Wegmans to Open 1st D.C. Store

Grocer will anchor Fannie Mae HQ redevelopment

May 21, 2017, 10:01 pm

Artist's rendering of the future Washington, D.C., Wegmans store, its first in the city

Wegmans Food Markets will open its first store in Washington, D.C. The grocer has agreed to be an anchor tenant at 3900 Wisconsin Avenue NW, the site of the former Fannie Mae Headquarters.

A spokeswoman for the project developers told Progressive Grocer that the development, including the store, was “aiming for a target opening in 2021.”

Including the original buildings built by Equitable Life Co. in 1958 and 1962, as well as nearly 10 acres around it, the planned development program will encompass retail, residential, cultural arts, hospitality and commercial uses.

“We are excited to be a part of the redevelopment of this distinct site,” said Wegmans VP of Real Estate Ralph Uttaro Sr. “The District of Columbia is an ideal market for us, and we look forward to serving new customers and offering a unique shopping experience there.”

Wegmans “not only [brings] their fabulous offerings, they consistently are one of the best employers in the country,” observed Richard Lake, founding partner of Washington, D.C.-based real estate firm Roadside Development, which is working on the project in collaboration with North America Sekisui House LLC (NASH), in Arlington, Va. “Their participation will enable the team to attract other quality users who can meet the objectives of the area residents.”

According to Lake, Wegmans held numerous discussions with the city’s administration and the Washington D.C. Economic Partnership over the past few years to explore opportunities within the market. He added that the Fannie Mae site ultimately chosen “provides exceptional access to a broad market in D.C. and Maryland, and sets a tone for the future of retail along Wisconsin Ave.”

“As we look to expand retail and grocery options across the District, Wegmans is a decisive win for our city,” noted Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Going forward, we will continue to forge strong public-private partnerships like this one that benefit D.C. residents and families and help us spread inclusive prosperity throughout all eight wards.”

Family-owned Wegmans operates 92 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.