Yesterday, The Advoc8te was treated to a personal tour of the construction progress at 2010 MLK Avenue, SE. In case you have been living under a rock, most people refer to this building in downtown Historic Anacostia as the future home of Busboys & Poets. The reality is that this building was purchased by and is the project of Ward 8 nonprofit, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative. In addition to hosting the popular DC restaurant on the ground floor, the building (which is undergoing a major renovation and expansion) will be home to FSFSC’s new headquarters. See below for lots of photos of the construction progress to date.

My tour was led by the amazing Perry Moon, FSFSC’s Executive Director. Perry is so excited about what this project will do for the east of the river community. See below for Perry’s special message to the community which we filmed on the top floor of FSFSC’s building. BTW, the floor we were standing on is actually the roof of the original building! Congress Heights on the Rise continues to reach new heights!

Not only will the new Busboys & Poets provide a much needed amenity to a ward that is in desperate need of more sit-down restaurants and jobs, this development will allow the Collaborative to expand community services.  More good news, there is room for a third tenant on the main floor so any great retailers, organizations, businesses, etc. interested in some stellar commercial space in Historic Anacostia should contact the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative ASAP.

In addition to some really cool interior spaces, the views from the upper floors were simply amazing! FSFC’s new building will give DHCD and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site steep competition for the title of “Best Views in DC.”

And because this post will not be complete without a Busboys and Poets update, I did get to see B&P’s space. Things are DEFINETLY HAPPENING but I pinky swore I would not take photos. I can tell you this, the space is different from what I imagined but no less cool than what you would expect from the other B&P locations. Expect a nice sized dining room with retail space, a bar and private dining room. I predict a lot of meals will be enjoyed, fun had and the indulgence of a cocktail or two!

That’s all for now but I am cooking up something with FSFSC to celebrate Ward 8’s newest addition to the development scene.

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