Signage at 209 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, signals the advent of Jersey Mike’s Subs – a fast casual dine-in/carryout which claims a distinction from other sub shops on the basis of a customizable product. The buildout appears to be looking forward to a late spring early/summer opening. The space was formerly occupied by Bibija Korean Restaurant.
The building is owned by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), part of the bloc of commercial and residential sites the conservative political organization purchased in 2023 for its headquarters. The CPI is chaired by former Senator Jim Demint who founded the organization after he was bumped from the leadership role at the Heritage Foundation. Former Trump WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is listed as the organization’s Senior Partner. It appears that the organization is monetizing some of the first floor retail among its properties. The former Capitol Lounge is another property which CPI reps have suggested might be reopened as a restaurant.
Jersey Mike’s Subs in an international sandwich chain with some 3,500 locations. Here’s a link to the menu: https://bit.ly/4smbFcC
Jersey Mike’s will be the sixth fast food or fast casual food restaurant opening on Capitol Hill since the first of the year: Popeyes, Taco Bell, Wingstop, Little Engine and Bumblebirds. In addition, Nash & Smashed has also announced plans to open on Barracks Row.
Councilmember Charles Allen met with constituents and held community office hours on Friday morning at The Roost on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Fairy Godmother at 319 7th Street, SE, near Eastern Market is closing its doors on Monday after 42 years on the block. Owner Roberta Blanchard says the store has been purchased by a couple who lives on Capitol Hill who have plans for a new shop with a similar business model.
Here’s a photo from Friday as Fairy Godmother’s signage comes down. Photo credit: Maggie Hall.
Update on Streets Market coming to 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. A cut above the usual convenience store, Streets Market will offer organic and natural foods, some prepared foods, and beer and wine.
The new market at 1442 Pennsylvania Avenue continues its buildout. Streets Market in a local chain operation with outlets in Baltimore and close-in Virginia, and 10 stores open or about to open in DC.
Friday afternoon also saw the unveiling of “Loveful Hands” on Eastern Market Metro Plaza. CM Charles Allen who got funding to redesign the Plaza, said, “One of the things that we wanted was to make sure that public art is a part of our public parks and I’m really grateful for the group of neighbors that came together … Eastern Market Main Street, Barracks Row Main Street. EMCAC, our Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Nicky Cymrot, and Donna Sheeder – who unfortunately is no longer with us – all really worked hard and came together to think about what we wanted this space to look like, and decided that art is going to be at the center.”
Sculptor, Jay Coleman (center) helped the city officials present which included (left to right) ANC6B Commissioner David Sobelsohn, Coleman, CM Allen, DPR Director Thennie Freeman, and DGS Director Delano Hunter unveil the piece.
And here it stands.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, April 6
ANC6B Transportation Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Little Engine – Placard Notice New Class “D” fast-casual Restaurant. Applying to serve canned beer and wine. An ANC letter supporting a stipulated license was approved and received by ABCA in March.
Protests/Other Updates
Final approval of CIVIC on Eighth Settlement Agreement.
Special Election for ANC 6A06: Saturday April 11, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Per DC Statute ANC 6A will host an in-person special election for the 6A06 seat on Saturday April 11 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1300 H Street NE in the space formerly occupied by Ephemeral Tattoo. All registered voters who are residents of 6A06 are encouraged to vote.
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the application for a substantial chang
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the application for a substantial change request toa license to change hours of operation and alcoholic beverage sales, service, and consumption, and hours of live entertainment, for Transmission, 1353 H Street NE. unless a settlement agreement is reached. ANC 6A authorizes the ANC Chair or the Chair of the ABC Committee, or their designee, to negotiate the settlement agreement.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A file a complaint/protest in TOPS for DDOT PSRA Permit concerning the 1000 block of H Street NE (north side).
Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)
Recommendation: 1350 East Capitol Street, NE. To construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition and a one-story plus cellar sideaddition, to an existing, attached, two-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
Officer Reports
Accept Treasurer’s Report
Standing Committee Reports:
Community Outreach Committee (COC)
Accept March 2026 Report.
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis (ABC)
Accept March 2026 Report.
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the medical cannabis retailer license application for DC Dank, 712 15th Street NE unless a measurement is taken by ABCA that confirms the establishment is located greater than 400 feet from Miner Elementary School. If this measurement confirms that the establishment is greater than 400 feet away from Miner, ANC 6A shall protest the application unless a settlement agreement is reached. In this case, ANC 6A authorizes the ANC Chair or the Chair of the ABC Committee, or their designee, to negotiate the settlement agreement.
Recommendation: The application for a substantial change to a license for Allure Lounge, 711 H Street NE to add (3) Sports Wagering betting kiosks inside premises on the main floor and in the bar area be forwarded to ANC 6A for further discussion by the full ANC during its April 9, 2026 meeting.
Transportation and Public Space
Accept March 2026 Report.
Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ)
Accept March 2026 Report.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A amend its September 25 , 2025 letter to BZA insupport of a special exception to construct a new, detached, two-story,accessory dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone at 628 15th Street NE; to include acknowledgement that the 10-foot public alleyway is nonconforming.
New Business
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a letter of support regarding an after-hours permit toinstall the playground equipment and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) at Goding Elementary School located at 920 F Street NE, if needed, on Sunday April 12. 2026 andApril 19, 2026 within the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00pm.
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A send a resolution opposing Federal attempts to remove protected Bicycle facilities in Washington, DC.
Single Member District reports (1 minute each)
Community Comments (2 minutes each)
ANC6C Transportation and Public Space Committee has scheduled a virtual meeting for 7:00pm.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
FREEDC EVENTS for April
Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC: https://freedcproject.org/
150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Memorial at Lincoln Park
Location: Lincoln Park is at the junction of 11th Street NE/SE and East Capitol Street NE/SE.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Duration: 5 hours
Join the National Park Service as we reflect on a living symbol of America’s 250‑year journey toward full freedom by observing the 150th anniversary of the dedication and unveiling of the Emancipation Memorial in Lincoln Park.
The Life of a Poet featuring Brian Gilmore, author of No More Worlds to Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington, DC in Conversation with Poet/Editor Kyle Dargan
In-person
Thursday, April 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – $12.00
A history of Black poets in Washington, DC, reveals how they have reflected and transformed American cultural discourse
The discussion will feature poet Teri Ellen Cross Davis, Folger Poetry Manager and eminent DC Poet, Karl Carter
In No More Worlds to Conquer, local poet Brian Gilmore uncovers the buried legacy of Black poets in Washington. He traces the literary life and politics of Black poets in the nation’s capital since Paul Laurence Dunbar, showing how well-known American poets, such as Sterling Brown and Jean Toomer, were mentored in DC by poets like May Miller and Georgia Douglas Johnson and making the case for the city as a center of American literature.
April 7, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A Street, SE. Lively Cajun French music from southwestern Louisiana. Dance to two steps and waltzes played by the Capitol Hill Cajun Orchestra (led by members of the Capitol Hillbillies). All ages welcome; free admission
Capitol Hill Perception Survey 2026
This quick and easy survey is a great way to support your neighborhood by sharing how you as a member, resident, worker, or visitor experience Capitol Hill and our services. Your feedback directly helps improve programs and amenities that benefit the community.
As a thank you, you can enter to win a $50 gift card to one of our supporting local businesses including Ambar, Mr. Henry’s, Hill’s Kitchen and Labyrinth Games & Puzzles.
According to a Nash & Smashed website, the fast-casual food outlet will open on Barracks Row. The new eatery will be located at 531 8th Street SE. For more: https://bit.ly/3PMdySw
A press release from Divaris Real Estate dated last September says the fast-growing restaurant chain specializing in Nashville-style fried chicken and smashed burgers will open in December, 2026. See here: https://bit.ly/4s6rMe9
531 8th Street is the decades-long vacant building next to the former Joey’s of Barracks Row. The latter, now owned by restauranteur Steve Salis, is expected to open as a Federalist Pig barbeque outlet later this year.
Nash & Smashed is a rapidly growing regional chain with multiple outlets in the DMV
Though largely a carryout business model, it will need some indoor seating to meet the fast-casual restaurant designation which companies created to circumvent zoning restrictions on fast food establishments in some areas – like Barracks Row.
CM Charles Allen: Community Office Hours Friday at The Roost
Councilmember Charles Allen will be at The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) the morning of Friday, April 3 to meet constituents for community feedback: 8:30am – 10am.
Here’s the view of the National Mall about 12:30pm on Saturday, March 28, from the Went Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Shown in the distance are protestors supporting one of several “No Kings” rally in the city as well as participants in the kite flying festival.
Here’s an image from earlier on Saturday of the DC Office of Planning’s open house on the RFK Master Plan seeking community input on development of the RFK campus including some agency programs for the site. The meeting was held at St. Coletta’s of Greater Washington in Hill East.
Here’s how it worked. Participants were directed to visit a series of stations, the first of which were informational regarding the planning process and explaining the five sites on the campus for which input was being sought. The remaining stations were interactive, asking participants to select options which they would like to see included in the design for the five districts: Riverfront, Stadium, Plaza, DPR, and Kingman Park.
This example shows images depicting potential design or activity features in the “Stadium District.” Participants indicated approval by “voting” on the features – green stickers for those they favored and red stickers for those they did not want. For more, go here: https://ourrfk.dc.gov/
Among the attendees was Capitol Hill resident and DC Director of the Department of Buildings Brian Hanlon seen here interacting with an event participant.
Mott’s Market inches closer to a spring opening. Payton Sherwood, the vendor and operator of the new Capitol Hill’s Mott’s Market at 232 12th Street, SE, says he hopes to open in May.
Mott’s Market closed as a neighborhood mom and pop store in 2022. A group of neighbors organized by neighbor Michael Skinner raised money to purchase and restore the store to preserve it as a community market. The market is owned by an LLC comprised of 90 community members.
Last Wednesday afternoon, city officials gathered in the North Hall of Eastern Market for an event billed as the 2026 Cabinet Meeting. Details on what was discussed are scarce since the meeting was not open to press coverage, but might have included a financial overview, administration priorities, economic growth issues, and proposed investment initiatives.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, March 30
ANC7D Community Outreach and Grants Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm
April 7, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. Lively Cajun French music from southwestern Louisiana. Dance to two steps and waltzes played by the Capitol Hill Cajun Orchestra (led by members of the Capitol Hillbillies). All ages welcome; free admission
Now at the Folger
As You Like It – Extended through April 19
by William Shakespeare
TICKETS: Starting at $20
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.
“This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the Forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.” (Folger website.)
Here’s a look inside – with Pasha Castle Sweets’ remaining decor.
Doux, (Fr. for pleasant tastes) is coming to 615 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in the space formerly occupied by Pasha Castle. Signage says offerings include “Drink – Dip – Dessert.” Reportedly, the shop will specialize in Belgian chocolate and feature Mediterranean desserts. One less empty store front occupied by locally owned retail is a welcome addition to the commercial corridor.
No word yet on an opening date but opening or re-opening often takes longer than anticipated owing to DC’s permitting bureaucracy.
Loveful Hands Arrives on Eastern Market Metro Plaza
by Larry Janezich
Posted Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Loveful Hands by sculptor Jay Coleman was selected by the community as a piece of interactive public art for Eastern Market Metro Plaza in 2020. The long-anticipated installation became a reality today. Here’s a photo of the arrival on the Plaza.
Here’s the installation in progress. Photo: Bob Gellman
And here’s Loveful Hands. Today the public got a preview of the piece. Tomorrow, according to Coleman, it will be draped in fabric waiting an unveiling next week by Mayor Bowser.
French Bakery at Eastern Market Opens Friday April 10
by Larry Janezich
Posted Monday, March 24, 2026
Boulangerie Saint Georges, across from Eastern Market.
Here’s a glinpse inside.
According to Boulangerie Saint Georges’ co-owner Louis Khenane, the new French bakery across from Eastern Market will hold its grand opening on Friday, April 10. He says he is happy to share this slice of French culture, presenting authentic French bread and pastries baked on the premises.
St. Georges plans to post baking schedules so locals can time purchases of croissants, breads and pastries as they come hot out of the ovens. The shop will offer full coffee service – drip to espresso to cappuccino – featuring Italian coffee, as well as sandwiches on baguettes. This summer, Khenane expects to begin serving bistro fare.
The café at 303 7th Street, SE, will be the first U.S. venture for the team of restaurateurs who own five restaurants in Paris.
Saint-Georges is currently hiring barista/bakery counter staff.
The Week Ahead…& Photo Essay: “Legacy of the Deal”
by Larry Janezich
Posted Sunday, March 22
Legacy of the Deal at the Folger Library
Mandy Cano Villalobos is a Folger Artist Fellow who describes herself as a “cultural scrapper”. Her current solo exhibition, titled Legacy of the Deal, now through April 5, is featured as part of the “Contemporary Art at the Folger” series.
What’s the deal? Villalobos encourages us to conclude it’s a deal with the devil.
The exhibition features five mixed media works created from domestic objects like broken jewelry, discarded toys, and used clothing. Inspired by ornate book bindings in the Folger collection, Villalobos combined found objects into 3 dimensional art forms – assemblages. The resulting compositions explore ideas of time, memory, place, belonging and identity, highlighting themes we often don’t like to think about: the intersection of modern consumption and excess with Western history of colonization, injustice and environmental damage. For more on the artist, visit: https://www.mandycano.com/
Sugar Queen 2025. Decayed teeth reference Elizabeth I’s love of sugar, its status as a luxury item among the nobility, and the transatlantic slave trade.
Deeds of the Dead 2025. Ditto
Measure and Means 2025. Secondhand textile signifies the transatlantic slave trade and modern fashion industries’ reliance on child labor.
The Gambit’s Prayer 2025. Discarded plastic nods at environmental injustice, waste, and labor exploitation.
The Favorite 2025. A pig’s foot and bling might serve to remind us of the disparity between wanting and having.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, March 23
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
Discussion of a substantial change request to a license to add (3) Sports Wagering betting kiosks inside premises on the main floor and in the bar area for Allure Lounge, 711 H Street, NE
Discussion of a substantial change request to a license to change hours of operation and alcoholic beverage sales, service, and consumption, and hours of live entertainment, for Transmission, 1353 H Street, NE.
Discussion of a medical cannabis retailer license application for DC Dank, 712 15th Street, NE.
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
FREEDC EVENTS for March
Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC: https://freedcproject.org/
Hill Center Event: Profs & Pints DC: The Search for Life Beyond Earth
Profs & Pints DC: The Search for Life Beyond Earth
6:00 PM – 8:30pm. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital.
Profs and Pints DC presents: “The Search for Life Beyond Earth,” with Måns Holmberg, postdoctoral researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and part of a team of astronomers looking for chemical traces of life on distant exoplanets.
(Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.
“This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.” (Folger website.)
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As reported in the previous post on this blog, the Office of Planning will host open houses on the development of RFK March 24 and March 28.. Here are some photos showing the current state of the demolition of the stadium. For comparison, here’s a photo from January 30, 2025.
And a similar view from March 15, 2026.
Here’s the view as one enters the National Gallery’s West Building Rotunda from the Mall Entrance. Behind the sculpture of the Roman god Mercury is a massive screen showing “Digital Waves” – a computer-generated video.
Another view.
Artist Clifford Ross says “Digital Waves” is a “light storm” that reveals not only the complexity and power of the ocean,” but also “the surprises and form and movement that are central to the wonder we experience.”
The Mary Cassatt exhibit, “Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris,” at the National Gallery of Art, now through on August 30, 2026. The exhibition, located in the West Building, features 40 works from the museum’s collection to mark the centennial of the artist’s death. Admission is free and tickets are not required. This is an exhibit that shouldn’t be missed. Cassatt was a gifted artist and a strong advocate for women’s autonomy who supported the women’s suffrage movement through financial contributions, art exhibitions, and symbolic painting.
Pedestrian Signal Timing on Constitution Avenue NE. This was discussed at the November 2025 TPS meeting. Residents have continued to raise concerns about how long they wait for a signal to cross Constitution and how short the signal time is.
New Business
DDOT Public Space Permit. Paving: Leadwalk Only, Paving: Curb & Gutter(s), Fixture: Bike Rack(s): DDOT Standard, Fixture: Hand Rail (36″ high for ADA, 30″- 42″ high other), Projections: Bay Window(s), Paving: Sidewalk(s), Landscaping: Tree Planting, Projections: Areaway Entrance at 800 – 899.
Park Proposal on Florida Avenue NE. Jonathan Pineda of 6A01 will join the TPS committee to discuss a proposal for a dog park on Florida Ave NE.
Congestion Pricing Study. Mayor Bowser released a study of congestion pricing that was conducted several years ago.
Wednesday, March 18
ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
1332 Corbin Place NE. Board of Zoning Adjustment Application to construct a third story and a three-story with basement rear addition, to an existing, attached, two story with basement, principal dwelling unit. Special Exceptions: rear yard requirements and lot occupancy requirements.
628 15th Street NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. Re ANC receiving notification that the alley does not meet 10’ requirement. No changes from original plan supported by ANC in September 2025. BZA hearing administratively rescheduled to May 13, 2026.
New Business
1350 East Capitol Street, NE. Bureau of Zoning Adjustment Application. To construct a two-story plus cellar rear addition and a one-story plus cellar side addition, to an existing, attached, two-story plus cellar, principal dwelling unit. Special Exception: lot occupancy requirements.
***
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
FREEDC EVENTS for March
Go here to see a list of upcoming events for this week and to sign up to join FreeDC: https://freedcproject.org/
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Pearl Escape Project nonprofit is hosting a discussion about women, race, and voting for women candidates.
The Pearl Escape Project presents:
Why Don’t Women Vote for Women? A Panel Discussion. 7:00pm – 400 I St. SW, Westminster Church. Register here: https://bit.ly/3NlaSu8
Panelists: Iris Harvey, Shari Miles-Cowen, Marjorie LIghtman & Elizabeth O’Gorek
Women are more than half of the population. They are well organized. They have been able to defy convention and custom to change laws from suffrage to Title 9. Why haven’t they been able to elect a woman president?
Join us as we explore the historical, psychological, and cultural pressures that shape women’s attitudes toward other women and political leadership.
Sunday, March 29
Hill Center Event
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Eastern-European Jewish Folk Music with Seth Kibel & The Kleztet
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances.
“This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging.” (Folger website.)
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CAPITOL HILL CORNER 