NoMa Leases Over 1 Million SF

Throngs are flocking to NoMa! In 2009, the neighborhood leased more than one million square feet, despite economic woes nationwide. The neighborhood’s ability to attract prestigious tenants resulted in stellar net absorption and pre-leasing activity:

• NoMa experienced more net absorption in the fourth quarter (338,000 SF) and in 2009 (494,000 SF) than any other District submarket. (Source: Delta Associates)
• Of the space currently under construction in NoMa, 63 percent is pre-leased. NoMa’s pre-lease rate (63%) is 14 percentage points higher than the District average (49%). (Source: Delta Associates)

We are thrilled to be starting 2010 off on such a high note, and we look forward to retail announcements, residential project deliveries and construction starts in the coming months. Visit our Web site for a full list of 2009 leases.

Go NoMa Video Available Now!

Go NoMa! is a fast-paced, energetic look at the neighborhood’s exciting developments. The 2-minute video produced by Interface Multimedia previews the office, residential, hotel and retail opportunities here. Please share with colleagues and clients, and spread the word: Go NoMa! Watch Go NoMa on YouTube or our Web site; visit Facebook to give us feedback.

Cupcakes in NoMa

NoMa sidewalks now hold cupcakes! Curbside Cupcakes, a pink roving cupcake truck, is stopping in NoMa several times a week. Curbside Cupcakes will be parked at 131 M Street, NE, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and near Union Station on Thursdays at 3 p.m. (check the calendar for varying Union Station locations).

Visit their website for the Cupcake Calendar, or follow them on Twitter!

Kristi Cunningham and Sam Whitfield started the enterprise in November. The business partners, who also happen to be engaged, live off H Street NE, and are thrilled with the success of the NoMa neighborhood. If you can’t make one of the scheduled NoMa stops, simply contact the team on Facebook or Twitter. With a minimum one dozen cupcakes for delivery through January, Curbside Cupcakes is perfect for office parties or a mid-day pick-me-up. “Instead of expecting you to come to us, we love to come to you,” Cunningham said.

Winter Clothing & Food Drive

The NoMa BID Ambassador Team is organizing a food and clothing drive to raise awareness of homelessness during the cold winter months. SOME (So Others Might Eat) will distribute all food and clothing collected during the drive, from Monday, January 25 to Monday, February 8.

Please bring non-perishable foods and gently used, clean clothing: Winter clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, coats, jackets, thermal underwear, and socks. Drop off your goods between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following locations:

131 M Street, NE, Lobby
1200 First Street, NE, Lobby
Grainger, 331 N Street, NE, Lobby
Courtyard by Marriott, 1325 Second Street, NE
1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Lobby
25 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Lobby

Questions? Contact Ambassador Supervisor Aaron McKeiver.

For people living and working in NoMa, public and public charter school opportunities are increasing rapidly. Visit an open house for Scott Montgomery Elementary School and Two Rivers Charter School to find out more.

Scott Montgomery Elementary School Hosts Open Houses

Scott Montgomery Elementary School has many exciting changes coming up for next year! The school is currently located at 421 P St., NW, and will be hosting several open houses over the next few weeks. Next year, the school will be relocating to the new Walker-Jones Education Campus at 1125 New Jersey Ave. NW. Learn more about the Reggio Emilia early childhood program, as well as the exciting academic programs and community partnerships available to all students. Prospective parents will hear how the school can offer their child a high-quality, student-focused elementary school experience. This site will offer excellent programs for students from age 3 to grade 8 in a state-of-the-art new building with attached library and recreation center. DCPS is excited to share its exciting plans for the future.

Open Houses (421 P Street, NW):

Tuesday, January 26, 8:45 to 11 a.m.
Thursday, January 28, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact Assistant Principal Colin Hill

Two Rivers Charter School Hosts Open Houses

In fall 2009, Two Rivers Charter School opened a middle school (grades six through eight) to augment their elementary school, which serves children from preschool (age 3) through fifth grade. Families interested in the school can attend an upcoming open house for a parent-led school tour, class observation, and a Q&A session with administrators. For more information, visit http://tworiverspcs.org.

Elementary School Open Houses (1227 4th Street, NE)

Tuesday, February 2, at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, March 16, at 9 a.m.

Middle School Open Houses (1234 4th Street, NE)

Tuesday, February 9, at 9 a.m.
Friday, March 19, at 9 a.m.

Cleaning the Sidewalks

NoMa BID’s Ambassador Team and Clean Team provided stellar community service during the blizzard in December. The team sanded and salted wheelchair ramps at major intersections, and supported the efforts of many property owners. To conserve resources and reduce environmental impact, the team purposefully uses minimal amounts of sand and salt.

During the winter, look for cleaner sidewalks! The BID Clean Team is removing unsightly gum spots from neighborhood sidewalks; working during the cold winter months is also better for the environment, as the gum becomes brittle and does not require heavy machinery or additional stormwater run-off for removal. DDOT is now removing damaged, dangerous or vermin-infested publisher boxes. Report Damaged Newspaper Boxes.

Census Day is April 1, 2010

The 2010 Census is upon us – Stand up and Be Counted! To get involved or apply for a job, visit http://www.2010census.gov

The NoMa BID is on Facebook! Become a fan.