Congress Heights on the Rise

My review of the new Martha's Outfitters community thrift in Anacostia

2013-05-17T08:39:00.001-04:00

It was over a year ago that the then president of Martha's Table reached out to me personally to discuss their hope to open a Ward 8 location of their 'Martha's Outfitters' community thrift store. From the very beginning the nonprofit had their eye on the historic Anacostia neighborhood. The Martha's Table leadership was very open and committed to wanting to make sure that they solicited community feedback and support early on. They invited me and several other community members and leaders to visit their store on 14th Street NW to get an idea of what they wanted to bring to Ward 8 and asked us about Ward 8 locations that would be ideal. Although I wasn't able to take a trip to their 14th Street NW location ( I work way too much) I was pleased and encouraged to experience first hand their efforts over the past year to stay in touch and to be a good neighbor. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future, I would love them to be a part of this year's LUMEN8ANACOSTIA festival on June 22nd. I already have an eye on their parking lot! It would be perfect for some outdoor entertainment! :)

To be honest, based on experiences in the past, most Ward 8 residents (and businesses!) get a little nervous when they hear of a another social service organization or nonprofit moving into their business district. Sometimes that anxiety is well founded, remember Calvary Women's Service's top secret move into Anacostia and their subsequent stonewalling when it came to even holding a community meeting? Needless to say Calvary Women's Services has never recovered from that in terms of its relationship with the residents of Anacostia - despite what Calvary's PR machine may say in their fundraising materials. CWS is pretty much a pariah when it comes to their perception by and interaction with Anacostia residents and businesses alike. I'm pretty sure their Executive Director wears blinders and earplugs when going about her day in the neighborhood (sorry, but I call it like I see it).

Anyway, I digress. I was pleased as punch to stop into the Martha's Outfitters community thrift located at 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE in Anacostia and it looks G-O-O-D! It doesn't have the look of a typical thrift store, in many ways it reminds me of a hip New York second hand shop. Thanks to the prior occupant, a Sunbelt Rentals, the floors are polished concrete. The furnishings and fixtures are creative and chic, and the visual merchandising is done really, really, well. There was plenty of staff and they were polite, friendly, and proactive. They had me sorted out in no time -- even when we couldn't find the mates to two pairs of the 12 shoes I wanted to buy (if the employees are reading this I will be in this afternoon to see if you have found my new friends).

As someone who dabbles in second hand sales myself (my mother and I own a small vintage designer resale company together, Once is Never Enough) I recognize good thrift when I see it and Martha's Outfitters has some cute and quality stuff. Initially I meant to pop in and get some pictures of the new store but soon I had a large pile of shoes (mostly designer and high end brands!). Before I knew it I had walked out of the store with 10 pairs of shoes and a really darling cow coffee mug (and I don't even drink coffee).

Martha's Outfitters joins The Last Shall Be First (1922 MLK Jr. Ave SE) and LaThreadz (1345 Good Hope Rd SE) as clothing retail options in Anacostia. It is a great fit and works well with how Anacostia is shaping up to be a burgeoning arts and independent business district. Martha's Outfitters (AKA "Outfitters) is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 6:30pm -- although I do hope they extend their hours into the evening - and soon! I mean a girl's gotta shop!

P.S. The community thrift also provides free clothing to those in need based on a referral. Go HERE to learn more about that program.

Go HERE to read Martha's Table's press release on the new Anacostia store.

To stay up to date on what is happening in Anacostia you can visit my other blog, www.eatshopliveanacostia.com.

XOXO
Your very own (and now well-heeled) Advoc8te

The Martha's Outfitters staff and NBC4's Danella Sealock showing their Southeast Love
at their grand opening

Look Ma! No bars on the windows!!!!

This is how you do a proper window display people! Notice the window vinyl, clean windows and the displays.

My colleague, David Garber, Director of Storefront Improvement with ARCH Development Corporation is working with the store on a hip sign that fits perfectly into the historic nature of the neighborhood

Plenty of quality and diverse merchandise is key to any good thrift

Is there any better way to look out on the business district than through a quality retail storefront?!

Something for every budget!

Very, very nice presentation. Peep the fixtures made out of pipe! Smart and affordable!

View from the rear of the store.

A large collection fo lady's and men's apparel!

I don't know what it is but I like it!

Stuart Weitzman's!!!! For only $15?! Are you serious?!

A small portion of the shoe's available for sale.

Another one of my purchases. I think these were $8.

At first I bought this for a friend but now it is sitting on my desk -- and I don't even drink coffee!

Ready to take my new friends home.

That's right -- I only spent $75 on my haul. The Outfitters accepts credit cards!

The exterior with their temporary sign.

These are good neighbors! They even planted new flowers in front of their shop!

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May 18 | Learning how to learn workshop

2013-05-17T07:42:00.002-04:00

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Tomorrow is Sidehustle Saturday, a networking event for entrepreneurs

2013-05-17T07:39:00.003-04:00

SIDEHUSTLE SATURDAY MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT
Sat, May 18th | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Our monthly networking event for aspiring and established entrepreneurs! Dress code casual, information invaluable. Come get connected! Bring your lap top and get a litle work done or engage in some lively discussion about how to make your "hustle" happen. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. RSVP on Facebook or send an email to membership@thedchive.com

Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook.

1231 Good Hope Rd SE [lower level]

Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

My SE field trip with NBC4's Danella Sealock

2013-05-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

Today was a great day! The clouds lifted (temporarily) just in time for David Garber and I to hit the streets with NBC4's Danella Sealock (@DanellaNow) to spread a little Southeast Love in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill. We had so much fun visiting the people and places that make the Southeast quadrant (on both sides of the Anacostia river) a diverse and dynamic quadrant. Including some pictures below of our little field trip spreading the Southeast Love. You can follow our stops on Twitter under the #SoutheastLove hashtag.

It is so nice to be able to spread some GOOD news about Southeast. Hugs to NBC4 Washington for taking an interest in our story and getting the word out. In fact, please do me a solid and tweet @NBCWashington and let them know you love to see more positive stories on Southeast communities like this one.

I will let you know when the segment is scheduled to air. Have a great day!

Danella interviewing Julia Robey Christian about the Anacostia Playhouse

Today was the grand opening of Martha's Outfitter's in Anacostia!

Sofine Williams, owner of The Last Shall Be First consignment shop in Anacostia

Peregrine have us a steaming cup of Southeast Love

This nice lady is a visitor from out of town thinking of buying a house in SE

We met this lovely couple in Easter Market - they live in Anacostia!

Talking about growing up in Southeast DC

Just as Garber and I were leaving look who we ran into? Chancellor Kya Henderson!

Who's that girl? Oh wait, that's Danella (she's kind of a big deal)

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Free jazz concert tonight at 7pm at Honfleur Gallery

2013-05-16T07:29:00.002-04:00

Nasar Abadey Trio played opening night of Honfleur Gallery's current show (pictured)

The Bobby Muncy Trio is playing TONIGHT May 16th at Honfleur Gallery for FREE!
The show is 7-9pm & produced in partnership with Twins Jazz Club.

Honfleur Gallery is located in historic Anacostia at 1241 Good Hope Rd SE near the corner of Good Hope Rd and 13th Street SE. Free on street parking.

Spread the word and bring the family! This event is also on Facebook.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Spreading some #SoutheastLove today!

2013-05-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

Today I will be spreading some #SoutheastLove in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill with NBC 4's Danella Sealock! If you see us today please say "Hello" and take a picture with the Southeast Love sign!

Go HERE to learn more about the Southeast Love campaign and why people from all over are showing their love and appreciation for the District's Southeast quadrant.

Go HERE for your own Southeast Love sign and don't forget to tweet your picture (and location) under the #SoutheastLove hashtag!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Martha's Outfitter's store in Anacostia opens today

2013-05-16T07:18:00.002-04:00

Doors open at the new location today at 11am! I will try to get some pictures.

The new store is a community thrift shop and it is looking very good!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

? of the Day: "What Ward 8 issues would you like to see addressed?"

2013-05-14T08:56:00.000-04:00

There is a lot going on in Ward 8, some good, some bad, and some things are just not talked about. I try my best to present a diverse perspective of topics on CHotR but lets be honest, I'm just one person. I spend the majority of my time these days primarily in two Ward 8 neighborhoods.

So I wanted to ask you the readers, "What Ward 8 issues would you like to see addressed?" What should we be talking about? What is something that is having a positive or negative impact on our community? What should we be doing about it? I strongly encourage as many people as possible to contribute to this discussion. I think out of honest dialogue comes great ideas.

I am trying out the Branch application for this project. I am embedding the discussion below so you can keep track of the conversation. I will be monitoring the discussion as well and will be giving my feedback as it develops (hoping it will anyway).

Looking forward to reading your comments. Don't be shy!!! :)

Go HERE for an invitation to the discussion.
The application is free and you can sign in with a Twitter handle.

Have a great day!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Sidehustle Saturday networking event this Saturday at The HIVE 2.0

2013-05-14T08:38:00.002-04:00

1231 Good Hope Rd SE [lower level]

Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

New development coming to MLK Jr. Ave in Congress Heights

2013-05-13T11:29:00.000-04:00

I don't think anyone (and I mean anyone) will be missing the long closed McDonald's that used to be on this lot. For those of you unfamiliar this is the lot across from the Saint Elizabeths East Campus. My understanding is that the Friendship Charter School behind the lot is expanding.

While a school may not be everyone's first choice for a new project on the business corridor (I long for the day when mostly businesses are on the corridor) the designs look good. Hopefully this will encourage more quality commercial space to be developed. We need more density!

Check out the pictures I took last week of the lot right after the old McDonald's structure had been torn down.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

#SoutheastLove Family Album

2013-05-13T07:31:00.002-04:00

Go HERE to learn more about the Southeast Love campaign and why people from all over are showing their love and appreciation for the District's Southeast quadrant.

Go HERE for your own Southeast Love sign and don't forget to tweet your picture (and location) under the #SoutheastLove hashtag!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

A special message from Natalie Williams this Mother's Day

2013-05-10T23:12:00.002-04:00

ON THIS MOTHER'S DAY ... A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN!!!
Know the Facts! Get Tested!

Click Here to Read My Story of Survival

I would like to invite you all to join me tomorrow for the Susan G. Komen Walk. As many of you know, its been almost a year since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and currently undergoing radiation.

As you can imagine, its been a long year for me. Loss all of my hair. Loss some weight. Loss some friends. But I didn't lose my faith. I thank GOD for his continued love and protection over me, and for such a beautiful journey during such a difficult time.

The May edition of the East of the River Magazine has captured my journey. Please consider it nothing more than a story of inspiration on this Mother's Day weekend, and more importantly, a reminder to all women to get tested.

You should know that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, but African American and Latino women are dying in disproportionate numbers due to the barriers we face while fighting the disease -- and due to late detection of the disease. Don't be a statistic. Schedule your mammogram today!!!

Today, I attribute my remarkable health to first, my GOD! And secondly, I have become more aware of the risk factors of cancer. I am working every single day to have an improved, healthier mind, body, and spirit. Today, I stand committed to raising the awareness among women of color about how early detection and a healthier lifestyle saves lives. Let's do it together! One Breast, One Test at a time!!!

On this Mother's Day weekend -- I thank my mom for truly being my lifesaver. Had it not been for your persistence about getting my first mammogram who knows where I would be today. Thank you for being you!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Love, Natalie

P.S. For those interested in walking, we will be meeting at Federal Triangle Metro Station tomorrow morning at 7:30am. If you are coming from Ward 8, please join me at Anacostia Station at 6:45am. Looking forward to a morning full of life, love, and laughter. Be blessed.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

You better coWORK

2013-05-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

Limited number of $100/month (per person) Affiliate memberships now available at The HIVE + The HIVE 2.0 in historic Anacostia. Request a membership application today!

Private offices and dedicated desks also available. Visit www.thedchive.com to learn more.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

ANC 8A votes to support Cedar Hill Bar & Grill liquor license!

2013-05-08T13:46:00.001-04:00

Has the scoop!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

washingtonballet@thearc 2013 Annual Spring Performance

2013-05-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

Go HERE to buy your tickets now!

THEARC Theater
Friday May 24, 2013 at 7:30PM
Saturday May 25, 2013 at 11:00AM
Washington School of Ballet Annual SE Campus Spring Performance - This year’s Spring Performance will feature SE Campus students.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

WBJ | Office, residential project proposed for Congress Heights Metro

2013-05-08T10:17:00.002-04:00

Rendering of the proposed Congress Heights metro redevelopment
(photo courtesy of Washington Business Journal)

Any plans to bring more retail, economic development, and jobs to my neighborhood sounds good to me! There have been so many missed opportunities by not developing the land around the Congress Heights metro.

Go HERE to read the full Washington Business Journal article by Michael Neibauer.

Excerpt:

A partnership of D.C.-based CityPartners LLC and Sanford Capital LLC has submitted a planned-unit development application to construct a 236,000-square-foot office building and a 205- to 215-unit apartment building at the Congress Heights Metro station in Southeast D.C.

The partnership, Square 5914 LLC, is planning a project of 446,000 square feet that will “certainly serve as an anchor for further economic and civic development of the Congress Heights neighborhood,” according to the application.

The residential, office and retail components, designed by Maurice Walters Architect PC, will create an 18- to 24-hour-a-day neighborhood, said Geoffrey Griffis, managing member of CityPartners.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Tweeting the good word about communities east of the river

2013-05-08T10:09:00.000-04:00

I wanted to balance out some of the negative tweets about east of the river communities with some positive tweets. We still have a long way to go to address some of the bias (and frankly fear) of "Southeast" DC but there is good here. We need to make sure to nurture it and the people who take the time to present a more balanced and accurate picture of life in Ward 7 and Ward 8.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

$100/month co-working space now available at The HIVE + The HIVE 2.0!

2013-05-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Is working from home (or the coffeeshop) not working?

From now until September 1, 2013 Affiliate memberships at The HIVE (2027 MLK Jr. Ave SE) and The HIVE 2.0 (1231-B Good Hope Rd SE) are only ~~$250~~ $100 a month!* A limited number of spaces are available, submit your membership application now!

Affiliate (run-of the house) memberships include:

24/7 access
Co-working space
Wi-Fi
Meeting space
Mail and package services

*Available to new members only. Must be booked by September 1, 2013 to take advantage of three months of $100/month Affiliate membership.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Gallery + boutique space starting at $1200/month at Anacostia Arts Center

2013-05-07T09:31:00.000-04:00

Only 4 rooms left!
Commercial space starts at $1200/month and includes taxes, utilities, and wi-fi!
To learn more email AnacostiaArtsCenter@respindc.com.

Go HERE to check out pictures of the space from the DO GOOD SUMMIT last Friday.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

May 8 | Free crowdfunding workshop at The HIVE 2.0

2013-05-07T09:17:00.001-04:00

CROWDFUNDING WORKSHOP (Part 4 of 4)

Wed, May 8th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Join William Michael Cunningham, author of "The JOBS Act: Crowdfunding for Small Businesses and Startups" and learn how to use crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Black Crowdfunding to raise money for your small business or project. This event is free and open to the public.

Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook.

1231 Good Hope Rd SE (lower level)

Washington, DC 20020

membership@thedchive.com

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Free pet vaccinations!

2013-05-07T09:08:00.001-04:00

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Broadcasting live from the DO GOOD SUMMIT in Anacostia

2013-05-03T14:05:00.001-04:00

DO GOOD SUMMIT Presented by Think Local First
@ The Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Rd SE

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

DO GOOD SUMMIT this Friday at the Anacostia Arts Center!

2013-05-01T07:49:00.001-04:00

Go HERE for more information and to register for this one-day, intensive conference targeted to independent small businesses! Presented by Think Local First.

Are you a Ward 8 business or resident? A few $49 tickets may still be available, email membership@thedchive.com for details. Sponsored by ARCH Development Corporation.

Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Rd SE
Washington, DC 20020

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Get "BUZZED" at free happy hour hosted by The HIVE 2.0 + Honfleur Gallery

2013-04-30T16:07:00.002-04:00

The HIVE 2.0 + Honfleur Gallery are joining forces for BUZZED: A creative happy hour to celebrate the creative economy. Come out and take advantage of free wi-fi, free snacks, and some free drinks while we mix and mingle! BUZZED is the first in a series of happy hour events taking place in Anacostia to celebrate the entrepreneurial and artistic spirit. See you there tomorrow night at 6:30pm!

Honfleur Gallery is lcoated at 1241 Good Hope Rd SE. Free on street parking after 6:30pm and the Anacostia metro is close by and there are bus stops and a BikeShare station on the block. Bring your friends! Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook!

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com

Happy #SoutheastLove Day!

2013-04-30T03:30:00.000-04:00

It's here! Both of my iPhones are fully charged (and ready to tweet at a moment's notice), I have TWO brand new Southeast Love signs ("Thanks" Kinkos on Barrack's Row!) and David Garber is wearing his lucky plaid shirt (actually I have no idea what he is wearing but odds are it's plaid, he really likes the plaid).

Let's do this!

If you are one of the few people who still don't know what "this" is take a moment and read the post before this one or check out the crib notes below.

SoutheastLove from Navy Yard

HOW TO GET YOUR SOUTHEAST LOVE ON IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Step 1: Go HERE to print out your Southeast Love sign. (Wanna save paper? Just upload the sign to your iPhone or iPad or other display worthy piece of tech)

Step 2: Take a picture with your sign. If you happen to be in the SE quadrant of DC all the better. Show us what you love about SE. It could be your friends, family, your favorite store or statue. It could be your dog, it could be your friend's dog, it could be a hot dog. It really is up to you. This is about highlighting what you love about the SE quadrant or just show your support of the SE quadrant by posting a picture -- regardless of where you live. Southeast really can no longer be code word for "scary" so lets do something about it!

Step 3: Tweet your picture with the #SoutheastLove hashtag and let us know why you love Southeast!

Step 4: Follow the #SoutheastLove on Twitter and retweet! Can we get this to trend?

Step 5: Send a dozen salted Pretzel Bakery pretzels with lots of carmel mustard sauce to my office. Just kidding! Everyone knows the Pretzel Bakery is closed on Tuesdays. :(

The only thing that could make this picture even better
are pretzels!

Garber (@GarberDC) and I (@TheAdvoc8te) will be riding around and taking some photos of some of our favorite Southeast people and hangouts. We will also be taking some requests so be sure to hit us up on Twitter (this means you President Obama!) and suggest where we should go -- or send us an invite! Last time we got to take a #SoutheastLove picture in the National's stadium in Navy Yard. I wonder what (if anything) could beat that? ;)

Including a Twitter widget so you can soak up all the #SoutheastLove in real time!

Tweets about "#SoutheastLove"

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