NOMA

In my younger days, my mom took my younger sister and me on a long Amtrak trip to see family up north.   One of the things I remember is the train beating its way through the run down parts of Washington.    Today I sometimes think about that experience on the occasions I take Metro heading north out of town past Union Station.   Looking out the window, I’m also reminded that the city’s renaissance has yet to reach some of those parts.   

One place the redevelopment has begun is NOMA, short for North of Massachusetts Avenue.   A young boy taking that same trip I did forty years ago would now notice new buildings and commerce there, along with planted trees and construction sites.   This rapidly redeveloping 35-block neighborhood located between Union Station and the New York Avenue Metro stop has impressive mixed-use numbers on tap for the next several years.   Already in place are CNN, XM Satellite Radio, the Department of ATF and Fed Ex.    In a couple of years, NPR (National Public Radio) will move over from Mount Vernon Square with their 600 jobs and daily broadcasts.   Constitution Square, NOMA’s largest building when completed next year, will house a hotel, mixed-use and the all-important Harris Teeter, the popular grocery chain from North Carolina.   Ground is expected to be broken soon on Northwest One’s workforce housing.

With a sunny weekend breaking a string of three straight gloomy ones, I decided to metro over yesterday and take a look see at NOMA, formerly an industrial area that was one of spots in the running for the baseball stadium.   It still has a bit to go for critical mass, but the pieces are falling into place.   With little to restore, it lacks some historic character, but the proximity to The Hill and the city are good, and the overall transportation options are very appealing.    Convenience will improve even more once the bus station moves to Union Station, which is scheduled for improvements itself.    Bike and Roll is set up nicely at the Bike Station, and will no doubt be really popular next spring.    Bikers heading north can use the Met Bike Trail which begins at Union Station.   From what I can tell the eating options are not great, but Pound Coffehouse brings some indie relief.

Once NPR moves in, I think we will pay NOMA a return visit.   Kojo, you buying the coffee?

Comments

[Catharine]

Hi Jay!

Glad you had a chance to check out the new location at the Bikestation. :)

- Cat

[Jay]

Hi Cat,

You guys have been great in Old Town and I'm glad you are the provider at Union Station.

Thanks for writing, take care and happy trails!

Jay