Tomorrow's New Town Hearing

I wanted to share the following email recently sent out by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, and a point by point response from J Street Development and Gallaudet University. Enjoy-

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From: Thomas, Harry (COUNCIL) [mailto:HThomas@DCCOUNCIL.US]
Sent: Mon 9/29/2008 5:06 PM
To: Thomas, Harry (COUNCIL)
Cc: Leonard-Chambers, Victoria (COUNCIL)
Subject: CALL FOR ACTION TO TESTIFY AT OCTOBER 2 HEARING ON FLORIDA AVENUE MARKET

September 29, 2008

RE: Request for Ward 5 Civic and Business Leaders to Testify at October 2, 2008 Hearing on Legislation Affecting the Future of the Florida Avenue Market

Dear Ward 5 Leaders:

I am calling upon you to testify in support of B17-0931, the "New Town Geographical Amendment Act of 2008." With the projected FY09 budget deficit of $131 million, it is imperative that we take the steps necessary to ensure Ward 5 projects are in line to receive TIF, PILOT, and other types of public financing. Passage of this bill forward is critical to the moving forward with redevelopment of the Florida Avenue Market and maintaining its place in the public funding pipeline.

The hearing on the bill will be Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 1 pm at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 412. To sign up to testify, please contact Vicky Leonard-Chambers at vleonardchambers@dccouncil.us or 202.727.8204 by 3pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

The bill excludes properties owned by Gallaudet University and J Street Development along the Sixth Street corridor from the New Town footprint for several reasons.

1. Development plans for these properties are on a slower track than development plans for the rest of the site. Gallaudet has indicated that the University must complete an internal development review process that has already been underway for several months. The University also has acknowledged that its process will likely take many more months, with no definitive date as to when it will conclude.

2. Gallaudet and J Street do not offer an ownership interest to the Market's merchant tenants, whereas the New Town Plan does. In fact, in a September 26, 2008 letter to me, the University and J Street outline the importance of maintaining an equity stake for the Market's property owners, but don't mention the tenants at all. For me, providing equity participation to the tenants is a must.

3. Gallaudet and J Street have not fully embraced the public benefits that the Act requires, including affordable housing, recreational facilities, and a public library, among other things. These public benefits represent amenities that the community has indicated it wants at the site.

4. Gallaudet and J Street have no plans to maintain the wholesale functions that make the Florida Avenue Market so unique and important the fabric of Ward 5.

Redefining the New Town boundaries is a win-win for everyone. It allows both Gallaudet and J Street to develop their properties as they see fit and on timetables that work best for them. It also allows New Town Development Partners LLC, the city's designated master developer, to move forward more quickly with the project and bring to reality the vision of the New Town law enacted by the Council in 2006. If Gallaudet and J Street successfully complete their discussions with the Deputy Mayor and the developer, the Council may still include these parcels in the Final Conceptual Plan it approves.

We cannot perpetuate the status quo of flagrant health code violations and pedestrian unfriendliness that currently define the market experience. The New Town plan accomplishes the District's revitalization goals for the market and creates a unique destination venue for residents and visitors.

And as you know the New Town Plan has had broad community support and has been vetted through numerous community meetings and City Council hearings. And as the Plan moves forward, all stakeholders will have many more opportunities to provide input before the Executive Branch, the City Council, and the Zoning Commission.

As a Ward 5 civic leader, your voice on this matter is very important. I ask that you testify on behalf of B17-0931, the "New Town Geographical Amendment Act of 2008."

Sincerely,

Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.

Ward 5 Councilmember

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Response to Statements Made to Community by Councilmember Harry Thomas


Statement: The bill excludes properties owned by Gallaudet University and J Street Development along the Sixth Street corridor from the New Town footprint for several reasons.

1. Development plans for these properties are on a slower track than development plans for the rest of the site. Gallaudet has indicated that the University must complete an internal development review process that has already been underway for several months. The University also has acknowledged that its process will likely take many more months, with no definitive date as to when it will conclude.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: The University indicated clearly last spring that we would have the conceptual elements of a plan in October of this year. To that end, we have been vigorously engaged in a planning process that has been openly shared with neighborhood residents and owners and merchants in the Market area. Our internal marketing analysis will be completed in a few weeks and the first phase of the land plan has been completed and will be shared with Council Members this week.

The University and EAJ are ready to proceed.

2. Gallaudet and J Street do not offer an ownership interest to the Market's merchant tenants, whereas the New Town Plan does. In fact, in a September 26, 2008 letter to me, the University and J Street outline the importance of maintaining an equity stake for the Market's property owners, but don't mention the tenants at all. For me, providing equity participation to the tenants is a must.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: Gallaudet does not disagree with Council Member Thomas’ views and welcomes further discussion. We have always believed that to maintain the character of the Florida Avenue Market, we must continuously involve other landowners and merchants in the vicinity. A coordinated effort between EAJ, Gallaudet, New Town and individual property owners is in the best interest of not only the property owners but residents and visitors.
For that reason, our plan has taken into consideration – from our initial foray into the Market – participation and input from tenants. We have been very involved and transparent with the Merchant’s Association via their president, Paul Pascal, and have had countless meetings – one-on-one and in groups – with various tenants and landowners and will continue to do this. We have also tried repeatedly to meet with New Town to discuss ways we could work together with no interest returned on their part.
EAJ/Gallaudet has been the team that has put its money on the table – we have fee simple ownership of over 25% of the Market properties east of Fourth Street. Together we own more land in the Market area than any other property owner. We have shown respect and consideration for the tenants and owners within the Market and have demonstrated total commitment to working as a team with a number of developers, owners, the City and Market tenants.

3. Gallaudet and J Street have not fully embraced the public benefits that the Act requires, including affordable housing, recreational facilities, and a public library, among other things. These public benefits represent amenities that the community has indicated it wants at the site.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: This team fully supports the valuable role affordable housing and public amenities play in a vibrant community and, in fact, as local residents and investors, have a vested interest in how those amenities would be integrated into any plan for the Market.

We believe the plan we are developing allows for these kinds of facilities be an important part of the market.

4. Gallaudet and J Street have no plans to maintain the wholesale functions that make the Florida Avenue Market so unique and important the fabric of Ward 5.

EAJ/Gallaudet Response: This is inaccurate. The EAJ/Gallaudet team has every intention of maintaining the Farmers Market at Florida Avenue. As owners of this parcel, we have made this clear to tenants and in meetings with various stakeholders over the last 6 months. The Farmers Market is a unique, character-rich feature of Washington D.C. proper and, as such, would be treated as the exciting core of the project, making this a vibrant draw for neighbors and visitors.
EAJ/Gallaudet, along with Williams & Dame, is the ONLY team that brings world class experience and proven results in the development of vibrant public markets to this important community development.

We are excited to share our plans with the stakeholders and begin the process of urban revitalization of the Market.

Walking Tours of Interest

The crowd for last year's Walking Town DC Florida Market tour.

I'm skipping out on following/leading tours this time due to finals, but that doesn't mean you should miss out. I've compiled a list of tours that seem particularly of interest to me and residents of this neighborhood. Within the list I've highlighted [in blue] the onces that sound most tempting.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 - 11 am
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit)
Ends at Litteri’s Italian Deli, 517 Morse Street, NE
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. The tour will stop at restaurants and vendors that sell to retail customers, including the DC Farmers Market building, and address development issues such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

Capitol Hill
Saturday 10 am - 12 noon
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
End at Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Dating to the 18th century, the neighborhood is home to the historic Marine Corps Barracks, an alley that once housed more than 100 people, a Gothic Revival church, and Eastern Market. Led by Dwane Starlin and presented by Cultural Tourism DC and Washington Walks.

Alley Living in Capitol Hill
Saturday 12 noon - 2:30 pm
Meet at the northeast corner of Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (next to the SunTrust Bank), three blocks from the Capitol South Metro station
End at Gessford Court, SE, near Eastern Market
Alleys were used for stabling horses, industry, and housing the poor in the 1800s and early 1900s. Housing reform, zoning regulations, and urban renewal made most of these uses illegal. Visit Capitol Hill alleys and one of the city’s only remaining hitching posts. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Alley Residents of Washington, Citizens Planning Coalition, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

Capitol Hill

Saturday 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet outside Eastern Market Metro station
End at Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Most people think of Capitol Hill as a place of business, law, and politics. But “the Hill” is much more. Dating to the 18th century, the neighborhood is home to the historic Marine Corps Barracks, an alley that once housed more than 100 people, a Gothic Revival church, and Eastern Market. Led by Dwane Starlin and presented by Cultural Tourism DC and Washington Walks.
Special Instructions: American Sign Language interpreter will participate in this walk.

Eckington - 100 Years of Capital Traction

Saturday 1 - 2:30 pm
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit) in front of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Headquarters, corner of N and Second Streets, NE
End at Rhode Island Avenue Metro station
Once a tranquil country estate, this neighborhood tells the story of Washington’s first electric streetcar and maps the expansion of the city along the well-worn tracks of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad. Led by Brian Kraft and presented by the DC Preservation League and the Eckington Civic Association.

From the Beatles to XM Radio, the Evolution of NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue)
Saturday 2 - 3:30 pm
Meet and end at the New York Avenue Metro station (M Street exit)
This up-and-coming neighborhood just north of Union Station is home to landmarks such as the Washington Coliseum, site of the Beatles first US concert in 1967. The New York Avenue Metro station opened in 2004, igniting the pace of development in NoMa, and with lead anchors like XM Radio; US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms; and NPR, a new mixed-use neighborhood is taking shape. Led and presented by Elizabeth Price, president, NoMa Business Improvement District.

Capitol Hill and the Landmark Eastern Market
Sunday 10 - 11:30 am
Meet at Eastern Market Metro station plaza (east side toward Eighth Street)
End at Eastern Market, Seventh and C Streets, SE
Trace the evolution of the 135-year-old Eastern Market from the Navy Yard to its present location, a Victorian-style masterpiece designed by political radical and architect Adolph Cluss. Hear stories about market culture and how, despite a ravaging fire in 2007, local efforts have persisted in maintaining this vital neighborhood hub, where shoppers are greeted by the familiar faces of generations of vendors. Led by Carole Kolker and presented by Cultural Tourism DC. Special thanks to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

H Street NE Alley Tour
Sunday 10 am - 12:30 pm
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (south exit at M Street, NE)
End at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1300 H Street, NE
This tour traces the development of the H Street neighborhood along the railroad, and discusses how alleys became locations for stables, industry storage, and housing. The tour includes a stop at two occupied alley dwellings. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog, Frozen Tropics blog, and the Citizens Planning Coalition.

Gallaudet University Campus Tour
Sunday 11 am - 12:30 pm
Meet and end at Gallaudet University, EMG Building lobby in the Visitors Center (Eighth Street and Florida Avenue, NE entrance)
The world’s only university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is located right in DC. Given in American Sign Language, with voice interpreters, this tour will explain the origins of the nation’s first deaf school and university traditions, point out one of the nation’s first swimming pools, and visit the spot from which former President James Garfield made his final public speech. Led and presented by Gallaudet University Visitors Center staff.

Capitol Hill and the Landmark Eastern Market
Sunday 1:30 - 3 pm
Meet at Eastern Market Metro station plaza (on the east side toward Eighth Street)
End at Eastern Market, Seventh and C Streets, SE
Trace the evolution of the 135-year-old Eastern Market from the Navy Yard to its present location, a Victorian-style masterpiece designed by political radical and architect Adolph Cluss. Hear stories about market culture and how, despite a ravaging fire in 2007, local efforts have persisted in maintaining this vital neighborhood hub, where shoppers are greeted by the familiar faces of generations of vendors. Led by Carole Kolker and presented by Cultural Tourism DC. Special thanks to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Gallaudet University Campus Tour
3 - 4:30 pm
Meet and end at Gallaudet University, EMG Building lobby in the Visitors Center (Eighth Street and Florida Avenue, NE entrance)
The world’s only university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is located right in DC. Given in American Sign Language, with voice interpreters, this tour will explain the origins of the nation’s first deaf school and university traditions, point out one of the nation’s first swimming pools, and visit the spot from which former President James Garfield made his final public speech. Led and presented by Gallaudet University Visitors Center staff.

WaPo: Longtime Merchants Feel the Squeeze at Florida Ave Market

The Washington Post ran a piece on changes at the Florida Avenue Market. As Union Market and other higher end businesses flock to the Market, the rents are rising and many longterm merchants fear they will have to leave as their buildings are sold to developers like Edens. The story of what's happening right now at the Florida Avenue Market is a long and complicated one.

Florida Avenue Market Study

The text immediately below is from the Office of Planning flyer:

The Office of Planning (OP) has initiated a study of the Florida Avenue Market and is engaging property and business owners within the Market, as well as residents, institutions and other stakeholders surrounding the Market. The purpose of the Study is to conduct an existing conditions analysis, an economic analysis of the wholesale and retail market functions, and an operational analysis. Additionally, the Study will provide demand projections for other potential uses on the site, resulting in various redevelopment/revitalization scenarios for consideration. The Study will also address sustainable development (green technology), urban design, transportation and historic preservation issues. Before any decisions are made regarding the future of this site, it is critical that the District and all affected parties have a full and balanced understanding of the opportunities, constraints and fiscal impacts of redevelopment, and that the public is significantly involved in considering these findings. The Florida Avenue Market is at a critical juncture of its history. Your participation in the coming months is critical for creating a successful and responsive plan!


Here is the public meeting schedule

First Public Meeting
Tuesday April 24th, 2007
Overview
Content at both meetings is the same (they are holding two meetings to accommodate different schedules).
3:30-5:30 pm
6:00-8:00 pm

The Office of Planning invites property and business owners within the Florida Avenue Market and neighborhood residents and stakeholders around the Market area to help us create development recommendations for this site.

Our goal is to produce recommendations for:
• Urban Design/Public Realm
• Uses
• Parking
• Greening
• Historic Preservation.

2nd Public Meeting
Wednesday May 30th, 2007
Highlights of Possible Redevelopment Session
3:30-5:30 pm
6:00-8:00 pm

Both public meetings will be held at:

Gallaudet University
Foster Auditorium in the Student Academic Center
800 Florida Avenue (enter at 8th Street NE)

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov ; or Jeff Davis, Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7704 or jeff.davis@dc.gov .

Stocking the shelves at Litteri's.
Photo by Ken Firestone (all rights reserved, used with permission).

3rd Florida Market Meeting May 30th

Florida Avenue Market Study (pdf)
(Office of Planning announcement)
Third Public Meeting – Open to all!

Wednesday, May 30
3:30 to 5:30 pm AND 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Please come for a presentation on a conceptual plan for the Market, based on research & community input at our first two public meetings. The concepts presented are just the first step, opening further questions to explore. Korean & Mandarin interpretation available at 3:30pm, & sign language interpretation available at 6:00pm.


(The same presentation will be given twice to accommodate a wide array of the public—You may attend either session.)

Gallaudet University, Foster Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave, NE


Next Steps: We will be analyzing the various findings of our study over the summer. Keep an eye out for further public meetings early this fall. In the meantime, please contact us with any thoughts!


Background: The Office of Planning (OP) has initiated a study of the Florida Avenue Market and is engaging property and business owners within the Market, as well as residents, institutions and other stakeholders surrounding the Market. The purpose of the Study is to conduct an existing conditions analysis, an economic analysis of the wholesale and retail market functions, and an operational analysis. Additionally, the Study will provide demand projections for other potential uses on the site, resulting in various redevelopment/ revitalization scenarios for consideration.

The Study will also address sustainable development (green technology), urban design, transportation and historic preservation issues. Before any decisions are made regarding the future of this site, it is critical that the District and all affected parties have a full and balanced understanding of the opportunities, constraints and fiscal impacts of redevelopment, and that the public is significantly involved in considering these findings.

The Florida Avenue Market is at a critical juncture of its history. Your participation in the coming months is critical for creating a successful and responsive plan!

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7615 or deborah.crain@ dc.gov ; or Jeff Davis, Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, 202-442-7704 or jeff.davis@dc.gov.

Please do check out the Capital City Market blog that Richard has been updating while I've been busy neglecting it.

Florida Market Planning Meeting Tonight

From the Office of Planning:

Phase 2 Public Workshop and Open House
Wednesday October 3, 2007
3:00pm-4:30pm
The Market Lounge
1305 5th Street, NE (Upstairs)
OR
6:30pm-8:00pm
McKinley Technology High School
151 T Street, NE

The D.C. Office of Planning (OP) invites property and business
owners within the Florida Avenue Market, neighborhood residents and
stakeholders around the Market area to attend this workshop as we
kick off phase two of the Florida Avenue Market Study. These two
meetings will cover the same information. Please attend whichever
is more convenient.

Our goal is to:
Provide an update on where we are in the planning process
Discuss how we will complete Phase Two of the small area plan for
the Florida Avenue Market

For more information contact Deborah Crain or Jeff Davis at
202.442.7600

Florida Market Planning Phase Two

From the Office of Planning:

Phase 2 Public Workshop and Open House
Wednesday October 3, 2007
3:00pm-4:30pm
The Market Lounge
1305 5th Street, NE (Upstairs)
OR
6:30pm-8:00pm
McKinley Technology High School
151 T Street, NE

The D.C. Office of Planning (OP) invites property and business
owners within the Florida Avenue Market, neighborhood residents and
stakeholders around the Market area to attend this workshop as we
kick off phase two of the Florida Avenue Market Study. These two
meetings will cover the same information. Please attend whichever
is more convenient.

Our goal is to:
Provide an update on where we are in the planning process
Discuss how we will complete Phase Two of the small area plan for
the Florida Avenue Market

For more information contact Deborah Crain or Jeff Davis at
202.442.7600

HR-57 Plans Long-Term Pop-Up at Gallaudet Pavilion (Behind Union Market) [UPDATED]

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UPDATE

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I typically put updates at the bottom of posts, but I wanted to make sure that readers saw this one. When HR-57 closed their space on H Street, the owner talked about an offer he couldn't refuse for a space in NW. That is still happening (there is some stuff that DC Gov and other players have to do first, so it might take about a year). This pop-up is NOT a substitute for that space, it's more like a side project. I did not mention the NW space in my initial post because it is outside my coverage area. This pop-up is something that HR-57 is doing in association with Gallaudet University. Gallaudet is providing the land to HR-57 at no cost. HR-57's owner just has to clean up the long vacant lot (which he has largely done) and use it as a music and community space. I never meant to suggest that this side project was meant to replace HR-57's efforts in NW, but it seems that the omission lead some people to believe that was the case. Sorry for any confusion.

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I am thrilled to tell you about the latest local venture from HR-57 owner Tony Puesan. He's going to bring a pop-up form of HR-57 to a space he dubs the Gallaudet Pavilion. The Pavilion will be located on the fenced grassy area behind Union Market. That site had the old market sheds that were erected for vendor use before construction was complete on the original Union Terminal Market (AKA the Florida Avenue Market), but after vendors had to relocate from the old Central Market to make way for the National Archives building.

New Town Signed By All 12 Council Members

The New Town proposal (to replace the Florida Avenue Market) went before the Council again yesterday (not the last time) & it doesn't appear to be going away. One provision that could make or break the bill is a recently (last time arount) inserted provision from David Catania that requires approval from owners of at least 50% of the land (as opposed to 50% of the landowners) within 120 days after the passage of the emergency legislation. Check out this great Washington Post article on the lingering problems with the proposal and the way it came about.

Recent Market News Round-Up (not links previously posted here):
1. In Shaw: Where the Fk is Litteri's?
2. Rebuilding Place: The Real Issue With The Florida Market (Revised)
3. Rebuilding Place: The Florida Market Bill Before City Council
4. Rebuilding Place: Not the Last Word on the Florida Market
5. Rebuilding Place: Back and Forth Conversation About the Florida Market
6. Blue Coyote Laughing: Politics Photography and Art and... (Click around to find more of her photos of the Market. She shoots there a lot.)

And not new, but very infomative is this DC North piece "Is New Town the End of the Florida Ave. Market?: Market Unlikely to Survive Proposal Say Vendors" (also appeared in the Hill Rag) from last summer.

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This post previously said something about 50% of merchants. Sorry, I must have already lapsed into vacation mode. I've made the correction above. Apologies, because the two are really not the same. Merchants will have no voice under this provision unless they happen to also be landowners.

Touring the Market: Unlocking the Possibilities

This is really just a slightly reworked (and shortened) version of the handout from the market tour.

About the Market
The Capital City Market is DC's own wholesale food district. One of the things that makes this area so unique is that it is almost exclusively dedicated to the wholesale business of selling products for restaurants & small food stores. This area goes by two names, the Capital City Market, & the Florida Market (more common today). Many of the buildings in the market were constructed in the 1920s, but they were not always part of the market.
Before, the area was used by Sidney Hechinger for his building deconstruction and materials sales business. When the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Interurban railroad closed in the late 1920s, Hechinger moved his business there, which is the site today of the Hechinger Mall. At one point, some of the buildings served as barracks for US soldiers.
Some parts of the market are more recently constructed (such as over by Kang's & Wang's, which were built in 1986). Many of these establishments are family owned & primarily serve small businesses in the city, although the convenience and critical mass of businesses attracts people from Virginia and Maryland as well. Though DC had other market areas like this one, few are in existence today (Eastern Market being one).
With the construction of the New York Avenue metro station, and the huge increase in developer interest in this area, many people have begun to raise questions about the market's future. One proposal mentioned in the Washington Post (see A Developer Peddles A New Vision for An Old Market) came from a man (Mr. Choi) who owns some land (and a business -Kang's) in the market. His vision for the area involves the building of a YMCA, an amphitheater, housing, a medical clinic and other things in the area (a movie theater and a bowling alley have also been mentioned) . He has stated that he does not wish to displace the existing vendors, but rather to incorporate the market into his overall plan. It is, however, unclear where the businesses (many of which are small family run affairs) would go during the more that five years between demolition, and completion of construction. Other visions for the area have focused on highlighting the existing market & creating development that builds on the unique strengths off the area (the introduction of restaurants & a small culinary school). Recently one of the older buildings here, the U.S. Beef building (located at 4th & Morse), was demolished. My Choi plans to erect an 11 story office building on the site.

Stops on the Tour

-This is a large market, so we haven't included every vendor/shop on the list below. We've tried to assemble ashort list of place that sell to the public & and are likely to appeal to retail customers. After you have visited the places below you'll have a good grounding in the area & be ready to explore a bit more on your own.

* Bathrooms are available in the DC Farmers Market building*


Young's Deli 325 Morse St. NE 202-543-1417 M-Sat 5:30am-4pm
(Korean & America food)



Sam Wang's 300 block of Morse St. NE 202-544-5163 M-Sat 6am-3pm
A market selling a variety of fresh vegetables & fruits (including many more "exotic" items)



U.S. Beef 300 block of Morse St. NE 202-543-8320 M-Sat-6am-4pm
A variety of unusual cuts of meat are available. Also sells chicken, fish & pickled vegetables.



Kang's Farm 350 Morse St. NE 202-546-1911 M-Sat 5:30am-4pm
The closest the market comes to a general grocery store. Kang's offers a variety of fruits & vegetables, but you can also get small or large quantities of spices or staples such as brown rice. Kang's also boasts the fish room which offers a variety of seafood, including live crab. Unfortunately, because most of the market is not open on Sundays, Kang's does not get fresh shipments of fish on Saturdays. Customers seeking to purchase fish/seafood are advised to do so earlier in the week, rather than on a Saturday.


Obeng International 300 block of Morse St. NE 202-544-8255 M-Sat 7am-4pm
West African food galore. Here you can purchase a variety of spices and staples, or you might prefer to visit the butcher counter, where meats are custom cut.

Best Equipment 413 Morse St NE. 202-544-2525 M-F 8:30-4pm Sat 8:30-3:30
Anything and everything for the commercial kitchen (& at prices you won't believe)


Caribbean Crescent 1280 5th Street NE 202-547-3101 M-F 6:30-4:30 Sat 7am-5pm
Despite the name this place sells mostly Indian & Middle Eastern foods. You can find a variety of lentils, curries, and some flat bread to go with them.


Photo by Ken Firestone (used with permission all rights reserved)
Mexican Fruit 1309 5th Street NE 202-431-1644 M-Sat 6am-5pm
A bit like an outdoor fruit stand. Bins of fresh fruits & vegetables await you outside this storefront.

DC Farmers Market T-TH 7am-5:30pm, F & Sat 7am-6:30pm, Sun 7am-2pm
This is an indoor market packed with vendors selling mostly food, but there are a few who deal in sunglasses, cds, or other goods. The various vendors offer all kinds of meats, fowl, fish & fruits & vegetables. The meat selections extend far beyond what you'll find at Safeway of Giant, and you will not find grocery store prices here.


All African
A Pan-African food selection. They butcher smoked goat on the premises.


Friends at the Market (flea market)
Featuring its own dj, this market offers all the fun of a typical swap meet. You never know what you'll find. A variety of old tools (both electric & manual) can be found here.


Litteri's
Everything Italian is at your disposal. An excellent deli counter completes this little shop that holds much more than you would believe from the outside. Wines, cheeses, sausages, pastas & more are on offer. Litteri's also makes some of the best sandwiches in town. Pre-packaged (but fresh) sandwiches are available by the register.

Also see:

The Insider's Market -Washington Post

Where to Shop -Washington Post (a map of the market)

My Visit to the Wholesale Food District -Frozen Tropics

More on the Florida Market -Rebuilding Place

Meat Deals -Rebuilding Place

Another Point About the Florida Market Area -Rebuilding Place

Aargh on the Florida Market -Rebuilding Place

Developer Peddles a New Vision for an Old Market -Washington Post

Bib Bim Bab at Young's Deli -Tour of Florida Market Area as Blog Meet-up? Rebuilding Place

My Response to the Post Article -Frozen Tropics

Flea Markets, Layering, and Placemaking -Rebuilding Place

Buying Wholesale in Northeast -DCist

Washington Post Review of Litteri's

Sausage Fest -Daily Candy (on Litteri's)

Market Time -A Capital Life

Don't miss this proposed legislation that threatens the market:
Proposed Bill Before the Council

Local News Brief: Birthday Brunch at One Eight, Mexican & Later Diner Hours in Ivy City

A view from the top of the Florida Avenue Market, which includes the old Union Terminal Market

Ivy City's One Eight Distilling (1135 Okie St.) will celebrate their second anniversary with a special boozy birthday brunch on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They'll have bloody mary sampling flights and other cocktails, as well as oysters from S.S. Shucking, tarts from Black Pearl Tarts, and Ivy City Smokehouse (1356 Okie St.) smoked salmon on bagels.

Local News Brief: ANC 5D Mtg 10/11 & Union Terminal Market Historic District Efforts

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at MPD's 5th District station (1805 Bladensburg Road).

ANC5B Special Meeting

When: 6:30pm Tuesday July 22nd
Where: Joe Cole Rec 1200 Morse Street
What: a special meeting to discuss and vote on approval of the the Gateway Market Residences. The Gateway Market Residences is a mixed use [residential, retail, office] PUD [Planned Unit Development] proposed for the lot located at 4th and Florida NE [catty corner to Two Rivers Charter School]. The developer intends to construct a ten story building with residences on the upper five floors. The development is part of the larger [23 acre] New Town plan put forth by the same developer. I would urge people to attend this meeting because this is a very important development project, and I think we need to make sure we get it right. On Thursday July 24th this matter will return to the Zoning Commission for approval or modification, so this is really a last chance to have a voice in the matter.

For reference I'm reposting my recap of the June 6th Zoning hearing on this matter [as well as some links to past coverage]--

Last Night's Zoning Hearing -A Briefing
June 6, 2008

This hearing was regarding the Gateway Market Residences a proposed PUD at 4th and Florida.

ANC 6C representatives submitted a filing and were present at the meeting [Phelps and Velasco, both in opposition]. Single Member District representatives Bernard and Lawson [both in opposition] were present from 5B. ANC 5B Chairman Shelton [proponent] was scheduled to appear, but was a no-show. The hearing began at 6:30pm and the ANC 5B meeting began at 7:30pm, so there was a scheduling conflict between the two meetings.

Mr. Choi and his representatives were present, as were some spectators. A representative from Harry Thomas' office delivered testimony in favor of the development, and I believe it also contained opposition to granting party status to ANC 6C. No representative was present, due to scheduling conflicts, from Tommy Wells' office, but his office did submit a letter supporting party status for ANC 6C.

The Zoning Commission granted party status for ANC 6C, but refused to grant them great weight without some additions to their filing. They intend to make such additions to obtain great weight.

The Chairman of ANC 5B had submitted a letter of support purporting to speak for the entire ANC, but it was not taken as the official stance of ANC 5B because it was deficient on several grounds, including that it made on mention of a binding vote by the ANC. This is because there was no vote on the issue at the May 1st meeting when applicant last appeared before the Commission. The last time ANC 5B voted on this development was more than two and half years ago. A copy of the letter issued following that vote was attached. The Zoning Commission declined to accept that vote as the official stance of ANC 5B because of its age and the tremendously changed circumstances surrounding the project during that time period. The Commission also stated that the filings in opposition from two commissioners indicated that there was some division in ANC 5B on this project.

The Commission granted a continuance until July 24th. Essentially this means that the Applicant was able to present the plans, and the Commission gave them comments on the presentation. The Commission asked that ANC 5B hold a special meeting with a binding vote prior to the July 24th hearing, and that all representatives, and any other individuals, or groups wishing to testify in this matter appear at the July 24th hearing. The Commission urged both ANCs to speak with the developer's agents to resolve issues before that date to the extent possible. I would urge any interested persons to attend any and all public meetings on this issue prior to the July hearing date.

One of the issues drawing the most interest was that Applicant's plans call for retail to face inward, rather than towards the street. Considering that Applicant's plans also call for windows on most sides of the project this brought up concerns that this would result in the street facing windows being filled with stock rooms.

Zoning: Gateway Market Residences June 3, 2008

Yeah, That's Pretty Much the Problem April 12, 2007

New Town/Market Info [check out the Capital City Market blog for more in-depth coverage and more stories]

Florida Avenue Market Faces Dueling Development Plans DC North September 2007

A letter from Gallaudet May 24, 2007

There's a Stench From the Florida Market Examiner December 8, 2006

The Insider's Market Washington Post May 3, 2006

Catch DDOT's NY Ave Streetscape & Trail Project Team at Union Market 8/19

The DDOT team for the New York Avenue Trail and Streetscape Project wants to meet you. They'll have blue tents set up outside Union Market (1309 Fifth Street NE) Saturday, August 19th from 10 am to 1 pm. Come out to discuss various aspects of the project and learn more about it generally.

Barricade Situation in Florida Avenue Market Ends Peacefully

This 2007 photo shows buildings in the 1300 block of 4th Street NE

There was apparently a barricade situation today at the Motel 6 in the Florida Avenue Market area.  The @DCPoliceTraffic twitter account tweeted about the closure of three streets in the northwestern corner of the market district at 10:48am.

News Round Up: ANC 5D Mtg, Yesterday's Crashing Car, MPD Expands Sector Plan

 

5D officers and others pose for a photo during a 2015 National Night Out event at the Starburst Plaza

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D will hold its first public meeting of the year Tuesday,  Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at the normal location (the MPD 5D station at 1805 Bladensburg Road). I haven't seen an agenda yet, but go ahead and mark your calendars. The commissioners will elect new officers at the meeting.

The Washington Post has a little more info about yesterday's early morning weirdness in which a man attempting to elude police (who say they were not actually chasing him at the time) struck several cars in the 1700 block of H Street. Michael Anthony Burwell, 25, was arrested at the scene.

Recent Market Articles

Due to a busy schedule recently I've missed a few articles that should have made it up here. Here are three pieces on the Florida Market that you might want to check out (with comments):

Market for Change (Washington Times, 9/16/07):
-Last time I check Catholic was in Northeast, not Northwest
-The article incorrectly states that Catania's provision requires the approval of 50% of the 69 land owners. The requirement actually says that New Town needs the approval of owners of 50% of the land (based on the way the land is chopped up, that would be [you would need all the larger land owners] way less than 50% of the 69 owners). So does that mean that when Thomas says 45%, that this means owners of 45% of the land, or 45% of the land owners?


*Quotes to notice:
-"Fewer than 100 markets of its type remain across the country, said David O'Neil, a senior associate with the New York-based nonprofit Project for Public Spaces." *You might remember the Project for Public Spaces from the starburst Plaza meetings.
-"Through the years, Capital City Market has remained the foremost wholesale supplier for most restaurateurs in the region. "
-"Gallaudet University, which owns nearly four acres on Sixth Street where the wholesaler's warehouse would go, also has no interest in seeing such a structure on its land."

-"So Gallaudet would once again be walled off from the community — which, of course, we would object to." *Gallaudet is one of the largest landowners in the Market.

-"They can build the Taj Majal here as long as the community is considered for the jobs and gets a piece of the pie," said Wilhelmina Lawson, an D.C. advisory neighborhood commissioner in the area." *Interesting approach to planning for the future, no?

Florida Avenue Market Faces Dueling Development Plans (DC North 9/2007)

-just a quick blub at the bottom about the New Town plan and the Office of Planning's Small Area Plan

Shop Around at the Capital City Market (Washington Post Sunday Source 9/30/2007)
-link to addresses here.
-There is also an easy to miss map hiding in the page. To download it click on "Read +"

You may also wish to check out Gallaudet's page on the Market. I think the letter (5/2007), is particularly interesting.

Florida Market Tour Saturday

It's time once again for Walking Town DC. Once again we'll have the Florida Market Tour. This is a great chance to explore the Market a bit. You can buy all kinds of food there. I actually do the majority of my shopping at the market right now, and it is WAY cheaper than the grocery store. Those of you reading last night, or early this morning caught a strange draft version of this post that I published by mistake last night (sorry!). And now everybody know that I type stupid crap while I'm trying to think. But back to the blog, check out this recent meal I made for a friend:

1. cold tomato soup including cucumber, chilies, tomato, egg;
2. fried locally produced tofu, with a homemade blackberry honey sauce, served on a bed of micro greens;
3. celery and pear salad with parmesan cheese and pepper.
4. giant oyster mushrooms with leeks sauteed and served over while rice with ginger and soy sauce.
5. brats sauteed with peppers and onions.

The brats came from the H Street FreshFarm Market. The greens came from my backyard. Everything else came from the Florida Market, except maybe an herb or two that probably could have come from the Market. You can make so many amazing meals with stuff from there.

It's from 9am to 10:30am on Saturday, staring across from the north entrance of the New York Avenue-Florida Avenue Metro Station, at 2nd and N Streets NE.

Florida Market Tour Saturday

Another chance to catch our semi-regular tour of the Florida/Capital City Market-
Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 - 11 am
Meet outside New York Avenue Metro station (Florida Avenue exit)
End at Litteri’s Italian Deli, 517 Morse Street, NE
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. The tour will stop at restaurants and vendors, including the DC Farmers Market building, and address development issues such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

You can also meet us at 8am at Young's for Korean/Salvadorian food.

Lock7 Development Planning a 49 Unit Mixed-Use Project on Florida Ave

Local developer Lock7 recently purchased much of the north side of the 1300 block of Florida Avenue NE. Their property begins at the northwest corner (currently Open Studio, and formerly the Nifty Thrift), and ends just before CONNERMSMITH Gallery (1358 Florida Avenue). Current plans call for 49 residential units, and commercial space, in a four story building. Four of those will be studios (first floor), 29 will be one bedrooms, and the remaining 16 units will have two bedrooms. The developer is not yet sure whether these will be condos, or apartments. They will make that decision mid-way through the development.