Category Archives: Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series Kicks Off June 2

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

The popular Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series kicks off next Friday June 2. The series, sponsored by The Modern at Art Place & DC Fray, features a different artist 6pm to 8pm each Friday from June through August.

Bring a chair, hang out with neighbors, and enjoy live music, a food truck, and games.

Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series
June 2- August 25, 2023
6:00 pm-8:00 pm
The Modern (corner of South Dakota Avenue NE & Galloway Street NE)

Lineup

June 2: AYO

June 9: Dandy

June 16: The Experience Band & Show

June 23: The Lovejoy Group

June 30: Todd Brooks and Pour Decisions

July 7: David Thong Band

July 14: Pebble to Pearl

July 21: YML and friends

July 28: Oasis Island Sounds

August 4: JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience

August 11: Amafujo’s Moodswing

August 18: Junior Bryce Band

August 25: Too Much Talent Band


Art Place at Fort Totten Modification of Consequence

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Updated with links to filed documents

On April 28, 2023, the Cafritz Foundation filed a “modification of consequence” for the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten to make sure they are able to get certificates of occupancy turn over the space for buildout of the grocery store and children’s museum before construction of the entire second phase is complete. (ZC case no. 06-10H)

My understanding is that representatives for the Cafritz Foundation will share a quick update about this at tonight’s Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association meeting. Getting the gym open in the first phase was a big deal. Getting spaces turned over to Aldi and the children’s museum for the second phases will be an even bigger deal. As these key tenants come online, the viability of this project remains intact.

The filing states:

This proposed application does not propose any changes to the size, height, uses, or appearance of the Block B PUD Project which was last approved by the Zoning Commission in ZC Order No. 06-1 0G. The modification that the Applicant is requesting in this application is solely related to construction and occupancy sequencing so that the Applicant can deliver the Aldi Grocery Store and the Children’s Museum space by February 28, 2024 (as required by the leases for these spaces), and then continue with construction of the other elements of the Block B PUD Project without decommissioning of construction activity on the site.

There are currently no conditions in ZC Order Nos. 06-l0D, 06-l0E, or 06-l0G that address the ability of the Applicant to open portions of the building as they are ready for occupancy. The purpose of this Modification of Consequence application is to create a specific condition of the Zoning Commission’s approval of the Block B PUD Project that the Applicant can refer to as it processes certificate of occupancy applications with the Department of Buildings, and specifically the Zoning Administrator’s Office.

***

The creation of a condition in the Zoning Commission’s approval of the Block B PUD Project that explicitly allows the identified uses to sequentially and safely occupy each block of space while construction activity continues on remaining portions of the site is essential to the Applicant’s ability to finance and continue the construction of this important project.

Construction & Sequencing from Filing

1st Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Build the FEZ north block, which includes the ALDI grocery store and Children’s Museum core and shell. The core and shell will be complete, including rooftop green roof areas. The Applicant intends to allow the ALDI grocery store to occupy their space first, with parking provided on B1 level of garage.
• In support of the occupancy of the ALDI grocery store and Children’s Museum space within the commercial north block, construction of the below-grade garage, the north parking ramp to Kennedy Street, and the commercial loading docks will occur.
• The extent of site development includes construction of the ALDI facades to the curb along South Dakota A venue, with attendant civil improvements. In addition, the sidewalks up Kennedy Street and along South Dakota will be installed for pedestrian access to the ALDI and Children’s Museum entrances/exits. The internal private road connection from Kennedy Street to the commercial loading dock will be built in order to provide access to dock.

2nd Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Construction of the balance of the FEZ central block, and the Residential East, North, and South buildings. The residential buildings will include at-grade, retail core and shell space.
• The extent of site development includes construction of the approved site features to access the residential and retail entrances and exits. The alley will be constructed in order to provide access to the residential loading dock, rear entrance, and connection to the private street.

3rd Construction & Occupancy Sequence

• Construction of the balance of the FEZ building, primarily southern block, including the rotunda.
• The extent of site development will include the remaining approved site features along the pedestrian sections of the private street and the perimeter of the FEZ building along Ingraham Street and South Dakota A venue.

View renderings of phased construction.

T-Mobile at Art Place at Fort Totten Closed

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

A neighbor called me this morning to let me know that the signage for the T-Mobile located at 5210 South Dakota Avenue NE was being taken down and that fixtures were being moved out. The store opened in 2019. I have received confirmation that T-Mobile has closed that location. (Cannot say I am surprised by this news).

While awaiting confirmation, I came across a January 2023 press statement from T-Mobile about its retail strategy and the place of brick and mortar stores in that strategy. The company is closing many stores.

No word on a replacement yet.