Retail Moves and Bad Addresses
It seems like the news keeps flowing in da ‘hood nowadays. First of all, many of you might know that Marimekko up and left in the middle of the night from their retail spot at Georgia and Ellsworth. And the Pyramid Atlantic store on Ellsworth closed as well. Luckily, this creates a good opportunity for us.
Rumor has it (on good authority) that the Pyramid Atlantic store will be moving into the old Marimekko space. Because this is a “prime” location, Pyramid will be able to stay there until a new, full-time tenant can be found for that corner lot. No more shifting around to the retail whims of the season. As many of you know, Pyramid has had to give up their space for the Halloween store on a seasonal basis, so now that won’t be an issue.
On an equally interesting note, the Silver Spring Halloween store, operated by Spencer Gifts (surprise), is the second highest grossing store in the country. Yeah, you heard that right. At least that’s what we’ve learned here. The highest-grossing store? Times Square in New York City. Amazing, huh? Still confirming such rumors, but they appear to be true.
About that Easley Street Apartment Building…
The Silver Spring Penguin reported yesterday about many of the changes going on at the Silver Spring Towers, bounded by Easley St., Fenton St., and Thayer Avenue. To be specific, the story is titled “Easley St apartment building to get makeover.” I love the Penguin. Don’t get me wrong. They have the most dynamic, doughnut-loving, intern-friendly newsroom in the area. But it’s time for Thayer Avenue to put the smackdown on the address situation. Sure, there’s a lame, Easley Street street number, but the most important address of Silver Spring Towers is on Thayer Avenue. It says so right there: 815 Thayer Avenue.
If you don’t believe me, ask the riders of the 20 bus to and from Hillandale (and the Silver Spring metro). Where is that aluminum and glass canopy for the bus stop going? Yup – Thayer Avenue. Where did someone get shot a couple of years ago? Easley. ‘Nuff Said.
And now, for the brainstorm
Marimekko is empty. Pyramid Atlantic is moving in. I think that’s great, but eventually, DTSS management has to find a full-time tenant for that prime corner space. There’s certainly been some discussion about prospects, but let’s get serious about courting the righ retailer
- Bar/Restaurant. Then we could all live together forever, right? Frankly, I’d much rather open up the movie theater below the Golden Flame with food and drink, but something hip and trendy where people can be seen from Georgia Avenue might have its perks.
- Gelato. I think this has some teeth. Have you been to the gelato place in Bethesda? I would go out of my way and stand in line for that shit.
- Cupcakes. I have to say, I’m not on board with the trend. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had the right one(s), but the competition with CakeLove would never fly.
- Dunkin Donuts. Great idea, but between Starbucks and (the soon-to-open) Fractured Prune, I’m not sure it would work. Part of me, though, says YES.
- Apple Store. This is my first choice, but because of the pillars in the space, Apple won’t do it. End of story. And it’s probably best for my budget if it’s more difficult to get to an Apple store from my house.
Things that can and can’t work abound. Thoughts from the peanut gallery?
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[...] Silver Spring Towers at 816 Easley St (or 815 Thayer Ave) will receive two new canopies over its main doors on Easley and Thayer Avenue, Rukiyat Gilbert, [...]
Is that a new addition or did I miss that? Because I miss stuff like that from time to time…
That’s too bad about Marrimekko.
I want to open my cupcake/gelato/coffee place in the smaller space. Time to write a business plan.
Looks like CB2 is seeking some retail space in the area (http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/07/06/daily41.html) which could be good for the corner of Georgia and Ellsworth, but might be another Storehouse disaster waiting to happen.
Storehouse failed because the whole company went under, not because the Silver Spring store was underperforming. I doubt Crate & Barrel will go out of business anytime soon, but I imagine they are looking for something bigger than that space.
One of the issues any tenant is going to have to deal with is heating and (especially) cooling costs. The afternoon sun blazes through those windows, and tinting them isn’t the best thing to do for a retail store. Another (potential) reason for something like a gelato place. And while outdoor tables for any eatery might be nice, patrons will have to deal with the bus stop right outside.
This isn’t official, but driving by the golf shop on Fenton we saw shelves and racks coming down off of the walls. Another going out of business?
And as for what new business we need, I vote for bar/restaurant. Something like Adams Morgan’s Diner would be good- all kinds of food all times of day, decent beer list, coffee and wi-fi, family-friendly but also casual-date friendly, and locally owned (please!) Oh, and it would have brunch. Glorious brunch!
As you’ll see in the new post, it’s just a move to reduce expenses. But the high rent and parking are some of the issues they note as reasons.
They are attached to a giant garage – what’s the problem with parking?
Their new location is a stand-alone building with a parking lot surrounding it. And it costs a lot less. Having taken clubs to the Fenton St. location many times to hit in the booth, I can attest to the pain-in-the-ass factor of getting in and out of elevators and such from the car to the storefront. Just easier.
In terms of physical plant, water/sewer, a food establishment is very different from a store. That Adams Morgan diner is great, but cooking 24 hours a day would be an intense use in this space. I have worked in buildings with restaurants on the first floor and have some unpleasant memories of heat and smells. My first thought was for a Cosi, then I recalled those open-fire bread ovens.
Speaking of windows, I wish Bank of America would sacrifice a window to add another ATM. The waits at that one are really long. More shade/shelter would be nice, but that would add a mugging risk, I suppose.
Isn’t there gelato at Kefa Cafe on Bonifant? I have to admit, I haven’t been in for a while, but the big “Gelato” sign is still there.
There is, but it closes at 5pm every day except Friday, when it’s open until 9pm. Not very conducive to a post-dinner gelato run, for the most part.