Morning Feed

SAVE WHOLE FOODS. Whole Foods had been looking hard along 14th in Columbia Heights to bring their fourth store to DC. But apparently the gourmet market is not as close to committing as was once believed. This news comes on the heels of the Adams Morgan Harris Teeter store inching toward approval last week.

Whole Foods was contemplating the DC USA retail complex which is being developed directly across from the Columbia Heights Metro Station by Grid Properties. Target (Tar-shay), Bed, Bath & Beyond and Best Buy already have committed there.

After many months, there have been "some stumbling blocks" with the Whole Foods' talks, according to Columbia Heights News. You see, at a minimum, Whole Foods needs 45,000 SF of retail space. But the developers are only offering 35,000 SF because of the way the property is configured. As a point of reference, the Whole Foods at 14th and P Sts NW is 37,000 SF. What's more, Whole Foods has not been promised the requested number of parking spaces in the structure's underground lot, which will be owned by DC. In short Whole Foods is saying a 10,000 SF shortfall is a big headache for them.

Whole Foods' arm can be twisted though. Recall, Whole Foods in the late 1990's contemplated a store at 13th and U Sts NW before committing to their current location on P St. Karen Riley of Whole Foods says "show me" how much interest there is, so send her emails if you want a store in Columbia Heights to become a reality. Email: karen.riley@wholefoods.com. Copy info@columbiaheightsnews.org on any emails because these good folks are organizing the campaign to slam this deal home.

MORE ON WATERSIDE MALL REVAMP. The inclusion of more housing has helped to get the project moving again, says the Washington Post. Also Steuart Investment plans to construct apartments on H St. NE.

PRESERVATIONIST BEMOAN razing of Naval Observatory buildings.

INDEBLUE EXTENDED its Restaurant Week menu. Check others.