Neighborhood Report: NoMa

So named for its location north of Massachusetts Avenue, NoMa is a neighborhood that's beginning to assert an identity, if still gangly in its adolescence. But developers and restaurateurs have faith the area will take shape. Here's what's happening:

Gillian Clark's Kitchen on K: Clark's new restaurant, inspired by her now-gone Colorado Kitchen is between four and eight weeks away from permitting. A bigger space and proximity to the Metro means Clark, now the chef at Silver Spring's General Store, plans on daytime and late night hours. In a nod to its progenitor, the menu will showcase French technique via comfort food favorites, as well as donuts during brunch her customers keep asking about. Opening dates? "Ideally spring, but there is no such thing as ideal."

Work in Progress, Todd Gray's Watershed: A few blocks from Clark's spot, Equinox chef Todd Gray and wife Ellen are opening Watershed in NoMa's Hilton Garden Inn. In addition to the raw bar, patio, restaurant and lounge, the Grays will also focus on cooking up morning meals. "D.C. has a real need for power breakfast spots," said Todd. Perhaps Clark and Gray will draw business from Charlie Palmer, the reigning champion of the genre. Watershed will be the sole restaurant in the hotel, which is slated to open in April.

On Skanska's NoMa Development: Sara Krouse of Washington Business Journal reported on the Skanska deal earlier this week, which Executive Vice President Rob Ward says is slated to become office buildings, hotels and potentially residential space. The 63,790 square foot property is located at 1st and M Streets N.E.

NoMa Living: The Loree Grand, which will house Clark's restaurant, was the first new residential projects in the area in over a century. Of the 212 residential units, 66% have been leased. Archstone also has a residential project underway, 469 apartments set for completion in late 2012.

Constitution Square: Of the 440 residential units in The Flats 130, 90 have already been leased since its opening late last year, with 19 new leases just in January. Also set to open in the area is Roti as well as the largest location of The Perfect Pita, which has leased space across from The Courtyard Marriott.

90K: Of the space that's primarily for offices, 50% has been leased. The 412,000 square foot office building also houses retail, which has yet to be claimed. Built by Clark Construction, designed by SmithGroup, the building is the newest office building by Trammel Crow Company.

111 K Street: Sales of J Street's corporate condo (pictured, right), initially fast, have stalled as buyers such as Sierra Club and YWCA have backed out.

50 Florida Avenue: This former Metro Ice warehouse just sold as a redevelopment project to B & B Realty Investments. "We are in the middle of contemplating what we want this space to become," said Rick Brown, a Principal of B&B. "We had a three to five year plan but recent growth in the area has prompted us to reconsider."

Washington DC real estate development news