When DCist theorized that Mt. Vernon Square was ripe for hotel development
last month, we realized we were stating the obvious. And an article that appeared yesterday on real estate website GlobeSt.com confirmed what many knew was coming: the effort to secure space for a hotel serving the new Convention Center
has begun. The Washington Convention Center Authority has purchased a half-acre at 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, including the offices of the
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (say that three times fast). The goal is to build a 1,220 room hotel that may be the District’s next Marriott. The next hurdle for the WCCA is acquiring the additional 1.5 acres needed for the project. No timetable has been set for the completion of the hotel, and the final price for the UA plot has not been publicly disclosed, though it is known that WCCA will provide UA with a $900,000 deposit.
Should the WCCA successfully develop the new hotel, they’ll be adding to an area of D.C. already booming with development. The numerous new businesses open or close to opening near Mt. Vernon Square include a nightclub and the latest effort from Passion Food L.L.C., Acadiana. Metrocurean provides details from Washingtonian’s profile of the new restaurant (not available online), which will be an “authentic Louisiana seafood house.” The restaurant’s opening party will be September 10. Given the group’s success with seafood, we’re excited for this new effort. A new Marriott in D.C.? Not so much.
Now if only someone could do something with the City Museum building…
Image from Google Maps
