WASHINGTON — The Walter E. Washington Convention Center continues to transform its 9th Street retail strip on the Shaw neighborhood’s south end, this time with the addition of a new bar and a new restaurant.
Unconventional Diner, a locally owned upscale, traditional American diner from Michele Richard chef David Deshaies, and Morris American Bar, a cocktail bar that is the first stand-alone drink concept from cocktail craftsman David Strauss are opening along the convention center’s retail space.
They join Union Kitchen Grocery and Urban Athletic Club, which opened this summer.
Union Kitchen has another location on Capitol Hill. Urban Athletic Club runs other locations in Georgetown and Glover Park.
“Under Chef David Deshaies’ watchful eye, we are striving to create a special neighborhood restaurant that helps to redefine modern comfort food,” said Eric Eden, owner of Unconventional Diner.
“Morris American Bar is my first stand-alone project, where I’ve been able to oversee everything from the menu, service and décor from the get-go, and I couldn’t be more excited to be in the heart of Shaw alongside some great neighbors,” said David Strauss.
Other retail tenants along the Convention Center’s 9th Street strip include Smoked & Staked, Composition ID and Cuttin’ Barbershop.
The Convention Center has now filled 100 percent of the available space along its street-facing retail strip.
Events DC said that the leases collectively represent $7 million in revenue over 10 years.
The retail is part of a longer-term streetscape plan that Events DC has for the exterior perimeter of the convention center that includes new lighting, signage, canopies and furniture.
