Yes, MOM’s Organic Market is still opening a Van Ness store

You’ve had a lot of questions, and we now have answers about the long-delayed debut of MOM’s Organic Market at 4250 Connecticut Avenue, a UDC-owned office and retail building.

In a commercial real estate update shared with ANC 3F and Van Ness Main Street, the university’s chief operating officer, David Franklin, listed several of the factors that have impacted the construction and store opening schedule, “including permits, approval of exterior signage, and a worldwide shortage of elevator and mechanical equipment and critical building supplies.”

Therefore, Franklin writes, “[the] opening date will likely be closer to the end of December 2023.”

MOM’s previously planned to open the store in summer 2022, then summer 2023. If the December target date holds, the “Coming 2023” sign that was plastered on one of the 4250 windows in January will remain accurate.

The full update (see below), dated June 28th, also notes new leases at other UDC-owned retail spaces along Connecticut (as we recently reported, they are Dog Haus and The Whale Tea), Student Center food service vendors planning August 2023 openings (Chick-fil-A and Fuddruckers), a long-awaited opening that happened last May (AllCare), and ongoing efforts to engage tenants for the three retail spaces remaining at 4250 and 4340 Connecticut Avenue.

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I want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update of the University of the District of
Columbia’s (University) efforts in partnering with the real estate brokerage firm of KLNB on selectively identifying potential tenants that aligned both with the goals and mission of the University, as well as the needs and desires of the residents within the neighborhood.

Statistical Facts and Updates:

• The total commercial real estate area at 4250 and 4340 Connecticut Ave. is 31,613 square feet.
• We have leased 71.5% (22,613 S.F.) to various tenants (Starbucks, MOMs, AllCare, The Whale
Tea, Dog Haus).
• The remaining 28.5% (9,000 S.F.) is currently divided into three (3) retail spaces, and efforts continue to identify and engage potential tenants for these remaining spaces.

Opening—AllCare

• Capital Healthcare, LLC, doing business as (DBA) AllCare Family Medicine & Primary Care (“AllCare”), opened its door for business on May 10, 2023.

Opening—”MOMs”

• Several factors have impacted the construction schedule and opening of the store, including permits, approval of exterior signage, and a worldwide shortage of elevator and mechanical equipment and critical building supplies.
• The opening date will likely be closer to the end of December 2023. We will keep you informed as the project progresses.

Dog Haus Lease Agreement

• The University and Dog Haus Van Ness have negotiated the terms of a rental agreement. Dog Haus Van Ness will lease Retail Space #5 located at 4340 Connecticut Ave. for the operation of a restaurant.
• The tentative opening timeframe for Dog Haus is Summer 2024.

The Whale Tea Lease Agreement

• The University and Bleu Tea & Trading LLC, DBA The Whale Tea, have negotiated the terms of a rental agreement. The Whale Tea will lease Retail Space #2 located at 4340 Connecticut Ave. for the operation of a restaurant.
• The tentative opening time frame for The Whale Tea is Summer 2024.

Chick-fil-A and Fuddruckers

The University, in partnership with Perkins Management, Inc., will bring two highly anticipated national food chains, Chick-fil-A and Fuddruckers, to the Student Center in August 2023. The Van Ness community will benefit from such efforts as we work towards the creation of revitalized retail spaces along the Van Ness corridor.