one priority of any grocery in Ward 4. I have serious concerns about this closure and I’m committed to work with government officials and Safeway representatives to provide our community with a safe and healthy solution.
I will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as I receive them.”
Back in July we learned that MRP Realty and Ellis Development win development of 965 Florida Ave, NW – Griffith Market Beats Harris Teeter. Things have changed a bit since July – From a press release by Julie Chase, a spokesperson for MRP Residential:
“MRP Residential and The JBG Companies today announced they have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture to develop MRP’s recently awarded Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development (DMPED) site, 965 Florida Ave. NW, located in the District’s Shaw neighborhood.
MRP Residential and partner Ellis Development Group, will develop the property to mixed-use of approximately 370,000 square feet, including 50,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
The partnership furthers the DMPED office goals of creating a synchronized, mixed-use development that stitches together multiple parcels in an area that could see over 1 million square feet of new development. JBG and MRP will work together to optimize the development and believe significant value will be created for the community through this cooperative process. JBG, in addition to its development team collaborating with MRP, will provide development capital for the project.
“In the joint venture with The JBG Companies, MRP Residential will provide more high-quality amenities and services, further enhancing the Shaw neighborhood,” said Matt Robinson, principal of MRP Residential. “Additionally, with Metro access and proximity to Howard University, this will be a highly desired address for residents of this dynamic neighborhood.”
“The JBG-MRP co-development team plan to work with District officials and members of the community and plan to provide a W Street connection and bring a full-service grocery to the neighborhood,” said James Iker, a managing partner with JBG. “Our partnership has crafted a venture that will deliver these critical neighborhood needs and meet established city goals to transform the area. We are excited to be working again with MRP.”
As part of the planning process, the joint venture partners are continuing to work diligently together to address community requests from the RFP process.”
I asked if the “full-service grocery” would be a Harris Teeter and was told:
“We have not signed any leases, but a grocery of that quality and scale is what we are targeting.”
Takoma Central located at 235 Carroll Street, NW
Last week a reader wrote in:
“Glen’s Garden Market which has a location in Dupont Circle will be joining Busboys and Poets in the new Takoma Central project.”
Now word comes from the Takoma Listserv:
“Apparently the developer didn’t think they would succeed and they [Glen’s Garden Market] finally had to pull out, now they have a new partnership with a developer in Shaw who is basically going to build them a new store.”
4th and W Street, NE
1914 14th Street, NW
Perhaps the only thing that could rival the announcement of a new movie theater near U Street is the opening of the eagerly anticipated Trader Joe’s. Though we originally heard February was the target date – ANC Rep @KevDC tweeted a new date last night:
“Target opening date for Trader Joes (14th St NW): March 21 #ANC2B”
Though I still miss Taco Bell a bit – I’m obviously happy to accept this trade. In the past some commenters haven’t really understood all the excitement about a Trader Joe’s. Well I have two words for them, or I guess one hyphenated word, [Ed. Note: I actually don’t know if it supposed to be hyphenated] mini-tacos. Try the Trader Joe’s mini-tacos and I’ll prepare a big glass of kool-aid for ya.
Update on the Indian grocery store (and more), Pansaari, coming to 1603 17th Street, NW corner of 17th and Q:
Check out lots more details including renderings and contribute to the Kickstarter campaign here.
1914 14th Street, NW
On Friday afternoon I was excited to learn that Trader Joes had applied for a liquor license at the store they hope to open in February on 14th Street between T and U. This store will be open Sunday through Saturday 8 am – 10 pm. A reader asked if they’d be able to sell liquor too like Costco does. No liquor for Trader Joes – they’ve applied for a class B license which allows for beer and wine only. I stopped in the Foggy Bottom location of Trader Joes and was happy to see that they have a huge selection of beer and wine (and champagne):
