Nation’s capital recovers unevenly
Economic recovery came quicker for the District of Columbia than in other areas in the country. In addition to government jobs, the area employs many consultants, contractors, lobbyists and lawyers, most of whom were able to work virtually during this time. This played a significant role in buoying the city’s labor market and economy during the pandemic.
While the District of Columbia may be outpacing other metro areas in terms of recovery, not all residents in the area came through the pandemic the same. Those working in minimum wage jobs were hardest hit, with some even losing their housing. Tent cities, such as those that appeared in the downtown area, were direct evidence that this was indeed the tale of two cities.
As Washington, D.C., looks to get its private sector business back on track, Mayor Muriel Bowser is working with city officials to get offices reopened and entice new companies to open shop. Getting hospitality jobs back is another priority. However, as other metro areas in the country are finding, workers who left cities during the pandemic for areas with a lower cost of living have no intention of returning.
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Meanwhile, new housing and loan programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, have been created to attract people and businesses to the District of Columbia and its outer lying areas. Looking at the retail scene, several new projects have started or are in the works.
Northeast Heights, a mixed-use development, is coming to Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7 soon. The estimated $600 million project will incorporate office space and apartments, and bring a much-needed supermarket to the neighborhood. The first phase will include a 285,000-sq.-ft. commercial building that will serve as headquarters for the city’s Department of General Services, and the ground floor will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space. The site has been designated a Great Streets corridor, which means small businesses can apply for grants to cover capital improvements and certain soft costs. The project is generating excitement among city officials, as well as residents, in what has been described as an underdeveloped and underserved neighborhood.
Convenience store chain 7-11 has been expanding its Evolution Store concept, adding a new location in Washington, D.C.,’s 504 K street neighborhood during this past year. The c-store chain’s concept-based model offers exclusive services and products customized for each area it serves. In addition to the Laredo Taco Company at the District of Columbia location, customers can find made-to-order specialty drinks, a cold treats bar, fresh baked goods and an expanded beauty section, featuring a wide variety of makeup, skin care and other health and beauty items. Created as a fluid concept, 7-11 officials can tweak the idea based on customer feedback.
Meanwhile, new housing and loan programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, have been created to attract people and businesses to the District of Columbia and its outer lying areas. Looking at the retail scene, several new projects have started or are in the works.
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Northeast Heights, a mixed-use development, is coming to Washington, D.C.’s Ward 7 soon. The estimated $600 million project will incorporate office space and apartments, and bring a much-needed supermarket to the neighborhood. The first phase will include a 285,000-sq.-ft. commercial building that will serve as headquarters for the city’s Department of General Services, and the ground floor will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space. The site has been designated a Great Streets corridor, which means small businesses can apply for grants to cover capital improvements and certain soft costs. The project is generating excitement among city officials, as well as residents, in what has been described as an underdeveloped and underserved neighborhood.
Convenience store chain 7-11 has been expanding its Evolution Store concept, adding a new location in Washington, D.C.,’s 504 K street neighborhood during this past year. The c-store chain’s concept-based model offers exclusive services and products customized for each area it serves. In addition to the Laredo Taco Company at the District of Columbia location, customers can find made-to-order specialty drinks, a cold treats bar, fresh baked goods and an expanded beauty section, featuring a wide variety of makeup, skin care and other health and beauty items. Created as a fluid concept, 7-11 officials can tweak the idea based on customer feedback.