Union Market's new expansion plans ditch movie theater in favor of retail, office

For years now, there have been plans to expand Union Market. In April 2015, the Zoning Commission approved developer EDENS’s plans to construct a two-story Angelika Film Center on top of the building, located at 1309 Fifth Street NE. In June 2016, though, the developer terminated the lease due to cost and feasibility issues.

Now, new expansion plans have been revealed that include the neighborhood’s first large office project. Washington Business Journal reports that the developer hopes to retain the market's ground-floor retail and events space, while adding an additional 1,600 square feet of retail space and 214,100 square feet of office space.

The proposal also includes constructing an 11-story residential building just to the north of Union Market at 1329 Fifth Street NE. This building will house 240 residential units atop 22,000 square feet of retail.

While construction is underway, Union Market will remain open. There are no reports yet as to when construction is expected to begin.

• Edens forges ahead with office and without Angelika atop Union Market [Washington Business Journal]