Wal-Mart Likely Coming to DC
✉️ Want to forward this article? Click here.
Wal-Mart may open its first location within the District, according to a report by The Washington Post. While not yet certain, the company is "expected" to sign a lease this fall for space near the intersection of New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road near the city's northeast border with Maryland (map).
The location is the same that renowned local developer Jim Abdo had planned to develop into a massive billion-dollar mixed-use project. Those plans unraveled earlier this year due to lack of financing. Abdo himself told The Post that he believes the site could be perfect for Wal-Mart given its location as a gateway to the city. "When you've got 80,000 cars that go by your front door, that's about as good as it gets from a retail perspective."
The news that Wal-Mart could be coming to DC has already (and predictably) stirred debate. Supporters argue that it will bring jobs and economic activity to the city, and offer a good retail alternative for lower-income residents in particular. They also point out that having a Wal-Mart within the District versus in nearby Virginia or Maryland will keep the revenue in the city. Detractors worry that it will worsen traffic at an already congested intersection. Many are also opposed to Wal-Mart on principle due to its reputation for poor treatment of employees and the harm it can do to local retailers.
There is one thing that both sides appear to agree on, however: Wal-Mart would be a more economic utilization of the land than the current tenants, which include a strip club and used auto parts shops.
See other articles related to: abdo, bladensburg road, dclofts, new york avenue, wal-mart
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/wal-mart_likely_coming_to_dc/2235.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever
A look at the closing costs that homebuyers pay at the closing table.... read »
3331 N Street NW sold in an off-market transaction on Thursday for nearly $12 million... read »
In this article, UrbanTurf will explore the considerations and steps involved in buyi... read »
The most expensive home to sell in the DC region in years closed on Halloween for an ... read »
Paradigm Development Company has plans in the works to build a 12-story, 110-unit con... read »
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro