1100 First Street, NE

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has leased 35,000 sf at 1100 First Street, NE, Tishman Speyer's latest trophy building, designed by architects Krueck + Sexton and architect of record, Gensler. This unique building, the first all-glass structure in NoMa, has raised the bar for design in the neighborhood. World-renowned UK artist David Batchelor created the lobby's contemporary artwork, which is visible from First Street, NE. FERC's headquarters is currently in NoMa at 888 First Street, NE and they will expand into this property.

Construct: Space Transformed

Nearly 100 people mingled in the shiny white lobby at 1100 First Street, NE, last Thursday for the opening reception of Construct, a temporary art exhibit organized by the NoMa BID and Cultural Development Corporation. Local and regional artists created original eye-catching pieces, based on a “cities and systems” theme, for four NoMa buildings. The exhibits are free and visible from the sidewalk through January. Walking tours to meet the artists and learn about the neighborhood will be held on November 5 from 5 to 6 p.m., and on November 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. RSVP to Karyn Miller at CuDC.

Can’t make a tour? Self-guided cell phone tours are available 24/7 at each exhibit; visitors can listen to the artists talk about their work. Art is located at:
• 801 North Capitol Street
• 1200 First Street, NE
• 1100 First Street, NE
• 77 K Street, NE

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.

Tree Plantings

After our successful partnership last year, the NoMa BID collaborated with Casey Trees once again to plant 37 trees in the neighborhood on Friday and Saturday, October 23-24. Nearly 80 volunteers from NoMa BID’s Clean Team, the Government Printing Office, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and Casey Trees dug holes and planted trees on Friday and Saturday mornings. The BID’s Clean Team will consistently water the trees. If you would like to adopt a tree or volunteer to help, please contact Merrit at mdrucker@nomabid.org. Post your photos of the event on Flickr.

NoMa Receives Grant to Improve NY/FL Avenue Intersection

The BID is excited to announce that we have received a $200,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant from the District Department of Transportation. The grant will be used to beautify the Florida Avenue and New York Avenue intersection through landscaping and streetscape enhancements. With a $50,000 grant from the Washington Council of Governments, the BID hired landscape architect Rhodeside & Harwell this summer to develop design recommendations that improve pedestrian safety and create a more fitting gateway to Washington, DC’s Center City and the NoMa neighborhood.

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. Traffic impacts will begin this fall and last through summer 2011. Expect 15-30 minutes delays on the New York Avenue Bridge as it will shrink from six lanes to four lanes in order to replace the bridge’s deck. Click here for a fact sheet.

New Transportation and Planning Staff Member

Jamie Brätt has joined the BID team as the Transportation and Planning Manager. She will manage the BID’s involvement in infrastructure and public space planning and implementation, including transportation, utilities, streetscape, sustainable design, public art, and parks. Ms. Brätt joins the BID from local DC real estate development firm Akridge.

Ms. Brätt is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and is a 2010 candidate to receive a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. You can reach her at 202-289-0111 x6, or at jbratt@nomabid.org.

Metropolitan Branch Trail

Activity is picking up on the Met Branch Trail, as the Rails to Trails Conservancy hosted Bike-to-Work Mondays in October. Ridership increased each week and more than 20 commuters attended the last ride. According to Kelly Pack at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the events attracted many first-time bike commuters, and regular cyclists who have been following the trail progress for years. The trail is under construction and should be completed next year.

Visit the trail Web site and post your stories on Facebook. Stay tuned for more Met Branch commuting in the spring.

Retail Spotlight

NY Pizza on Florida Ave

Check out our newest retail offerings at New York Pizza, located at 2 Florida Avenue, NE. The restaurant provides in-house seating, takeout, and free delivery in the NoMa/Capitol Hill area. The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. http://www.mynypizzaco.com

Pound’s Lunch Menu – Rice & Spice

Pound has released its delicious November lunch menu, offering hot lunch options each week day. With options ranging from Seafood Gumbo to Spaghetti Bolognese, Pound’s hot lunch is sure to please every taste. Visit the menu online to view the selection. Pound is located at 1300B 2nd Street, NE, across from the Courtyard by Marriott.

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