WASHINGTON, DC, October 29, 2013: This season, visit the Lobby Project at 1200 First Street, NE and enjoy a new hub of activity, where you can connect, learn, use free wifi and enjoy tasty treats. A three-month pilot project, the Lobby Project is the brainchild of Harriet Tregoning, Director of the DC Office of Planning, and is being implemented by the NoMa BID.
“We are very interested in using all the assets of the city more intensely,” Tregoning said. “In this case, an office lobby can become a real gathering place in the neighborhood – a ‘Third Place’ where people can socialize, work remotely and collaborate with others, adding a new vibrant destination in NoMa. The Office of Planning is thrilled to partner with the NoMa BID on this pilot initiative.”
Principal Financial Group, Polinger Shannon & Luchs and NoMa design firm Ayers Saint Gross donated their services and resources to create a beautiful and inviting space at the corner of First and M Streets, NE. Other partners include Uncle Chip’s Cookies, Washington Project for the Arts, and Union Kitchen.
“We’re excited to be part of this cutting-edge experiment envisioned by the Office of Planning, and use it as an opportunity to bring cool space and cultural events to the neighborhood,” said Robin-Eve Jasper, President of the NoMa Business Improvement District.
The Lobby Project will feature art pieces from three local artists. Curated by the Washington Project for the Arts, each exhibit will open on a Thursday evening, 6-8 PM. Gabriel Mellan’s exhibit will open November 14, Amanda Burnham’s on December 12 and Edmond van der Bijl’s on January 23. Please RSVP for these free events at www.NerdsintheLobby.com
‘Nerds in NoMa’ is a free speaker series that will let you explore your favorite nerdy topics, from transportation to beekeeping to local brewing. On six Tuesday evenings this winter, bring your happy hour crowd for a few drinks and learn something new from the city’s top experts. Wine, beer and tasty light fare will be available for purchase from the vendors of Union Kitchen. Save the date for December 3, December 17, January 14, January 28, February 11, and February 18. All evening events will be from 6-8 PM. Please RSVP (events are free) for the art openings and speaker series at www.NerdsintheLobby.com
As part of the Lobby Project, food and beverages will also be available to get your work day going in the right direction. Each weekday from 8-11 AM, Uncle Chip’s Cookies will offer coffee, muffins, hand-made granola bars, vegan treats and a variety of savory and sweet baked goods for purchase in the lobby. Uncle Chip’s is a bakery and café on North Capitol Street, NW.
Special Thanks:
This project would not be possible without the generosity and creativity of building owner Principal, building manager Polinger Shannon and Luchs, design firm Ayers Saint Gross, Interface, the DC Office of Planning, Washington Project for the Arts, Uncle Chip’s Cookies and Union Kitchen. For more information, visit www.NerdsintheLobby.com. Sync with NoMa’s Google calendar to stay updated.
About NoMa
NoMa is a vibrant, growing neighborhood north of Union Station and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. In the last seven years, private developers have invested more than $5 billion in the 35 blocks within the NoMa BID boundary, and have plans to develop more than 20 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, and retail space. With a capital investment of $50 million from the DC government, NoMa will soon have great new parks and public spaces as well. NoMa is now home to 40,000 daytime workers, with 4.5 million SF leased in the last 5 years. More than 3,900 apartments have been recently completed or are under construction. NoMa has 13 modes of transportation, including two Red Line Metro stops, and the best biking facilities in D.C., with the only East Coast Bikestation, the 8-mile Metropolitan Branch Trail, and access to six Capital Bikeshare stations. NoMa is the most connected neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The NoMa BID organizes more than 50 free award-winning community events each year, connecting more than 20,000 friends and neighbors. For more information about NoMa, visit nomabid.wpengine.com and sign up for our bimonthly newsletter. Follow us on Twitter @NoMaBID and like us on Facebook.
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For immediate release
News media contact:
Rachel L. Davis
202-997-3846
Director of Marketing & Events
NoMa Business Improvement District
(P): 202 289-0111 ext. 3