145 replies to this topic

[LittleWing]

Whenever I drive down Kalorama and pass 17th st, there is a big sign that mentions a new Harris Teeter and that the website is www.citadeldc.com. The website has info about sending letters & emails to the appropriate government peeps to make the store happen and says if its goes through it would open in the second quarter of 2006.

I can't say that I've ever been to a Harris Teeter, but I live a few blocks away and would definitely be interested in another grocery store opening. Does anyone know anything about this, and whether or not its gonna happen?

Edited by LittleWing, 24 May 2005 - 09:27 PM.

[Barbara]

From the Adams Morgan ANC Chairman last month: there are still some issues to iron out. HT can't just be given a pass. After all, they are moving a large retail operation into a very crowded neighborhood with narrow streets. DOT has to change some streets to "one-way" and HT has to make some promises about opening times (they originally wanted to be open 24/7. No way Jose), parking, and some other stuff--none of which should be impossible or a deal-breaker.

[LittleWing]

From the Adams Morgan ANC Chairman last month: there are still some issues to iron out. HT can't just be given a pass. After all, they are moving a large retail operation into a very crowded neighborhood with narrow streets. DOT has to change some streets to "one-way" and HT has to make some promises about opening times (they originally wanted to be open 24/7. No way Jose), parking, and some other stuff--none of which should be impossible or a deal-breaker.

Yeah, I can't imagine how the immediate neighbors would like all those loud trucks making deliveries and clogging the little streets early in the morning, or where all the customers would park.

Otherwise, if/when they get all of those ?s resolved, it sounds good.

[Dental_FlossTycoon]

Apparently the HT will be built and then they will finish the traffic study for the area. A lot of new ideas are being thrown out there, some making streets one way, others (which is my favorite) is making 18th St. between Columbia and Florida accessable to foot traffic only! Can you imagine that whole strip just full of food & novelty vendors & people, no taxi's parked in the middle of the road running people over?
I personally am getting tired of the Safeway and Whole Foods is far away.

[hillvalley]

They are also opening one on the Hill. The sign is up and it looks like light construction was going on the last time I drove by a few weeks ago.

Right on Pennsylvania around 13th.
Can't wait to see the trendy Hill folk go that far down Penn. to shop

[DonRocks]

A memo from Alan Roth of the Adams Morgan Advisory Neighborhood Commission, dated Monday, June 6th:

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Douglas Development (a/k/a Douglas Jemal) and Faison Enterprises have withdrawn their application for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) project at the Citadel building, which was to house a new Harris Teeter supermarket. Jemal and Faison now plan to lop off roughly 11,000 sq. ft. from the office portion of the plans and then proceed with a "matter of right" project that will still include the supermarket, the additional retail space, and the remaining office space (which I believe will be roughly 1/3 smaller than in the original plan). "Matter of right," taken literally, would ordinarily mean no need for further zoning proceedings; in fact, it is likely that they will still need some variance or special exception relief from the Board of Zoning Adjustment, but that relief is expected to be very minor, perhaps even just technical in nature.

So what does all this mean?

For the vast majority of neighborhood residents who supported bringing the Harris Teeter in, the good news is that it looks like they'll still get the grocery store they wanted.

For the immediate neighbors and others in Reed-Cooke who fought the PUD, the bad news is that in all likelihood they'll end up with the worst of both worlds -- a full-service grocery store right in their midst, coupled with most of the previously planned office space, and no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mitigate the most severe impacts on them. Hours of operation, delivery hours, management of the loading docks, transit incentives to discourage employees from driving to work and parking on the street, and use of the existing Class A liquor license (with no ABC voluntary agreement attached) rather than a new and more limited Class B license will now be almost entirely within HT's own discretion.

For Jubilee Jobs, Mary's Center, Good Shepherd Teen Learning Center, and Latin American Youth Center, this change of direction will provide a test of how earnest HT has been in saying that it is committed to working with these non-profits to identify and train suitable candidates for employment in the store. For the neighborhood as a whole, we've lost a significant financial contribution from the owner and developer to the rehabilitation and maintenance of some yet-to-be-determined recreational or park space.

In the last four weeks of negotiation between the ANC and the businesses involved, the vast majority of outstanding issues involved Harris Teeter's planned operations. As some of you may have surmised from recent e-mails you may have received from me on the subject, several of us have been wondering lately whether HT could or would ever agree to what was really needed in order to satisfy not only the community but the Zoning Commission, where the developer would have the burden of proving adequate mitigation of adverse impacts. If they and their attorneys believed they had a strong case for mitigation, it's unlikely they would have withdrawn the PUD application.

Perhaps they counted on a weak MOU with the ANC being all they needed as cover to paint the immediate neighbors as extremist NIMBYs. Perhaps they believed that the ANC would ultimately roll over on those open issues just to get the supermarket. If so, they guessed wrong. Although the neighbors apparently didn't believe in or support our efforts, we worked hard on their behalf to make this a win-win for them and HT. It's regrettable that after six months of effort, we seem to have satisfied neither extreme. But I believe the ANC did right by the neighborhood as a whole in trying to steer a middle course -- supporting the grocery store, while working to mitigate the most serious adverse impacts on Reed-Cooke residents.

We're on to a new chapter now -- and, most likely, a new full-service Harris Teeter supermarket in Adams Morgan, probably in late 2006 or early 2007 if their "matter of right" strategy is successful. Perhaps there will still be an opportunity to achieve agreement on some operational issues (albeit, undoubtedly, a smaller universe of them) in the context of possible BZA variance or special exception proceedings. In either event, let's hope that once Harris Teeter opens here, the quality of their service and food will prove strong enough to overcome the legitimate concerns that many people have about the impact of their operations on the surrounding area..

Thanks for your continued interest in this issue. We'll try to continue to keep you informed as the news warrants.

Sincerely,
Alan Roth
Chairperson, ANC 1C

[Jacques Gastreaux]

It sounds like HT management had all it could stands and it couldn't stands no more.

[Barbara]

It sounds like HT management had all it could stands and it couldn't stands no more.

Actually, late in the afternoon before the ANC meeting which was planning on voting to approve this project, they received a response from HT which indicated that they were not negotiating in good faith. The ANC voted to ask the Zoning Board for a delay in their hearings on this. Nobody knows what will come out of that.

Depending on how deep the pockets of some of the neighbors are (and, I don't think their THAT deep), HT may come to regret their actions, particularly if the operate 24/7. It really is awfully close around there and a lot of bad will could accompany the opening. And, of course, Doug Jemal will make less money on this development by scaling down the office complex part of it.

It seems to be the consensus that HT realized that NOTHING they agreed to would satisfy the folks who simply don't want a supermarket there under any circumstances, so they didn't even go along with things most folks consider reasonable. The obstructionists will be the ones who pay dearly for this and not those of us who live several blocks away. It's really too bad because Alan Roth (a lawyer--can you tell?) is really one of the best ANC commissioners we have had and certainly the best Chairman. He knew exactly what could be expected, but couldn't sell that to those most affected, especially since they are not in his Single Member District. But I am

[Lydia R]

Looks like Harris Teeter has finally announced the location of their first Maryland store. It's the former Food Lion site on Route 28 in Darnestown (out past Kentlands). Sounds like it might take well into 2006 to make it a reality.

Sadly, it'll probably have the same wine-deficit as the Trader Joes in MoCo.

Here's the link to the source article in this week's Gazette.

http
://www.gazette.net/stories/112205/mont...1916.shtml

Edited by Lydia R, 22 November 2005 - 11:32 PM.

[Jonathan]

if you've never been to HT, i think you will like it, when compared to the safeays and giants. the one in arlington had a great selection of produce.

[porcupine]

So in search of a particular beer, and out of general curiosity and interest, I'm heading to Harris Teeter for the first time.

Which one should I go to? They are all pretty far for me, and looking at their website's store locator, it's an expedition whichever I choose. So is one any better than the others? Or better parking? Or what? Thanks.

[Principia]

So in search of a particular beer, and out of general curiosity and interest, I'm heading to Harris Teeter for the first time.

Which one should I go to?  They are all pretty far for me, and looking at their website's store locator, it's an expedition whichever I choose.  So is one any better than the others?  Or better parking?  Or what?  Thanks.

The one in Fairfax has the worst parking situation, and the layout can be a little off-putting since it's on two floors. The one in Reston is a single-floor setup. I think the one in Arlington is also a two-floor store.

Where are you coming from?

[bilrus]

So in search of a particular beer, and out of general curiosity and interest, I'm heading to Harris Teeter for the first time.

Which one should I go to?  They are all pretty far for me, and looking at their website's store locator, it's an expedition whichever I choose.  So is one any better than the others?  Or better parking?  Or what?  Thanks.

Of the four I've been to (Reston, Ashburn, Arlington and Pentagon Row), I like Pentagon Row and Ashburn the best - both one level layouts.

[cjsadler]

What's going on with this? I walked by the other day, but there doesn't seem to be much happening (though there is a big banner saying that it's coming).

[JPW]

The one in Ballston is indeed two levels (wine and toiletries on the second).

Like Bilrus, I prefer the one on Pentagon Row

(FWIW - I haven't been to either in a year or so)

[porcupine]

Where are you coming from?

just across the American Legion bridge.

[Principia]

just across the American Legion bridge.

If I have my bridges right, I think that would probably put you closest to the one in Pentagon Row. I don't know that I could in good conscience recommend driving all the way out to the Reston/Loudoun County ones - although if you wanted to make a day trip to Leesburg (say, to visit the Mighty Midget) then either of the two Ashburns wouldn't be too far away.

[JPW]

If I have my bridges right, I think that would probably put you closest to the one in Pentagon Row. I don't know that I could in good conscience recommend driving all the way out to the Reston/Loudoun County ones - although if you wanted to make a day trip to Leesburg (say, to visit the Mighty Midget) then either of the two Ashburns wouldn't be too far away.

Actually closest to Ballston (HT is on Glebe Rd.)
But only about 5 minutes more down the GW for Pentagon Row.
Then again, it takes a few minutes longer to get to the Ballston location from the GW than it does to get to the Pentagon Row location.

Further caveat -- parking can really suck at Pentagon Row.

[zoramargolis]

just across the American Legion bridge.

Um... I have only lived in this area for10 years, so my locating skills are not like a native's. But isn't the American Legion Bridge the one on 495? That goes from Montgomery County via Cabin John to Mclean/Tyson's Corner? Wouldn't it be faster to just stay on 495 and go to Fairfax?

[Escoffier]

Further caveat -- parking can really suck at Pentagon Row.

True but no one ever seems to park in the underground parking garage. Every time I go there, there is always space available in that garage. It's fun to drive in, park, walk up to the ground level and watch the vultures circling the parking lot. The parking garage is near Sur La Table.

[Principia]

Um... I have only lived in this area for10 years, so my locating skills are not like a native's. But isn't the American Legion Bridge the one on 495? That goes from Montgomery County via Cabin John to Mclean/Tyson's Corner? Wouldn't it be faster to just stay on 495 and go to Fairfax?

No. The HT in Fairfax is in the middle of "old town" Fairfax, and the traffic can be a total PITA... not to mention the lack of parking. Pentagon Row is both closer to the highway and features a larger number of other possible reasons to go there.

Of course, if one were to combine a trip to HT with a trip to Super H and/or Woodlands, then that might be sufficient impetus to venture into Fairfax.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

True but no one ever seems to park in the underground parking garage.  Every time I go there, there is always space available in that garage. It's fun to drive in, park, walk up to the ground level and watch the vultures circling the parking lot.  The parking garage is near Sur La Table.

There is a parkinig ticket validation machine right next to the self-checkout counter in the Pentagon Row Harris Teeter. When you enter the garage, turn right and go all the way to the end of the parking lot. There is an esclator and elevator that will take you right to Harris Teeter. Don't waste your time looking/'waiting for a space in the surface lot.

[CrescentFresh]

It is correct that the underground parking almost always has spaces available. There are several entrances to the underground parking. One near the back door to World Market/Eckerts. The other is about a 200 yard walk straight away from the Harris Teeter doors. Another is on Army Navy drive just between Joyce Street and the Macy's store.

The difference between parking on the surface or in the caverns is that you can consistently go back out to your car, press the button on the parking meter, and get another hour of free parking. When you park downstairs you get a ticket that needs to be validated at the merchant. The validation is good for one hour. It also may take time to get out of the garage if it's a crowded day because everyone has to go through the cashier booths. So if you think you'll be there shopping for a while and don't mind dropping your purchases off at your car as you go from store to store, park on the surface and keep resetting your timer. It also drives those trolling for spots crazy.

[Twinsdaddy]

Y'all should come on out to Loudoun County. H-T has set up a veritable Maginot Line of stores along the Route 659 axis. Parking for thousands.

And I have to say, I am impressed with H-T. I have been a regular Giant customer (other than during a few years I was out of the area) since 1979, and we got a shiny new Giant in South Riding, but I now do my regular shopping at the H-T in Stone Ridge.

The new Giant, with its Stop & Shop layout, just doesn't do it for me. Maybe it's flashbacks to being dragged by my mother to the Pawtucket Stop & Shop circa 1965, or maybe it's the fact that their deli meats seem to have a very short half-life, but for whatever reason Giant has pretty much lost a long-time customer.

[ol_ironstomach]

Looks like Harris Teeter has finally announced the location of their first Maryland store. It's the former Food Lion site on Route 28 in Darnestown (out past Kentlands).

Update: after months of no activity, the construction fence went up two weeks ago, they removed the windows last week, and currently appear to be disassembling the old Food Lyin' facade brick-by-brick. Which suggests to me that this will be a more significant revamp than just reusing the old brick four-square box. Wonder how they're working around the problems that FL had downsizing the building for the on-site septic system?

As this will be the nearest supermarket to home, I'm tingling with anticipation.

[VandyHoo]

If you happen to stop in to Harris Teeter Reston say hello to Double G now in the management training program and manning the fish and meat stations. The former downtown chef (matchbox, Butterfield 9, tabard inn, Vidalia, bistro bis, etc) is trying out something new, but he'd be happy to recommend a fish/meat and a recipe to go along with it. Whatever you do PLEASE don’t try to talk him back into the business!

[ol_ironstomach]

Meanwhile, 2.5 months later in Darnestown...

The additional wing is built, building wrap has been applied, and the steel framing for the covered sidewalk and entryways is up. It still needs the final exterior, not to mention the interior, but one promising indicator: the fence has sprung a "now hiring" banner.

[smokey]

For the Rockvillians, I recently read in the Gazette that talks with Harris Tweeter to come to Rockville Town Center are off. The question remains--who will fill the grocery store 'niche' there, or will anybody?

[Jacques Gastreaux]

There used to be a banner hanging on a fence at the construction site saying something like "Future Home of H-T" but it's not there anymore....

Which construction site: N. Henry or Eclipes?

[goldenticket]

Which construction site: N. Henry or Eclipes?

Eclipse. IF something is actually going to come in on N. Henry, it's a long way off. We can thank the City of Alexandria's small area planning process (but that's a whole 'nother topic - so I'll just stop right there). I think that Henry Street site still has tenants (it's the low, orange warehouse/office space) so it could be years, if it's even real.

[cheezepowder]

I've had an issue twice at the Harris Teeter in Pentagon Row in which there was an advertised special (buy one, get one free), but I was charged for both items. The first time was spaghetti sauce. I didn't feel like standing in the Customer Service line, and I gave them the benefit of the doubt because I bought two different kinds of the same brand so maybe the special didn't apply (although there were "Buy one get one free" signs on multiple varieties on the shelf).

The second time was a Morningstar Farms product, and I bought two of the same product. After being rung up and charged for both, I went to the Customer Service desk. The guy was skeptical, and I walked with him to show him the sign on the shelf. He said ok and told me to take two more for free. So I ended up paying for 2 (and getting 2 free) when I intended only to buy one (and getting 1 free). I haven't gone back to that Harris Teeter since.

[ol_ironstomach]

Harris Teeter construction in Darnestown continues; the building exterior has been complete for several weeks, but they're still working on the interior. (edit: portions of the parking lot are also still dug up) "Now Hiring" sign on the fence.

H-T representatives apparently attended a local town meeting earlier this summer and clarified a number of points. It looks like there will not be an alcohol department, as the statewide provision that allowed a grocery chain to designate one exempt location expired some 25 years ago. The legislature in Annapolis has made exceptions since then and existing licenses are grandfathered, but in any event H-T's intent was to exempt a hypothetical Rockville store, if they managed to secure a license.

[bookluvingbabe]

Anyone know when the Harris Teeter in Darnestown is scheduled to open?

Thanks!

[Lydia R]

Anyone know when the Harris Teeter in Darnestown is scheduled to open?

I drove up Rt 28 this afternoon hoping it wasn't the last good weather day for the sunroof. HT had a banner stating it would open in 20 days -- by my calculation: Monday 30 October (treat!) only 11 months after original announcement.

[Roger Troutman]

Does anyone know when the Harris Teeter in Adams Morgan will open? I haven't been by there to check on their progress in a long time. Everything I've read mentions a fall '06 opening date, but knowing the pace of new developments around here, it could easily be another year away.

[cjsadler]

Anyone have an update?

[Lydia R]

Anyone have an update?

Which site - Darnestown or Adams Morgan?
Looks like 10 days for Darnestown (boy, is my local TJ's working hard to keep my biz)!

[monavano]

I just visited the newly opened Harris Teeter in the Fox Chase shopping center on Duke St., Alexandria.
Well, it's big, like wear comfortable shoes and take your time checking it all out big. It made for a "jeez, where do I start" moment, but I gained forward momentum quickly and checked out;

The Produce- what can separate this store from other grocery stores is a much larger selection of asian produce. And it was fresh. I picked up baby bok choy, golden beets, fresh herbs (which are not consistently found at Whole Foods, btw) along with other staples.

The Prepared Foods- Boy, they're hoping you come in hungry, believe me. I was glad to have eaten breakfast or else I probably would have gone for the anitpasto bar, pasta bar, asian bar, salad bar, pizza bar and the fresh bread kiosk. I did however gladly accept free samples of some bread and cheese. The just baked cranberry walnut bread was very good, as was the onion ciabatta.
There are 2-3 large deli cases with more pre made-take it home and heat/serve you can shake a stick at.

The Meat Section: I didn't see any dry aging going on, but I did however buy two thick and nicely marbled Porterhouse steaks at $5.99/lb. Half price. There were many b1g1f deals and the organic chicken seemed to be cheaper than WF.
The seafood section looked fresh and I can say that a good deal appeared to be the tuna medallions at I believe $5.99/lb. The rockfish filets were on special too.

Wine and Beer - Seemed extensive. I'm no expert to comment, but I'd venture to say you could find something to fit your base needs there.

Prices - The sale items were a really good deal. Especially the meats. But this is not a store geared to save you money in the way that say Food-Lion is. But, then again - ick. Food-Lion (well, generally in my experience).
It's spacious, clean, friendly and built to plea$e your eyes and flirt with your belly! Then again, aren't they all?

eta: the weekly specials for this store, with your VIC card.

[ol_ironstomach]

Looks like 10 days for Darnestown (boy, is my local TJ's working hard to keep my biz)!

Still counting down to Monday. Interior is stocked, Starbucks sign in place, employees in training. Parking lot has been replanted with lots of new bright HID lightposts, because in bright red neon one window proclaims "Open 24 Hours". Be still, my procrastinating midnight-snacking night-owl heart. Goodbye, world's-least-six-to-twelve "6 Twelve".

[bookluvingbabe]

The Darnestown Harris Teeter is open and crowded.

They have the Smart Chicken brand so I roasted my first chicken of the season tonight.

I think it is a smidge larger than the Pentagon Row store and of course, no wine!

It's a bit of a schlep but so much better than the Giant and Safeway options closer in to me.

[beezy]

Has anyone tried HT's shop and pick up option? I hear Giant/Peapod is not so good, but the HT offering might be the way to go (I've seen it available at the North Arlington HT,but nowhere else.)

[ppsailor01]

Does anyone know when the Capitol Hill Harris Teeter will open?

[ppsailor01]

This is the e-mail response I got from Harris Teeter

Thank you for your email. This location is scheduled to open in the
Summer of 2007, however, we do not yet have an exact date.

Thanks for thinking of Harris Teeter.

Sincerely,

Harris Teeter Customer Relations

[jpschust]

Does anyone know when the Capitol Hill Harris Teeter will open?

The one in Adams Morgan seems to be moving along but I know that there are a few neighbors bent on attempting to derail the project, even though the project is going to happen. Ultimately they are just slowing up the inevitable.

[Spiral Stairs]

The Capitol Hill HT, on the other hand, is being received with unanimous enthusiasm, as far as I can tell. There may be some unease about the massive condo development on top of it (Jenkins Row), but everyone is eager for an alternative to the utter disaster that is the Capitol Hill Safeway.

I am also very curious about what dining and retail will be going in on the ground floor of the building. The Jenkins Row website is mum, but suggests great things.

I predict a Starbucks, a "pan-Asian" noodle joint with Ikea-style furniture, and a Maggie Moo's.

[Tweaked]

yeah, no doubt it will be chain-based retail going into Jenkins Row. Like the Dunkin Donuts Baskin and Robbins that went in the old Foot Locker space on 8th Street...what a waste. I'm also predicting a small bank, perhaps another branch of Chevy Chase.

Pretty much the only good things going for Safeway is the in-store liquor department and carrying the Patak's line of India food pastes and pickles. oh the new olive bar isn't bad.

[Banco]

Pretty much the only good things going for Safeway is the in-store liquor department

You're probably just scraping for something nice to say, but I disagree. That liquor store is the most poorly stocked excuse for a liquor store I've ever seen: aisles of indifferent, overpriced plonk, only the usual major brands of brooze--some, paradoxically, not even available in 750ml (but oh yes, many flasks on hand), and no rye whatsoever!

I'm delighted about HT, but I wonder not only what's going to go into the retail spaces, but how it will affect what's around it. Will the beloved neighborhood joint La Lomita sell out and be replaced by a faceless chain? Probably.

[Spiral Stairs]

You're probably just scraping for something nice to say, but I disagree. That liquor store is the most poorly stocked excuse for a liquor store I've ever seen: aisles of indifferent, overpriced plonk, only the usual major brands of brooze--some, paradoxically, not even available in 750ml (but oh yes, many flasks on hand), and no rye whatsoever!

I'm delighted about HT, but I wonder not only what's going to go into the retail spaces, but how it will affect what's around it. Will the beloved neighborhood joint La Lomita sell out and be replaced by a faceless chain? Probably.

There's some interesting stuff to think about in terms of effect of Jenkins Row and HT on the neighborhood. To wit: La Lomita; the decrepit storefrontage on Penn Ave; the crazy-scary Chinese place at 13th & Penn; "24 Food Shop" that is open nowhere near 24 hours a day; the new coffee shop next to Pacific Cafe that is, apparently, called Pacific Cafe but is not affiliated in any way with the pre-existing Pacific Cafe; Trusty's; and, last but not least, Potomac Gardens.

About Safeway though, let me lodge this objection: About a year or so ago, the cashiers inexplicably began looking at my last name on my receipt (printed there thanks to my "club card"), and saying "Thank you, Mr. Stairs." They also now -- always -- ask if I need help carrying my groceries to my car. I am an able-bodied 34 year-old male who is usually buying three or four items in a single plastic bag, mind you. (And I walk home, but they wouldn't know that.)

I believe these new practices were directives from a corporate headmaster, perhaps in direct response to the impending presence of Harris Teeter. "Hmm. We need to show everyone that we have the best customer service in town. Let's compel our underpaid drones to pretend that they care. The customers will never notice the ruse and instead assume that each cashier has taken it upon himself or herself to make such friendly statements and offer such courteous service. Muhahahaha."

[goldenticket]

Bad news for those of us in the Old Town area who have been waiting (and waiting and waiting....) for the long-rumored Harris Teeter that was supposed to be part of "The Madison" development. From a local blog site:

Apparently Harris Teeter terminated their lease yesterday because the City refused to make any changes to the proposed design.

[Sthitch]

Bad news for those of us in the Old Town area who have been waiting (and waiting and waiting....) for the long-rumored Harris Teeter that was supposed to be part of "The Madison" development. From a local blog site:

This might explain why yesterday I noticed a "Coming Soon Harris Teeter" sign in the new building at the corner of Rt. 1 and South Glebe.