ICSC Spotlight: DSW takes over D.C., L St. Borders site gains a future

DCMud’s man at the International Council of Shopping Centers Convention survived that shopping center jungle with a couple new updates, both conspicuously involving clothing …

•  DSW, the footwear retailer, plans to open three new stores in Washington, D.C. One will be in Columbia Heights, one in Friendship Heights and one on Connecticut Avenue. So anyone who has been stocking up on heels for the coming shoe drought can breathe easy.

•  Following the trend of transforming ex-Borders into things that have absolutely no hope of raising the national literacy rate (see: the Hamilton), a large but as-of-yet unnamed clothing retailer will be taking over the old Borders site on L Street.

ICSC Spotlight: Union Market signs 11 restaurants, Capital City Diner

Today at the International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, developer Edens told DCMud that the Union Market has 11 restaurants signed to the new development, including the Old Capital City Dining rail car.

The historic site, formerly known as the Capital City Market, is being redeveloped by J Street and Edens.

One of the eateries is the Old Capital City Diner which Edens bought on eBay for $40,000 according to the Washington Post. Have to assume that was an exciting bidding war. Probably worth it simply for the “buy now.”

The development of Union Market should be interesting, and no one has ever complained about more food. Another Edens spokesperson said the company is not ready to release the names of the 11 restaurants, but those will soon be released and an opening expected this summer.


Washington D.C. real estate development