Will “Restaurant Row” in National Landing be the same as it has been in Crystal City, which will become National Landing once Amazon’s HQ2 opens? Residents, business leaders, and restaurateurs in the area don’t believe so, given how much the neighborhood has already transformed (and will continue to transform in the next few years), and are actively trying to preserve the “soul” of said Restaurant Row by protecting it from being developed.
The Restaurant Row in question is on 23rd St. South between S. Eads and S. Fern, on which several small, non-chain restaurants have been in operation for years. Restaurants like La Bettola Italiano, McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant, and Los Tios all have four to five star reviews by raving fan customers and a loyal, local following. But with the possible development of the immediate area thanks to Amazon HQ2, the owners of these restaurants wonder what will become of Restaurant Row as National Landing changes the neighborhood’s landscape.
The Crystal City Citizen Review Council (so far there hasn’t been a name change there) met with restaurant owners as well as landowners in the area to discuss how Restaurant Row could be “preserved or protected.” Restaurant owners are reportedly fearful that existing buildings’ infrastructure will worsen and force tenants out, which could lead to redevelopment, forcing a loss of character for the neighborhood.
Additionally, a recent fire on December 4th in the building that houses two restaurants on Restaurant Row (Andalusia Hookah Bar and Top Thai) caused around $1.8 million in damages–and some residents are nervous that with that amount in damages and redevelopment in the area, building owners will opt to tear down and rebuild instead of repair that damage.
Adding to the potential loss of locally owned restaurants that add charm and variety to the longstanding neighborhood, developments slated to start being built around Restaurant Row could in turn be bad for its businesses. The HQ2 building, along with Crystal House Apartments (an affordable housing project) and extensive developments coming down the pipe from JBG Smith mean a lack of street parking for clientele for Restaurant Row. The Crystal House Apartments will take away a parking lot between 22nd and 23rd St. South because it will be turned into townhomes.
But the CCCRC’s vision for the neighborhood also includes pedestrian friendly parks, sidewalks, trees, benches, and scooter-bike parking and rentals, which could make the stretch of street with restaurants more inviting to walk or bike to.
Feature image, jonbilous/stock.adobe.com
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