Union Market District - Gorove Slade

Street Level or Roof Top: It’s All About the Experience

Description

Union Market District is a vibrant 45-acre neighborhood that combines heritage with innovation. Historically, the area was known as a wholesale district and is evolving into a dynamic mix of residential buildings, independent shops, maker spaces, and destination dining experiences. The Rooftop at Union Market offers a 360-degree city vista and serves as a lively hub for entertainment and community engagement. At the same time, the legacy of the original district can be found in many of the long-time commercial establishments that remain.

Gorove Slade has worked with EDENS, JBG Smith, Gallaudet University, LCOR, Kettler, and other developers on the many projects that are bringing this lively area to fruition. Our support has included site plan design, transportation reviews, transportation demand management measures, coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Office of Planning (DCOP), and testimony before the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Zoning Commission. The plans and changes to the public realm are designed to balance the needs of existing industrial users with those of pedestrians and cyclists, creating a safe, low-speed vehicular environment that is pleasant for retailers and visitors alike.

Union Market District has a rich history dating back over two centuries.

The Union Terminal Market opened to the public in February 1931, featuring 700 vendor stalls and a public café. After facing a series of challenges in the mid-20th century, the historic Market building was renovated in 2012 following a fire, transforming it into a thriving marketplace and retail incubator for over 40 local makers and artisans.

The commercial activity within the public space of Union Market defines it as a unique district in Washington, DC. Historically, patrons walked between vendors and their wares displayed on streets within the market. As the area continues to undergo redevelopment, there is a focus on widening sidewalks and narrowing roadways to create a more walkable and pedestrian-oriented place while maintaining the area’s industrial character.

To enhance the street-level experience, Union Market has developed streetscape guidelines through a collaborative process involving DDOT and DCOP. These guidelines aim to maintain a lively street life by incorporating new commercial uses, unifying the streetscape, and ensuring the transportation network accommodates all users. Special attention has been given to the historic core streets – 4th Street, 5th Street, and Morse Street – which are designed to allow flexibility for sidewalk cafes, vending, small parks, and public art.

Along 6th Street NE, Gorove Slade collaborated with multiple stakeholders to develop streetscape plans that incorporated DeafBlind principles while implementing standards included in the Union Market Streetscape Guidelines. These improvements also included a protected bicycle facility, enhanced safety improvements along the corridor, new traffic signals, and allowed for the project to balance the movement of people with placemaking and specific context-specific neighborhood needs.

Details

Client: EDENS, JBG Smith, Gallaudet University, LCOR, Kettler, Grosvenor, Gables
Location: Washington, DC
Services: Studies, Planning, Design, Parking, Operations, Entitlement

“Gorove Slade’s technical expertise has been instrumental in helping EDENS strike a balance between preserving Union Market’s authentic roots as a wholesale district and cultivating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Their implementation of the streetscape guidelines, approach to urban site design, and support navigating DDOT’s approval process has allowed us to create a unique neighborhood experience in Washington, DC. Through a reimagination of the historic core streets and flexible treatments of the public realm, not only has the visitor experience been enhanced but a great place continues to be created that will serve the new residents of Union Market, the Gallaudet University community, and the larger DC region.”

William C. Caldwell, AIA, AICP, LEEP AP

Chief Development Officer, EDENS