Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace La Madeleine?

A March 13 note on La Madeleine's window notified the restaurant of the termination of its lease and its eviction from 3000 M St. NW.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. From time to time we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? La Madeleine closed indefinitely in July due to water damage, which also impacted the Latham Hotel and Michel Richard Citronelle, all located at 3000 M St., NW. A letter posted on the cafe window, dated March 11, notified La Madeleine that the terms of its lease had expired: "…

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Shaun Courtney

2:25 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013

I have a weakness for Pret a Manger...   more ›

Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace Jaryam?

Jaryam, a lingerie and swimwear store, closed its 1631 Wisconsin Ave. NW shop in April.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. From time to time we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? What would you like to see in Jaryam's place? A bookshop? A clothing store? Be sure to weigh in with your ideas in the comments section. We've asked you about several shuttered businesses in recent years, including: Get daily and breaking news email updates from Georgetown Patch …

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Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace Leonidas Chocolates?

The Belgian chocolate shop at 1531 Wisconsin Ave. NW closed in November.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. From time to time we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Leonidas Chocolates occupied the space at 1531 Wisconsin Ave. NW for 15 years before closing in November. The shop sold fine, imported Belgian chocolate that is ubiquitous in Belgian train station kiosks and shop-crowded city blocks. What would you like to see in its place? A …

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What Should Replace Govinda Gallery?

The art gallery first opened in 1975 and was located at 1227 34th St. NW.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Since January we've asked you all about several shuttered businesses, including: This week, we're turning out attention to the space that formerly Govinda Gallery, a gallery focused on contemporary and pop culture-inspired art was located at 1227 34th St. in Georgetown. The store closed …

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Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace Commander Salamander in Georgetown?

This clothing store was located at 1420 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Since January we've asked you all about several shuttered businesses, including: This week, we're turning out attention to the space that formerly housed Commander Salamander, a clothing boutique located at 1420 Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown. The store closed up shop last year. What would …

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Visions for Vacancies

What Kind of Business Would You Prefer at 1344 Wisconsin Avenue?

This address used to house a clothing boutique.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Since January we've asked you all about several shuttered businesses, including: This week, we're turning out attention to 1344 Wisconsin Ave. This address used to house a clothing boutique, but now stands vacant. It's an attractive corner space at the …

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Shaun Courtney

2:08 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

A bagel shop is a great idea! Somewhere to stop on your way to work to grab a bagel or your way home to grab salad greens and a loaf of bread. Yum! - SC   more ›

Visions for Vacancies

What Should Replace The Frame Shop in Georgetown?

This store originally set up shop in 1960.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? We've written about several shuttered spaces over the past several weeks including Furin's, Morso, Griffin Market, P Street Frames and Garrett's Restaurant & Railroad Tavern. Our readers have suggested replacements ranging from newsstands to coffee shops. …

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Visions for Vacancies

What Should Take Morso's Place in Georgetown?

This Turkish cocktail lounge, located on M Street, closed up shop last spring.

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table. Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community? Last week, we asked you to weigh in on what should replace the now-empty Furin's of Georgetown. One reader suggested a coffee shop along the lines of a Dunkin' Donuts. Another said a "breakfast place" is in order. Three commenters mourned the loss the Furin'…

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Shaun Courtney

12:45 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012

Ah! I see. It would be nice to have something like that along M Street, something informal and comfortable. There are a few places like this along upper Wisconsin Avenue, but not so much along M Street.   more ›