The Return of Western Market? Renovations Proposed for GWU Galleria

• March 5th 2019

by Nena Perry-Brown

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In late 2017, George Washington University teased plans to reposition the Shops at 2000 Penn, aka Red Lion Row. Now, those plans are coming to the light.

MRP Realty is applying to the Zoning Commission to modify the original planned-unit development (PUD) that led to the construction of the building on the 2000 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW (map). Right now, the over 30 year-old mixed-use building is comprised of historic and non-historic rowhouses along Eye Street and a 10-story office and retail volume.

The proposed renovation will modernize the color palette and materiality of parts of the façade, create a new entrance on 21st Street, reconfigure the concourse level of the interior, and convert part of the loading dock into restroom and retail space, among other things. The GW Hatchet reported last month that the proposed plans to upgrade 2000 Penn are "to mirror Eastern Market."

Upon completion, the building will have over 33,000 square feet of retail. Folding doors will be added to the terrace-fronting façade on the 10th floor of the building. It is unclear whether the new building will indeed have signage identifying it as "Western Market", which was the name of the market that was originally on the same site from 1802-1856. Gensler is the design architect.

The ANC 2A unanimously voted in support of the new design at their January meeting. A zoning hearing has not yet been scheduled. Additional renderings are below.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/the-return-of-western-market-renovations-proposed-for-gwu-galleria/15082.