Campaign to Save Mott’s Market Suffers Serious Setback – Neighbors Not Giving Up. Photo: Hilary Russell
by Hilary Russell
Posted April 11, 2022
An energetic and determined coalition of about 100 Hill neighbors has been campaigning to save Mott’s Market at 233 12th Street, SE, since the building was listed for sale in March 2022 https://bit.ly/37AwGfZ . Residents in the close-knit, nearby community who value this historic resource came together organically, disseminated signs, held virtual meetings, and established a website and a multi-member LLC (limited liability company) that aimed to buy the building. They made plans to revitalize the corner store by renting it to an experienced vendor who “shared the community’s vision.” And they raised enough funds to make a serious offer on April 7 to the Cho family, owners of the building since 2010.
On Friday, April 8, the coalition learned that a competing offer from a developer – one with no contingencies – had been accepted. The buyer’s identify has not yet been publicly disclosed. According to organizer Jordan LaCrosse, coalition members are deeply disappointed but are not giving up. As she put it in an email to those involved in the effort, “While this is regrettable news, it is not necessarily the end. There remain possible avenues our team can explore in the coming weeks to influence the ultimate fate of the market and the building itself.” The email signoff was upbeat: “We are so very fortunate to live in a caring, courageous, and committed community.”
Capitol Hill Corner https://capitolhillcorner.org/ will keep you informed, but sign up for coalition emails at savemottsmarket@gmail.com to join or keep tabs on continuing efforts to influence the building’s new owner. Visit www.mottsmarket.com to learn more about the neighborhood coalition and the 100+-year-history of a corner store at 123 12th Street, SE.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 
The lesson here is clear: If you like a neighborhood business, then support it before it goes out of business.