A look inside Douglas Development’s work to reshape a D.C. icon

Posted by Juline Kaleyias on

The Uline Arena’s days hosting inaugural balls, rock concerts, circuses and sporting events are long gone, but a new chapter is now being written inside the cavernous structure by Third and M streets NE less than a block from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station.

Construction is well underway at what was formally known as the M.J. Uline Ice Company and Arena, which is now enclosed by construction fences. By day, it serves as a hive for dump trucks and work crews gutting the interior of one of the most storied venues in local and national history.

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Why D.C. and Maryland still think they need more retail

Posted by Juline Kaleyias on

The Washington region has become one of the hottest areas for retailers in recent years, with new restaurants considered among the nation’s best, a slate of tony downtown shops at CityCenterDC and a glut of Whole Foods stores on the way.

Why then, are District officials — along with representatives of Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland — in Las Vegas this week pitching their jurisdictions to chain retailers?

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Here’s another angle on D.C.’s biggest move ever

Posted by Juline Kaleyias on

Last week, we showed you how Douglas Development Corp. and its contractor, Davis Construction, moved the first of two historic structures to make way for the massive Square 450 project in Mount Vernon Square.

The gargantuan effort, moving the 880-ton New York Avenue building 34 feet, is an impressive feat. The goal is to “preserve, protect and enhance the historic built environment” in the District, said Joe Baker, a senior project manager with Davis.

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Monument Realty wants to add a massive graphic to 225 N. Calvert St.

Posted by Juline Kaleyias on

The company that is planning to redevelop the former Bank of America operations center at 225 N. Calvert St. wants to install a massive wrap-around graphic on the building just above street level.

The graphic is still in development. Designers ran a first draft of an image past city officials last week. The company developing the building, Monument Realty, said it’s intent on finding an image that will liven up a dark section of Calvert Street that planners have said for years could use more color.

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Hotels for the Next Generation

Posted by Juline Kaleyias on

Longing for alternatives to the conventional, cookie-cutter hotel? Along with crocuses and daffodils, new specialty chains from major hospitality companies including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Carlson Rezidor will be springing up across the globe in the coming weeks and months.

The hotels are what’s known in the industry as “lifestyle” brands: They strive to appeal to the predilections of next-generation travelers. Some are trying to lure millennials (who are defined as between 18 and 34 in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center)) with high-tech lounges, reasonable rates, locally inspired amenities, and grab-and-go meals.

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