It’s the biggest economic news of the week.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Commanders back home to the Sports Capital. We said that we could do it all – Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more – and, together, that’s what we are delivering,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we got control of 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, we knew right away that partnering with the Commanders would be the fastest and surest route to bringing the RFK campus to life. As we focus on the growth of our economy, we’re not only bringing our team home, but we’re also bringing new jobs and new revenue to our city and to Ward 7.”
“Today is a defining moment for the DMV and the Washington Commanders. RFK Stadium holds a legendary place in our history – it’s where the team dominated the NFL, capturing three Super Bowls and creating unforgettable memories for fans. Now, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy by building a new world-class stadium – one that is also a once-in-a-generation catalyst for uplifting and transforming our region,” said Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Josh Harris. “Working hand-in-hand with District and community leaders, we’re focused on delivering an incredible home for our players and fans, creating a landmark venue that reflects the pride of our nation’s capital, and sparking a new era of economic opportunity across the DMV. RFK was once a place our fans loved, and opponents feared – we’re determined to make it that way again.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Commanders will drive the investment of at least $2.7 billion to build a roofed stadium that can be used year-round, together with related improvements, making this the single largest private investment in DC’s history. DC Government (the District) will invest $500 million for stadium horizontal and non-vertical costs from the Sports Facilities Fee (formerly known as the Ballpark Fee). By leveraging dedicated funds from the Sports Facilities Fee, the District will not need to make any cuts from the city’s operating budget.
(The Wharf) generates around $60 million a year in taxes for the city, attracted around 8 million people last year and comprises about 75 shops and restaurants. The project features four hotels, seven multifamily buildings, and more than a million square feet of office spaces leased by tenants including Cornerstone Government Affairs and Williams & Connolly.
The Wharf has emerged as one of the city’s biggest entertainment attractions, with acclaimed event venues including The Anthem and Pearl Street Warehouse and multifamily buildings, including the luxury Amaris condos. Restaurants include Bistro Du Jour, Fabio Trabocchi’s Del Mar and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Chrys Kefalas, the association’s managing vice president for brand strategy, plans to open this summer in Georgetown what he believes could be the nation’s first authentic Greek ice cream shop, and he’s enlisted a team including D.C.’s former nightlife mayor to help spread the word. Kefalas, a former candidate for U.S. Senate in Maryland, has leased about 1,208 square feet at 3143 N St. NW for the new venture.
Yala Greek Ice Cream is slated to open July 4 from space formerly occupied by a bakery, and, before that, an EagleBank branch. Kefalas has retained interior designer Maggie O’Neill, project architect Amelia Decker of River Norton Architects and Nick Michali of Soma Wood Studio to design and renovate the space, expected to cost around $500,000 to get up and running.
The owners of D.C.-based confection maker Olivia Macaron are partnering with a Union Market-area property owner to repurpose a set of vacant warehouse properties into an entertainment venue.
An affiliate of Olivia Macaron purchased 405 Morse St. NE last year with plans to convert the two-story property into a macaron shop and a separate cocktail bar. It filed plans with the Board of Zoning Adjustment alongside neighboring property owner Sung H. Cho Trustee of 407 Morse St. NE to convert the second story of both buildings into an events venue that could host anything from art exhibits to bar mitzvahs to late-night music performances.
