Capitol Plaza Fully Leased

The BID celebrates another fully leased building! All the office floors of Capitol Plaza I at 1200 First Street, NE, which also holds the BID’s offices, are now fully leased due to a 26,000 sf lease with the Internal Revenue Service, and 200,000 sf leased by the District Department of the Environment and the District of Columbia Public Schools. The DC Government agencies will occupy their new space in March 2010. Congratulations to Capitol Plaza I owner Polinger, Shannon & Luchs. The NoMa BID looks forward to welcoming our new neighbors.

Also of note, Kaiser Permanente has leased approximately 200,000 sf at Station Place III, the final phase of Louis Dreyfus’ development at 700 Second Street, NE which is also the Securities and Exchange Commission’s headquarters. Station Place III is a LEED Silver building.

Construct: Space Transformed

Have you visited Construct yet? This temporary art exhibit, organized by the NoMa BID and Cultural Development Corporation, is only up through January 5. Join us for a walking tour to learn about the pieces and meet the artists, who created eye-catching pieces for NoMa based on an industrial theme of ‘Cities and Systems.’

Join us November 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. for a walking tour and hot beverage. RSVP to Karyn Miller at CuDC at Karyn@culturaldc.org.

Can’t make a tour? Call the number on our colorful signs, posted at each exhibit, and listen to the artists talk about their work. Art is located at:

• 1200 First Street, NE
• 1100 First Street, NE
• 77 K Street, NE
• 801 North Capitol Street

Lead sponsorship of Construct is provided by Loree Grand at Union Place, a Cohen Companies + TIAA CREF Development Project. Additional support provided by Tishman Speyer; Polinger, Shannon & Luchs; Brookfield Properties; Brookfield Asset Management; and Wachovia.

BID Staff takes Streetcar Trip to Seattle & Portland

A delegation of BID and District officials traveled to Seattle and Portland last week to learn about how streetcars have spurred economic development in both cities. NoMa BID President Liz Price and Transportation and Planning Manager Jamie Brätt accompanied DDOT and District Office of Planning officials as they seek to re-introduce this efficient transportation network in the District of Columbia. Liz and Jamie also focused on parks and public art, documenting design features appropriate for NoMa.

West Coast transportation planners reported a favorable return on investment from streetcar systems, especially in light of the private development catalyzed by this public amenity. Cutting-edge design may allow the next generation of streetcars to run without overhead wires for short distances, thus preserving DC’s monumental views. Overall, the trip inspired the delegation to take a fresh look at future plans for streetcars and apply lessons learned from Seattle and Portland.

Happy Anniversary to the New York Avenue Metro Station!

Five years ago, the New York Avenue Metro Station transformed our neighborhood. Through a unique public/private partnership comprised of property owners, District government, and federal government, this infill station now boasts a daily ridership approaching 10,000, making it the third-fastest growing station in the Metrorail system.

Stop by our tables outside the Metro entrances on Friday, December 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to celebrate with a free hot beverage!

BID Gets Green

Mr. Casey Kazemzadeh, owner of the BP gas station at Florida Avenue and P Street, NE, since 2005, recently conducted his own BID beautification program: After the BID/Casey Trees planting in October, when Mr. Kazemzadeh received one tree on his property, he added an entire bed of new plants, including rhododendrons, crimson pygmy barberries, and emerald green arborvitae. One tree didn’t do the job, he said, and he wanted to help make the neighborhood look better.

The JBG Companies provided a similar service at First and N Streets, NE, just across from the Constitution Square site. A bank of roses, hollies and lariope decorates the corner, welcoming visitors to the neighborhood. Thanks! We all appreciate the new greenery additions!

Holiday Events at the Marriott

Did you know that the Courtyard by Marriott holds a restaurant, a bar, and a Starbucks coffee shop? Stop by after work to hang out! In addition, the Marriott is currently offering a holiday menu and is ready to host your holiday party. For information on rates and menu options, please contact Ann Voytsehovska at 202-898-4000 x 3183.

Big-time Work along New York Avenue

The District Department of Transportation is conducting five improvement projects on or adjacent to New York Avenue, NE, from the Maryland border to Florida Avenue, NE. Travelers, businesses and neighbors can expect heavier delays and backups on the corridor. Click here for a fact sheet.

Read a recent Washington Post story.

To learn more about the project, attend a public meeting on Wednesday, November 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the McKinley Technology High School Auditorium at 151 T Street, NE. Learn more about the project here.

DC Bag Law Update

Beginning January 1, 2010, District businesses that sell food or alcohol must charge patrons 5 cents for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag. The business keeps 1 cent, or 2 cents if it offers a rebate when you bring your own bag; meanwhile, the remaining 3 or 4 cents go to the new Anacostia River Protection Fund.

The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) will administer the fund, and use it to provide reusable bags, educate the public about litter, and clean up the river. They have created a new webpage for the DC Bag Law, which is officially called the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act of 2009.

Visit the Web page for a Frequently Asked Questions section, two downloadable posters for businesses, and a double-sided leaflet for use in a reusable bag. The D.C. Government will hold an official kick-off later this month.

Metropolitan Branch Trail

More fencing and solar-powered lights have been installed on the trail between Franklin Street, NE and R Street, NE. Construction of a retaining wall south of Rhode Island Avenue will allow for grading and paving to S Street, NE this fall/winter. Visit the Web site to stay abreast of news.

Heather Deutsch, DDOT Bicycle Program Specialist/Trail Planner, treated BID staff Liz Price and Rachel Davis to a special behind-the-scenes bike tour in October. The crew rode Metrorail to Takoma, then biked through leafy neighborhoods, following DDOT’s recently installed signs. Try the trail, and let us know what you think on Facebook! The trail is still under construction, but boasts beautiful art installations along the route. We can’t wait to start our biking tours in the spring, once the last crucial piece of the trail is completed into NoMa. Stay tuned!

The NoMa BID is on Facebook! Become a fan.

Happy Thanksgiving!
BID Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 26 and 27.