MOM’s Van Ness is a done deal. We reported in July that MOM’s Organic Market is opening a location at UDC-owned 4250 Connecticut Avenue, but the contract was not yet finalized. Leeann Hall, the new UDC vice president of marketing and communications, tells us all residual issues with the lease have been resolved. Other updates: MOM’s and UDC are exploring partnership opportunities in service to the campus and community. Plus, 85 parking spots in the garage below will be reserved for MOM’s customers. MOM’s is aiming for a summer 2022 opening date.
Another done deal: Roadside Development and Gold’s Gym. Or rather, the property housing the Van Ness Gold’s Gym, which was put up for sale in 2018. The buyer of 4310 Connecticut, Roadside Development, is transforming the former Fannie Mae headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue into City Ridge. It also owns the property next door to Gold’s Gym, which houses Potbelly and the Wells Fargo branch that is closing this week. The Washington Business Journal reported that Roadside had a “likely future development” in mind when it purchased 4300-4304 Connecticut Avenue in 2015.
Not done but working on it. We checked in with Shemali’s Market last week, and they are plugging away and still hoping to open this month at 4483 Connecticut.
Work on a new “Italian Bar.” We were wondering about the next life of the former Nice Tailor and Cleaners at 5008 Connecticut Avenue, after noticing some demo work being done inside.
We were not left wondering for long.
We love to see it! The 'Italian Bar' transformation begins at 5008 Connecticut Ave in Wakefield. Opening this December, brought to you by from some of the folks behind @imeddiecano, located a few doors down. Stay tuned for updates!!@SmallBizDC #comingsoon pic.twitter.com/WaGE1jjitw
— Van Ness Main Street (@VanNessMainSt) September 27, 2021
And a “Happy Birthday!” goes out to… I’m Eddie Cano, which opened at 5014 Connecticut on October 2nd, 2018.
Comet Ping Pong back in action. Comet (5037 Connecticut) was closed for several days last month for the installation of a new pizza oven.
Our brand brand new oven is up and running! Come on in tonight for that wood fired pizza flavor you love. Mmmmmmmmm 😋 pic.twitter.com/UjXUu2YJUX
— Comet Ping Pong (@cometpingpong) September 30, 2021
Comet’s indoor concerts resumed and played on during the work. And its fall outdoor concert series wraps up this month.
Another plea to shop early for the holidays (and shop local). This time a year ago, Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Avenue) was urging customers to do their holiday shopping as early as possible. One reason: pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions. Those issues have not gone away. P&P says, “The supply chain is even more disrupted this year due to COVID-related labor shortages in publisher warehouses, printing capacity limitations, and shipping issues. All of which means potential out-of-stock books and order delays.”
Forest Hills Connection is a program of Van Ness Main Street.