Development News

The last bits of Colonel Brooks’ Tavern have been swept away and demolition is nearly complete at 901 Monroe Street NE, says Mark Rengel, Vice President of Development with the Menkiti Group. Construction of the new mixed-use development is set to start in just another couple of months, but likely won’t finish for about two years, he says.

Once completed, the project will house 212 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent with and “green” building amenities, approximately 13,000 square-feet of commercial space, 150 parking spaces and 66 bike spaces (off-street and below grade), along with a few Zipcar spaces. In the main level, there will be about five to six retailers.

“We will seek out retailers that will complement the existing businesses along 12th Street NE as well as those planned for the nearby Monroe Street Market,” says Rengel. The group is looking for a “high-quality, sit-down restaurant that can serve as a community gathering space similar to the function that Colonel Brooks provided for over 30 years,” he adds.

At anywhere from around $1600 to $2500 per-month for an apartment—and ranging from 580 to 740 square-feet for one-bedroom units and 850 to 1290 square-feet for a two-bedroom—the project is geared toward young professionals and couples. Their website reads that 16 units will be below the market-rate for rent as well. Horning Brothers and the Menkiti Group will handle all the property management for the project.

The ambitious design plans from architects Esocoff and Associates were met with some trepidation within the community; however a bigger display of support helped pass the project through the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A and Zoning Commission.

Situated just down the street from Catholic University, this Brookland project is the first of its size and scope for the area. The 901 Monroe Street project’s website reads that the developers are bringing wider sidewalks along Monroe and 9th Street, a more engaging landscape and 24-hour security to prevent noise and loitering.

“We are extremely excited to be a part of the renaissance of Brookland and look forward to helping Brookland realize its full potential as one of D.C.’s great neighborhoods,” says Rengel.