You forgot to mention the indie film theater on the third floor! 14th is the creative corridor of DC and is continuing to progress. This project will only further push 14th St's reputation.

Room & Board could find/ afford another space on 14th, and It would be great since 14th is also a big home furnishing corridor. But stepping on local businesses on the way is just unnecessary.

by Justin on Oct 25, 2008 10:08 am • link • report

All the proposals for this great location and building are very desirable. Everyone wants to see this corner alive again. The building has been for lease for years and on the market for sale for several months now... And most property owners must analyze the best and highest offer... So, to characterize the transaction as 'stepping on the toes of local businesses' sounds a bit off-base. It also seems inaccurate to call this a big box, as there are many examples of historic buildings being effectively re-adapted to house national companies - examples being: The Crate & Barrel in the old Garfinkles location at Spring Valley, Design within Reach on Columbia Road, Mitchell Gold on 14th Street. These nationally known companies have enhanced rather than detracted from the local retail scenes. And, while I would characterize new construction at Columbia Heights is Big Box (w/Staples, BB&B, Target,etc.), using an existing historic building, such as the 14 + T building, is not.

Do you find it curious that ANC hopeful Rogers wishes to stop a deal for development at the very corner that he continually refers to as the focus of his campaign???

by 5866 on Oct 25, 2008 12:36 pm • link • report

Room & Board would be a tremendous addition to the retail landscape. I'm trying to help land one for a community in Pittsburgh. Neighobrhoods that can land these kinds of anchors end up drawing consistent retail traffic that can then support the things people say they want (the Tryst project) but don't patronize enough/lack the population to make work economically.

by Richard Layman on Oct 25, 2008 3:55 pm • link • report

A furniture store? Should I say another furniture store? Doesn't 14th street already have several, and more on U Street nearby? I'd prefer stores that most people would use so rarely. They just don't do much good for residents.

by Steve on Oct 25, 2008 6:02 pm • link • report

I agree that some national chains are desirable at times. And if the owners of the building had no other offers for it, I could understand their decision. But when the owners of the building at 14th and T have a great local alternative, why shouldn't we encourage them to go with the proven local independent business people?

In addition, what will this do to the independent furniture stores on 14th Street and U Street? These business owners took a HUGE risk by coming to our neighborhood years ago when no national chain would even consider it. Now the national chains want to come into the neighborhood to feed off the local guys and gals who helped make the neighborhood what it is today. Where is our community support for these people who took risks early on?

I also believe in the importance of retail diversity. We need dry cleaners, hardware stores, restaurants, grocery stores, clothing outlets, bars, book stores, bakeries, etc. Do we really need another furniture store along this corridor? I would hope for something that would add a little more vitality to this part of 14th Street.

Again, I am sure the owners of Room and Board would be a nice addition to the neighborhood IF there were not any other alternatives. But given the local alternative, I would hope the owners of the warehouse at 14th and U would reconsider their choice.

by Doug Rogers on Oct 25, 2008 6:53 pm • link • report

[sigh] Gosh, I wonder if all the B.S. delays thrown up by... oh... a certain ANC 2B09 commissioner had anything to do with this? At some point, you can't blame the building owner for simply wanting to do a deal. Once again, the ridiculous side of ANC 2B rears its head. Thanks for nothing.

by Call me Bob on Oct 25, 2008 6:58 pm • link • report

To be fair, I don't believe the ANC had anything to do with this. The owner is selling the building—what difference does it make to them what is going in? If Constantine ran into trouble with the ANC, that would cost him as owner, not the previous owner. Back when they were negotiating for a lease instead of a sale, Constantine would still have had to pay the lease amount regardless of any ANC approvals or disapprovals.

by David Alpert on Oct 25, 2008 7:14 pm • link • report

David-You miss the point. If not for the objections on a lone member of the ANC, would this deal have already been done? I don't honestly know the answer, but it's a fair question. Also, David, you write a GREAT blog -- I read you every day and great respect for your opinions. When are you going to do a series on the hell that small business owners go through just to set up and operate in D.C. (If I missed it, I apologize. Please post the links again.) Go out and TALK to some small business owners. The D.C. bureaucracy and ANCs (notably ANC 2B/Dupont Circle) treat small business owners as if they were Exxon dumping tankers full of oil into Rock Creek Park. It is a real problem. Go talk to some of them. By the way, I am a liberal Democrat -- not some Republican troll. Thanks for listening.

by Call me Bob on Oct 25, 2008 8:03 pm • link • report

Bob, Have you been to Dupont ANC meetings? I've been amazed at how much they've gone out of their way to help local businesses ... A past ANC 2B commissioner helped bring about the reduced taxes for small business owners which the Council instituted; ANC 2B helped create 2 additional licenses to ensure restaurant oriented growth along West P; they worked with the business owners along West P to get them valet parking and a $100,000 subsidy to make up for the disruption of business while that street got a complete renovation; the list goes on and on. I can't think of an ANC that has been more friendly to local businesses. If I was going to criticize them in regards to their actions it would be that they've put the national chains at a disadavantage ... and like David's so aptly expressed, while local business are nice to have in many respects, an abundances of choices and competitive prices aren't always one of them. So, no, I think you're completely off base when you say that ANC 2B has treated small business owners like Exxon dumping tankers ....

by Lance on Oct 25, 2008 11:12 pm • link • report

I am at a loss for words... This is awful...

by SG on Oct 25, 2008 11:13 pm • link • report

Lance - Yes, I have been to as many ANC 2B meetings as my stomach would stand. Small businesses are treated like criminals. Why do you think ANC 2B did all that stuff on P Street? It was because the business owners there screamed loudly to get the attention of the D.C. Government, including the ANC. Do you really think the ANC and the D.C. Government thought ahead? Finally, name one small business owner that sits on a local ANC, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, etc. Lawyers and "consultants" don't count. Name one -- I dare you. They don't run because they have too much to do and most of them find the ANCs to be nothing but trouble.

by Call me Bob on Oct 25, 2008 11:23 pm • link • report

Bob, You've piqued my curiousity. (And possibly that of others ...) Are you a small business owner in the area? Has the ANC treated you badly? ... or can you tell us of an instance where a small busiess was treated badly? I'm not doubt the veracity of what you believe ... I'd just be interested in hearing examples backing up what you are saying. Thanks.

by Lance on Oct 26, 2008 12:24 am • link • report

Thanks for your questions, Lance, and for your examples of the support businesses get in ANC 2B. Additionally, ANC 2B09 Commissioner Estrada with president of the DCCA, neighbors and small business owners formed a coalition which brought concerns about small business retention (and spiraling commercial real property taxes that posed a threat) to the council, through meetings and testimony. Neighbors and their ANC reps here recognize that residents and business owners are partners in the success of the community.

Also, it's unfair to characterize ANC2B as opposing the diner/comedy club proposal for the 14th + T building, since it never came before them for approval. The only appearance that the diner/comedy club group made before the ANC was for an informational presentation on the concept.

If an ABC application had been filed by the business owners, the ANC would have been required to consider the application, but there's no evidence that one was ever filed. So, claims that the ANC had a hand in the outcome of diner lease negotiations and/or the lease not going forward are simply untrue. Why is ANC2B (and especially the 2B09 commissioner?) receiving so many unsubstantiated, derogatory posts? Sounds like more of the hopeful candidate's negative campaign spin.

by 5866 on Oct 26, 2008 1:30 am • link • report

Bob wrote:

If not for the objections on a lone member of the ANC, would this deal have already been done? I don't honestly know the answer, but it's a fair question.

No, in this case, the objections of a lone member were not the reason the deal wasn't done. If someone else had represented the SMD, the deal would still not have been done because, as far as I know, the deal fell apart for reasons having nothing to do with the ANC.

It's possible that ANC objections might doom the 14th and U project's profitability. It's possible the ANC might have later restricted the diner project too far. But it's not fair to say that this project went down because of them, because that's not true.

by David Alpert on Oct 26, 2008 8:19 am • link • report

This isn't a zero sum game -- the fact is that it is far harder to find a suitable site for a 30k+ sf store in DC like Room and Board than for a relatively modest 7500 sf diner. Yes I agree that a 24 hr diner is desirable at 14th and T; however, it will also work just fine at 14th and R or, perhaps, 15th and P or some other spot in the 'hood. What's more it is highly likely that John X (the comedy club owner) and, yes, even the referenced movie theater will move to other BETTER locations along the 14th Street corridor in the very near future. Fwiw, though, the Dupont ANC and its perceived intansigence DID have a negative impact on Constantine's negotiations w/ the landlord -- I know that for a fact.

by No Problem on Oct 26, 2008 8:22 am • link • report

'No Problem', This strip is designated an Arts Overlay Area. As such, even if 'Room and Board' is a good tenant to have there, it is not in line with the designation of this area ... and as other posters have pointed out, we have lots of other such furniture stores on that strip and nearby. There's a very real threat emgerging that this area could turn into a "furniture row" vs. the Arts District it is designated to be. National chain Big Box furniture stores will always be able to outspend the home grown theaters and other arts destinations that we are supposed to be encouraging to establish operations along this strip. If they are to be in line with the District's planning objectives, the ANCs having jurisdiction over the 14th Street Arts Overlay District have a duty to foster the development of the designated Arts District and not take any actions that would undermine it. 'No Problem', if you know for a fact, that the ANC or one of its commissioners has taken any action undermining the Tryst place with its proposed theater and other arts-oriented functionality, then you should let it be known ... as this would be in complete contradiction to the District's plans for that area. If we have a commission or commissioners running their own agenda, then we need to know. But you can't just insinuate matters without giving proof. As far as I know at this point the ANC and its commissioners are in full support of this area developing as an Arts District. Can you provide proof that shows otherwise?

by Lance on Oct 26, 2008 9:55 am • link • report

This area has become both a furnishings and entertainment and arts district. We need to balance all three. Two of those are evening oriented uses and one is daytime. I think it's good to balance out the Muleh's and Goodwoods and Home Rule/GoMamamGo stores with some more practical retail options. On the other hand, I hope this area really gets some more indie dining, arts, and entertainment venues that can be more family oriented like a diner. We could use a real bookstore too...

by Ward 1 Guy on Oct 26, 2008 10:33 am • link • report

Room and Board is quality stuff and I've been hoping they would enter the DC Metro market.

Buying furniture is excruciating. Whenever I've done it it's always involved at least one meal, a couple cocktails, coffee and dessert, for 2. Then, after you order the sofa, you go foraging into the smaller shops for accessories, knick knacks, etc. All that generates tax revenue, and its nice to have a critical mass of places to shop instead of running around Beltway ring all weekend.

Its not like they'd be plopping down an IKEA on 14th.

by spookiness on Oct 26, 2008 11:27 am • link • report

This is a sad conflict. The Tryst plan, the original one for the site, would be a very significant contribution to the neighborhood and community. It is unfortunate that the tremendous original plan may now crumble. I have nothing against Room and Board and don't see why it wouldn't be possible for them to find a good spot elsewhere in the DC. For the development of the 14th Street corridor as an arts and entertainment district that has a unique vibe and a real community, the Tryst plan would be much better.

It seems that Room and Board is offering more money, and that is a reality of business. But it is worth pointing out that the District, in its efforts to woo large businesses, has offered several of these businesses significant financial incentives. If the city is going to help large retailers, then it should be making proportional financial efforts to help local businesses. I do not believe that the support has been proportional. Here is an instance where a neighborhood could stand to gain from local business, and the city could help.

by Stacey on Oct 26, 2008 1:47 pm • link • report

No Problem: Any chance there's some concrete facts you could provide showing that Estrada contributed to the original lease failing? If that can be substantiated, obviously residents should know about it. On the other hand, despite my disagreements with Estrada, I can't in good conscience traffic in simple rumors.

Stacey (or others): Do you know if there are specific tax incentives that Room and Board can take advantage of? If the playing field is being tilted in their favor specifically, we should push the Council to equalize that. I know many/some of the tax incentives take the form of TIFs for particular projects, which don't apply here, but is there something broader that applies?

by David Alpert on Oct 26, 2008 2:27 pm • link • report

David - Thank you for your answer. To others, No, I am not a small business owner, but am friends with a number in the area. I have also lived in other large cities (downtown), so I have something against which to compare. I stand by my assertion that D.C. is very unfriendly toward small businesses. There is something in the culture here -- particularly at the Council and ANC level -- that seems to view small business owners as guilty of SOMETHING until proven otherwise. There seems to be little distinction between the Exxons of the corporate world and the restaurant at the corner.

Also, I will again point out and ask everyone out there: How many small business owners are members of local ANCs as well as the D.C. Council? Lawyers and consultants don't count. Frankly, I cannot come up with a single one. This should tell us something. And, finally, again -- I am a liberal Democrat, not some Republican troll.

Thank you. Dave - Keep up the good work. However, I would love to see you do a series on D.C. versus other cities when it comes to being a small business owner.

by Call me Bob on Oct 26, 2008 3:12 pm • link • report

Bob: I suspect the lack of business owner representation on ANCs is mostly due to the amount of time it takes to run for and serve on an ANC, and the many evening demands on a commissioner. A restaurant owner almost surely doesn't have the time.

An upcoming Better Know a SMD will be profiling a partner in a small business (located, as it happens, near 14th and U). However, his business is a technology company, and as you allude by mentioning lawyers and consultants, small business owners in the knowledge sector as opposed to the retail sector do have schedules that better permit involvement in local elective office.

You're absolutely right on the broad point that we should encourage our small business. I think many ANC commissioners are pro-small business, many are hostile, and many fall in between.

I've found that issues such as those on this site don't fall under party lines at all—look at Republican Council candidate Patrick Mara, who commutes by bike.

Deep economic analysis of the comparative business policies between DC and other cities sounds like a good topic for an economics Ph.D. dissertation more than for a blogger to tackle all on his own. Maybe Ryan Avent knows some good papers on the topic?

by David Alpert on Oct 26, 2008 4:17 pm • link • report

David: I did some searching on the DC.gov site and was surprised to learn that the District is indeed offering incentives for the furniture stores opening up in the 14th and U area. In what I see as convoluted thinking, the District is grouping these stores along with arts establishments in the Uptown Arts District:

Uptown Arts (ARTS) Permits incentives for housing, arts and retail uses on 14th and U Streets to a maximum FAR of 2.5 to 4.5, and a maximum height of seventy-five (75) feet depending on the underlying district. This district is mapped in combination with other districts.

Bob: "Also, I will again point out and ask everyone out there: How many small business owners are members of local ANCs as well as the D.C. Council? Lawyers and consultants don't count. Frankly, I cannot come up with a single one. This should tell us something.

Yes, it tells us that by and large, while small business owners may like to talk the talk, when you get down to it, most aren't willing to step up to the plate to offer their services non-gratis as an ANC commissioner must do. We all have only 24 hrs available per day and we all have choices to make as to how to use those hours. Few ANC seats are contested. The problem is usually finding volunteers to fill them. There are plenty of opportunities for these small business owners to contribute their time and efforts as others are doing. No, it won't return monetary rewards like spending time tending your business does, but it returns other rewards both personally ... and to the community.

by Lance on Oct 26, 2008 4:21 pm • link • report

Lance -- Unfortunately, you proved my point with your attitude of "small business owners are just selfish and only care about making big bucks."

PLEASE -- re-read your post. [sigh]

My point/question is this: "What is in the D.C. civic culture that results in the fact that small business owners are nowhere to be found on the City Council and on many of the ANCs? Why is this?"

I refuse to believe that small business owners in D.C. are all selfish money hounds while those in other large cities are civic-minded. There is something in our civic culture here that is behind this.

by Call me Bob on Oct 26, 2008 4:45 pm • link • report

Bob, You're proving this point yourself. I know that when I was involved in my ANC years back, it meant using up what little free time I had to work with my neighborhood. There were times that for work I was traveling and from my hotel room at night, or during lunch, or at airports I was having to make calls (at my expense) to handle concerns for my constituents. It was a sacrifice on my part ... a real sacrifice ... with the only "pay back" being the occasional acknowledgement by folks that my efforts had made a difference. I also similarly met countless other selfless folks doing the same thing for their community. This was part of my payback. Now, why aren't small business owners doing the same? Some are. Maybe not in the ANC but I know of at least several doing so in the Dupont Historical Main Streets organization and in the Dupont Circle Citizen's Association. Why aren't more doing so? You tell me. All the consulants and lawyers you single out put in at least as many hours as the small business owners and suffer the same time constraints. I think you'd have to ask the small business owners why more of them don't step up to the plate. There's nothing stopping them from doing so. Like I said earlier, new volunteers are always required for the many positions (including ANC commissioners) which are required for our neighborhoods to function. Incidentally, have you volunteered your time with any of these organizations? It's easy to criticize a problem ... far harder to be part of the solution.

by Lance on Oct 26, 2008 6:42 pm • link • report

what's important to bear in mind is that though national stores have their purpose, they only arrive after the transformation has been achieved, and the transformation only happens b/c the small businesses fight for the improvments, stick with it when it's tough and achieve the support of the community by offering a worthwhile product. so we punish those businesses who make the good stuff happen. when will we stop making it tougher for the small business owners and allow those who did the work to reap the rewards?

by thinking local on Oct 26, 2008 11:46 pm • link • report

Local, interesting observation. Life is often that way though. For example, you could argue that Carol Schwartz paved the way for her present contenders 'cause had she not been willing to be a councilmember during the days when the city was basically disfunctional, the newer contenders might not even have moved into the District. And her "thanks" now? ... Well ... the voters are looking for someone to take them to "the next level" ... and her skillset which was so great at getting us through our past troubles, may not be what is needed to get us to that next level. When she came in, we needed someone who could fight fires, and fight them effectively Now we need someone who can strategize and implement effectively. Things change. That's life.

by Lance on Oct 27, 2008 10:42 am • link • report

It is unfortunate that the local business group was unable to lease or purchase the property. The ANC was not involved in any of these matters. In fact, because there was no lease nor ABC applications, the matter never came before the ANC for any approvals. The group presented their concept over the summer, but never returned for approvals. I followed up, but was told that lease negotiations were still underway. Everyone wants to see this property improved and occupied and the DC based property owner tells me he has accepted a contract from Room and Board. It is not the role of the ANC Commissioner to undo contracts, but I will continue to serve to bridge constituent concerns and business objectives in our area. I think it is unfortunate that my opponent chooses to mischaracterize the situation and my record in his attempt to promote himself. There is additional information about this site and other projects coming to our neighborhood at http://www.ramonestrada.org

by Ramon Estrada on Oct 27, 2008 12:36 pm • link • report

This is just a shame. In a time of economic downturn, instead of this property going to four independent, local businesses that would keep profits in the District, multiplying the project's economic benefits, it now looks like we will have a big box retailer instead that will direct all profits to corporate shareholders (including, undoubtedly, a few in DC).

Obviously when the ANC hasn't voted on the project, you can't blame the ANC for public actions. However, it is certain that a stubborn refusal of Commissioner Estrada to negotiate in good faith with the Hub's owners gave them pause about whether they were wanted in our neighborhood.

I wish this COULD have gone to the ANC first so that we could truly have seen which commissioners supported or didn't support these four local businesses and which would rather have a corporate giant suck the profits out of our neighborhood and our city. And so we could have cast our votes for or against them next week accordingly.

by What A Shame on Oct 27, 2008 1:45 pm • link • report

There used to be a nice bookstore there on 14th, near the theater. But the owner closed it. I'm not sure why. It wasn't huge or anything. Just right for the time and place that it was (about 4-6 years ago).

by Jazzy on Oct 27, 2008 1:51 pm • link • report

Regarding Design within Reach on Columbia, it's odd, but though I live very near there, I hardly ever go in. And the one thing I've ever bought from DwR, I bought in Bethesda! There's just something about the feng shui in Bethesda that makes it so much nicer and inviting than the one in Adams Morgan. Maybe they should've never torn down Mr Henry's.

by Jazzy on Oct 27, 2008 1:58 pm • link • report

Shame, We may all have our wish list for what was to go into that space, but in the end the sale of this building was a private transaction between the owner of the building and Room and Board. If you have proof that Commissioner Estrada did something that complicated/interfered with the negotiations between the building's owner and the Tryst folks, then you should say it.

Accusing him of "stubborn refusal" or "negotiating in bad faith" means nothing since he was never in a position to be stubborn about anything or to be negotiating anything ... since the matter never came before the ANC. If you believe he involved himself in a way "behind the scenes" that was detrimental to Tryst's proposal for a 24/7 diner and caused the building owner to go looking elsewhere fearing the rental would be unneccarily complicated, then you should be make that known ... with details and "proof" of your assertion. I.e., Do you know of meetings or other non-public communications between the commissioner and the owner which we don't know about? Otherwise, what you're saying is just unsubstantiated accusations.

by Lance on Oct 27, 2008 2:02 pm • link • report

I am a local resident and proponent of living in a unique and diverse neighborhood. I have talked to countless neighbors this weekend who have all said that they do not want a Room and Board in the neighborhood. Ramone, I'm not sure with whom you are speaking. And, it's awfully nice that Room and Board would keep the historic facade (as DWR in Adams Morgan did). They probably have to according to the historic commission. However, let's not judge a book by its cover. Inside will still be a generic, catalog company. Not all urban re-development is created equally - let's keep it local and independent and get behind the diner/comedy club/micro-cinema idea. Don't tell me that an Olive Garden is coming next.

by KeepItLocal on Oct 27, 2008 2:09 pm • link • report

I love living on the 14th St corridor (14th and Church) and would be thrilled to have more options for both early morning and late night dining in our neighborhood. One of the best things about living in our neighborhood is the ability to walk to restaurants, retail, and almost any service that you may need. As a single woman the idea of having more of the street bright and alive with folks dining and going to live theater productions, including the comedy club, would greatly add to the value of living in this wonderful neighborhood.

by I love living on 14th St. on Oct 27, 2008 2:28 pm • link • report

Has anyone considered going to the Council? When the Source Theater across the street from the site (in Ward 1) was in danger of being turned into a pool hall/bar, Councilmember Graham stepped in and re-negotiated the sale (yes, it had already been sold) so that the theater groups using the theater could buy it and continue to use it. I believe the District guaranteed the loan AND put in some money. It sounds like the neighborhood would definitely prefer having a "Tryst" in there to just another furniture store. Perhaps the ANC could approach our Councilmember for similar help with this property?

by Lance on Oct 27, 2008 2:38 pm • link • report

Lance, the Source Theatre was a unique situation because the DC Government had poured hundreds of thousands of tax payers' dollars there. Despite the government funding, the Source was in considerable debt and at risk of losing the building, so intervention was needed to rescue a public resource for the community and the city. The debt was restructured and, I believe, the Cultural Development Corporation stepped in. So, intervention in this case was to protect the public interest and to save a community resource. In contrast, the building at 14th + T is owned by a private entity.

On a different note, but related... In response to your post about the location of the Rapture Loft building & crime, if you come over this way in the evening, you'll see that there are several establishments a stone's throw away from 1840 14th Street: St. Ex, Cafe Pilar, El Paraiso, Cork, The Black Cat, etc. Soon, Policy, a 250-seat restaurant and lounge will open right across T Street from 1840. And, the former Paradise Liquors building on the northwest corner of 14th + T will soon have a tenant. The 'old post office' on T will soon be developed and expanded for commercial use. Twenty-some thousand square feet of commercial space will be built in the 1900 block of 14th, just north of T, and JGB is proposing a block long mixed use project just south of the Rapture building. So, soon there will be both day and night time establishments filling in.

by 5866 on Oct 27, 2008 6:39 pm • link • report

Perhaps I missed it since there were 36 comments before mine, but is the building owner still the WESTGROUP, Tysons titans?

by AngryParakeet on Oct 27, 2008 10:52 pm • link • report

It is owned by Four Points, LLC. They are in DC. I know at least one of the principals, Stan Voudrie, came from Westgroup, but I don't know if it's a seperate entity. Perhaps we should start calling Four Points to tell them we're pissed off about their decision??

by david on Oct 28, 2008 8:16 am • link • report

5866, Thanks for the info. It sounds like the days of this stretch being deserted are numbered. That's a good thing. But yeah, I can see where you'd be concerned that we have the foundations for another "free for all" as happens late night in Adams-Morgan. I still don't think a Tryst-like place would contribute to the problem, but as you've pointed out, it's possible that patrons to such a place might be in greater danger there (because of all the bars opening up) than they would be in a less populated place. I'm not sure what that means though for the people already living near there safety wise.

by Lance on Oct 28, 2008 10:46 am • link • report

I for one would love to see The Diner / Tryst open up at 14th and T. The Comedy Club and Micro Cinema just sweeten the deal. I have lived in DC for 10 years and have seen both business strive to make Adams Morgan and better place to live. I believe they would do the same for the location at 14th and T. They will help create the kind of daytime community that 14th street has been looking for since back in the day!

I urge the executives at Room and Board to reconsider this location and find another building that would suit their needs.

by GolgiApparatus on Oct 28, 2008 12:42 pm • link • report

What stretch is deserted? Far as I can tell, that stretch (14th and U) is definitely not deserted.

by Jazzy on Oct 28, 2008 2:00 pm • link • report

I think the ANC is tough on local restauranteurs but not really all local businesses. I may be wrong but that's my take due to the fact that many turn into nightclubs and bad neighbors. As far as ROOM and BOARD, as a new homeowner who purchased many items and paid huge shipping fees, I would love to see a store in DC. However, I am worried that one of my local favorites VASTU would be hurt badly due to carrying similar manufacturers. We really don't need R and B there and I would prefer the Tryst hybrid idea. There is a large vacant space near the BlackCat, maybe they could locate there and split up the space?

by JNo on Oct 28, 2008 3:02 pm • link • report

We all support local businesses in the area. However, with regard to the sale of 1840 14th Street (14th & T), we are not privy to the details of the sale and why the owner chose to sell the building to Room and Board instead of the group of local businesses. Such details, that weigh into contractual matters, are seldom made public. And, while it is a disappointment that the local group did not accomplish their aim to rent or purchase the building, it is encouraging that the building will be fixed up and put back into use. (From the Room and Board website, I noticed that they have several urban stores, including in SoHo. The anticipated DC Store is estimated to generate $30 million in market sales and many jobs...) Do you know if the local group has some alternative plans to locate in the neighborhood?

by pdk on Oct 29, 2008 7:37 am • link • report

The tenor of this discussion misses a rather important point -- there are plenty of other places in the 14th & U area for a Diner/Tryst, for a comedy club, etc., but space large enough for Room and Board is rare. Who says this has to be an either/or situation -- why can't the smaller prospective tenants of the building locate elsewhere in the area? R&B will be a boon to the merchants in the area, drawing in consumers who otherwise don't frequent the other stores and restaurants here. Will it hurt places like Vastu? I doubt it. Just look at SoHo in NYC. R&B is surrounded by a variety of other furniture stores and they all seem to be doing just fine. While no doubt Vastu may lose some sales to R&B, it also will see more traffic from folks who come down to shop R&B.

Bottom line, however, is this -- the building of the owner will let it go to whoever pays the most. You can complain all you want, but it isn't going to matter.

by Gumpper on Oct 29, 2008 9:31 am • link • report

This should serve as a true test for our Mayor, ANC reps, and City Council. Depending on how they decide, they will either be telling neighborhood residents and small businesses "Screw you" or "We are working for you." it's their decision, and it's moments like these that let voters know how to vote the next time around. As a resident who bought in the area, and live a 10-minute walk away from this location, I can tell you that I want diverstiy in our neighborhood. This furniture store does more that turn away local businesses, and slap native son Dave Chapelle (and parners) in the face. It says "Black Cat will be gone within 5 years." It says "all the smaller furniture stores will be gone within 18 months." I have an idea, decisionmakers. Let's move in a Nathan's Hot Dogs right next to Ben's Chili Bowl. And let's sell some street vendor licenses so that people can sell hot dogs right out front. People think I am kidding, but if they do this to the small business owners a few blocks away from Ben's, you better believe no one is safe. This is a greasy deal, and everyone in involved knows it. At this stage, we all need to start calling the TV News crews so everyone knows. As well, we should think about postering the front of the building with literature so neighbors know what is going on.

by stu on Oct 29, 2008 11:39 am • link • report

Stu, Perhaps you can explain... A greasy deal?? What do the Mayor, ANC reps, and City Council have to do with the transaction? Postering the front of the building to tell the neighbors, what?

by pdk on Oct 30, 2008 12:40 am • link • report

Just wondering ... Will R&B need any variances to move into this spot? I suppose it'll at least need a historic review before it can make the kind of facade changes that a furniture store requires. It would have been nice if our ANC had taken the lead on this building, rather than "just leting things happen", but at least the ANC ... and we the neighborhood ... will get to weigh in 'a bit' before they can open up. I'd imagine the coming and going of trucks delivering and picking up at that corner is going to be a MAJOR nuissance. Think "Hilton and 19th Street". Hopefully, we can weigh in on how that is accomplished while we still have some leverage. Hopefully this ANC will be involved in this from the start, and "leading" rather than just "reacting" as has been the case thus far.

by Lance on Oct 30, 2008 11:26 am • link • report

Lance - The building went through the historic review process when the T Street Flats were approved, so you may find the requirements on line at the HPRB site or at the HPO. About the ANC, contrary to your post - ANC 2B is very proactive. And, as a long-time constituent in 2B09, the seated ANC rep has always been out front for constituent interests and has years of experience working to cooperatively mitigate problems. I noticed that other constituents have posted confirmations of the smd commissioner's balanced / proactive approach.

by pdk on Oct 31, 2008 10:30 am • link • report

PDK, Chances are it'll need to go through the HPRB review again for this different purpose since the changes a furniture store will require will be different from those that a condo building required. (E.g., R&B may not care about adding a few stories to the height like T Street Flats/Rapture Flats wanted to do, but may care about putting in plate glass windows to the front of the building.)

As I mentioned in another post, thank you for informing me on all he did to try to assist Tryst in coming in. Ramon really should toot his horn on all this. Because he hasn't mentioned all these efforts, we out here in blog-land don't know about all the meetings he held and about his proactive attempts to speak with all the effected neighbors. He really should "toot his own horn"!

by Lance on Oct 31, 2008 11:55 am • link • report

Check out www.KeepLoganLocal.com. Some really cool Logan residents organized this. And, you can email the CEO and CFO of Room and Board directly through the site asking them to Keep Logan Local and find another location.

by KeepItLocal on Nov 1, 2008 4:57 pm • link • report

I checked out the site and found high pitched rhetoric and a form letter - very cool indeed.

by 5866 on Nov 2, 2008 1:02 am • link • report