Mount Pleasant DC Forum

[Cory]

I've heard a rumor that McCormick Paints has backed out of the lease on Mt P St. Anyone know anything more about this or how to contact the owner for comment? Yes! Organic is looking for similarly sized spaces with parking and I'm hoping they would be interested in swooping in.

[Harry]

That would be awesome. Especially now that Ellwoods is officially out at DCusa. A lot of work has already been done on the building though. I'm assuming by McCormick? If it was on the landlords dime they would have cleaned it up long ago to attract a tenant I would think.
That building is perfect for many neighborhood serving uses.
-A garden store like Johnsons.
-A restaurant, could convert a lot of the parking lot into an outdoor summer garden/patio.
-And a Market would be great. Maybe Yes! could try and go more full service with a location that big. Include a butcher and maybe some prepared foods. Or maybe someone would be interested in opening a more mom-and-pop market/deli there. I seem to recall the owner of asylum/meridian pint once posted here that he wanted to open an organic market in MTP, maybe he is still interested.

At the end of the day it will just be a shame to have that intersection become a bustling hub of contractor trucks when it could be something that really serves the community and fits in the fabric of our "village in a city"

[Cory]

I'd be thrilled to have any of those businesses take over the space. If the space is, indeed, available, we should probably try to be proactive in reaching out to potential investors. But the first step is, of course, confirming that the space is available. Anyone know how to do that?

[Rebecca Shannon]

The property is owned by the Calomiris company. http://www.calomiris.com/

As I posted to the email group awhile back, I think this would make a perfect site for a Goodwill shop that is closer-in to the city. I believe that a thrift store is one type of business that would draw support from outside of the neighborhood. Very few people seemed to join me in promoting the idea, but I contacted Goodwill and suggested that they investigate. Nothing came of it, I assume.

I, too, had thought that a garden store was another alternative, but after Garden District didn't make it in it's new location, I am unsure. Yes! would also be great. They seem to be doing pretty well in their location in Petworth. Calomiris has never been responsive to community needs and apparently is able to site on this location indefinitely waiting for the rent that they want.

[Cory]

I wouldn't abandon hope for a garden store based on the history of Garden District. Garden District did great before it leased premium space for an unprofitable indoor plant shop at 14th and Church. It's doing fine now that it is back to it's original business model.

[Harry]

I think Garden District was also too small and didn't have parking. I think this spot is ideal for a garden store but you may be right that people aren't jumping to open garden stores these days.
Another concept that would be cool is just a big specialty market with a great butcher and a cheese vendor inside. Fresh baked breads, Wine and Beer and a deli counter.
Starting to wish I had more money so I could open my own place!

[kelly5612]

It's important to learn why McCormick backed out of the lease. That property has been tied up in family squabbling for years.

As for a specialty foods market, let me play devil's advocate and ask why someone would shop in MtP when they have specialty/gourmet/artisan products available at Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, TJ's, the farmers market (in season) and even Giant?

[Cory]

Harris Teeter and TJ's, like Whole Foods, all require a car or public transport. Giant and target offer all the necessary staples but neither has organic produce or a very good selection of cheeses, meats and fresh seafood. Many of my neighbors have expressed interest in having a local market where they can buy quality produce, meat and seafood. I don't think this would replace or usurp demand at the farmers' market. Look at Dupont or 14th and U markets - they are still thriving even though they are close to Whole Foods and Yes! respectively.

Nevertheless, I am not suggesting that an organic market is the only good fit for the space. I've sent Calormis an email and will follow up with a call, if necessary, to learn the status of the space. In the interim, it seems useful to identify existing businesses we could contact that would be able to lease the space. That way, if another wholesale paint store comes in, we can at least say that we tried.

[Harry]

In fact many of the MTP farmers market vendors could sell their products in a brick and mortar market year round. Breads, Meats and Cheeses. Then in the summer the farmers market could operate out of the parking lot. Kind of like a mini eastern market. As for competition from Harris Teeter. Well, some people prefer a fun shopping experience and quality, organic, local, food stuffs over driving to a chain grocer and stocking the pantry once a week. They are different business models. The question is are there enough people in the MTP area to support a market like that? I think so. And If there was a soup and deli counter it could do a take out business. If they got a beer and wine license they could place picnic tables out front and surely make rent marking up draft beer. I would be there all the time slurping a soup and a belgian beer.

[kelly5612]

McCormick is all set to open up on MtP Street around the 1st of the month, according to the driver of a McCormick Paint truck whom I spoke with today when I passed by the parking lot.

[Cory]

Oh well. Thanks for the tip!

[Sharon]

I saw a sign last night on the storefront of this building for McCormick Paint.

[micmac]

Did the sign say -loiterers welcome?