Park View, D.C.

DC Reynolds, located at 3628 Georgia Avenue.

While there was noticeable advancement in 2012 within the areas of development and District driven renovations,  there was also notable growth in local small business.

Within Park View proper, DC Reynolds opened at 3628 Georgia Avenue — the empty former Huron Pharmacy space – at the end of March. A neighborhood place similar to nearby Looking Glass Lounge, DC Reynolds is a combination bar and eatery. By July, DC Reynolds expanded hours of operation to include Saturday brunch, and then expanded service once again to include brunch on Sundays. Not to be outdone, Looking Glass Lounge also started serving brunch following DC Reynolds lead.

The renovated Lion’s at 3614 Georgia.

Also on the 3600 block of Georgia, Lion’s Liquors reopened after a renovation of many months at the beginning of March. This was a huge change. Prior to closing in 2011, few residents had anything nice to say about this liquor store. It was poorly run, run down, dirty, and frequently had a dedicated crew of regulars who loitered out front. By contrast, the renovated Lion’s Fine Wines & Spirits is nothing but spit and polish. There is a good selection of wine (one that continues to improve) and while spirits are still behind the service counter, the safety glass is gone and the staff are friendly and service minded.

Knit hats and mittens in an assortment of colors at Tibet Shop, 3213 Georgia.

Further south on Georgia Avenue, Adams Morgan’s Tibet Shop opened their second location at 3213 Georgia Avenue at the end of November. This was the first true business to open in the area in years that is not in the service industry or reliant on alcohol sales. This alone merits notice and community support. It doesn’t hurt that Tibet Shop also has interesting merchandise that should appeal to shoppers once they become familiar with the shop.

Fish in the ‘Hood, now Fish in the Neighborhood, at 3601 Georgia.

Though not a new business, Bill’s Seafood Kitchen, also known as Fish in the ‘Hood and now Fish in the Neighborhood, also had a noteworthy year. This local treasure of an eatery received good press this year from both the Washingtonian  and the Washington Post. Not bad for a small business in one of DC’s lesser known neighborhoods.

Just Outside the Neighborhood

Though the following businesses are just outside Park View, their close proximity must be included since they have made a definite impact on the community.

• Just to the north, Chez Billy opened at 3815 Georgia Avenue in April;
• Just to the south, Harrar Coffee opened at 2904 Georgia Avenue in September; and,
• Along the 11th Street corridor the following restaurants opened or expanded: Maple opened in April, the Kangaroo Boxing Club opened in June, El Chucho opened at the end of June, The Coupe opened in October, and Room 11 expanded into the space next door, which opened in November.

All in all, its been a very busy year for small business in the area, and a boon to small businesses serving the Park View community.

Next: Part IV — Historic Preservation and Community Activism.