Exploring NoMa with Maura Brophy, President & CEO of NoMa BID

What was first imagined to be a downtown-adjacent office district is now a thriving mixed-use community, welcoming NoMa residents and commuters alike.

Our Cresa DC team had the privilege of exploring Washington DC’s NoMa neighborhood with the one who knows it best: Maura Brophy, President and CEO of the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID). Maura joined the BID five years ago, excited by the opportunity to facilitate the changes that continue to transform NoMa from its previous “soulless” reputation to a true urban neighborhood of diverse opportunities, people, and businesses.

STOP 1: NOMA BID OFFICE AT THE ULINE ARENA

We met up with Maura at the Uline Arena, 1140 3rd St NE, where Cresa DC received a tour of the NoMa BID office within, followed by a presentation on NoMa as a whole and the BID’s role there. Maura gave us perspective on the historic state of the neighborhood and some of the BID’s initiatives that have turned it into what we would see on our tour.
NoMa’s redevelopment began in the early 2000s, when a plan was created to turn the neighborhood into a technology, media, and arts district to recover from a period of financial despair in the 1990s. The plan included upzoning to allow for greater housing density, an infill metro station along the existing Red Line, and temporary tax abatements to incentivize residents and businesses to settle in NoMa.

We set off from the office for Maura to show us how the plan has come to fruition across the past 20 years, and the role the BID played in it.

STOP 2: 3RD AND M STREET NE

We turned left out of the Uline Arena, heading down 3rd Street NE and stopping at the intersection with M Street NE. Maura pointed out the significance of this view, which has changed dramatically since the redevelopment commenced and become one of NoMa’s two main commercial areas, along with 1st Street NE.

“It looked nothing like this [before the redevelopment plan]. Today you see a hotel, residential, double-lined retail.”

Third & M St NE in 2009

Third & M St NE in 2023

STOP 3: M STREET AND DELAWARE AVENUE NE

Taking a left on M Street, we walked along the north side of the Uline Arena and Maura explained to us its significance, both historically and presently. The Uline Arena hosted the Beatles’ first US concert in 1964 and President Eisenhower’s first inaugural ball in 1953, among many other significant events that are proudly displayed in the lobby of the Arena.

In more recent history, the REI flagship store was established on the first floor on Uline Arena, on the corner of Delaware and M Street NE.

“The REI flagship store was a huge get for the neighborhood, still a huge asset for the neighborhood. This is the busiest bike shop in their entire portfolio. Very smartly located next to the [Metropolitan Branch Trail]. Great home for them. We're very happy that they're here. This retail was some of the earliest retail to come and really sent a strong signal to that market.”

REI Co-op Flagship store at 201 M St NE was beneficial to both the neighborhood’s retail industry and the biking lifestyle popular in NoMa. Source: Costar.com

Continuing on M Street, past the REI store, we walked through the underpass that features the “Rain” art display. Maura explained that the art scene in NoMa has played a major part in its evolution.

“People used to say of NoMa that it was soulless, that it had no personality, and I think that that has really changed and will continue to change. I think that the work that we do to beautify the neighborhood through public art, plays a big role in that. The neighborhood has grown to have a pretty significant arts identity, which has been embraced by others.”

“Rain” art project at M Street and Delaware Avenue NE. Photo source: acryliccommunity.com

STOP 4: M AND 1ST STREET NE

Through the underpass, we paused on the corner of 1st and M Street NE. From here, the view was a perfect encapsulation of what NoMa has become.

“We can stand in one place and kind of see those three things: office, retail, hotel.”

Maura identified the many buildings in our view, including older mixed-use office spaces, newer residential office buildings, and Stonebridge’s Constitution Square, a six-building, 2.7M SF multi-use complex. Stonebridge’s investment began in 2006, early in NoMa’s redevelopment, and was a major catalyst for the progress to come.

“This was a huge investment. It sent a huge signal that this neighborhood was worthy of investment and that all these different things could coexist successfully.”

Despite the block having filled out significantly, Maura pointed out lots with vacancy and active construction that demonstrate the development that is yet to come. From here we could also see the recent extension of the bike lanes, now running all the way up to R Street.

Continuing down 1st Street NE, NoMa’s other main retail area, Maura noted that much of the street’s retail served offices and the lunchtime crew. In the last several months, NoMa has seen many new restaurants opening up. We asked Maura why she thought new businesses are attracted to NoMa.

“They say retail follows roofs. Which really means that retail follows people. So I think that the restaurant industry really responds to critical masses of density, and they see that here. I also think that restaurants like to be around other restaurants. [NoMa is the] perfect kind of place in which the restaurants are collectively attracting people rather than competing with each other.”

Aside from retail, we inquired about businesses that may be looking for office space. Why would Maura recommend a business establish office space in NoMa?

“I think what NoMa has to offer that's unique is that it's a place where talent wants to be. They can attract that talent because it's likely that a lot of people who work for them will want to live in the neighborhood. It's also a place where even if you don't live in the neighborhood, you can get here easily. So it removes a huge barrier to people coming to the office. Not only that, but because there's so much happening here, it provides an incentive for people to come and choose to be in the office.”

STOP 5: 2ND AND N STREET NE

We turned on N Street NE and made our way toward 2nd Street NE. Maura called attention to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to our left and the NoMa-Gallaudet metro entrance to our right.

“The neighborhood is an example of transit-oriented development, and so we point to the very first buildings [like ATF] as proof that the metro station and that investment really drew a lot of attention, really catalyzed a lot of that growth.”

STOP 6: FLORIDA AVENUE AND 3RD STREET NE

We turned right on Florida Avenue NE and continued until we reached 3rd Street NE, where Maura pointed out the construction site of a 112-unit affordable housing complex. Maura told us that NoMa is 75% built out with only 25% left to go, and the number of cranes in the neighborhood has dropped to just two compared to 14 a few years ago, indicating that while the neighborhood is still growing, the progress has slowed from the rapid expansion of the past 20 years.

When asked about the impact of construction on the neighborhood, Maura absolutely sees it as a positive.

“We love to see construction. It's a good thing for the neighborhood. Yes, it can be a little disruptive, but we're happy that this is here. We'll live through that and then we'll benefit from having the new buildings, the new people that come and occupy them.”

STOP 7: 3RD AND N STREET NE

Turning on 3rd Street NE, Maura points out the space at the intersection with N Street that will become the new metro entrance. After over a decade of advocating for a third entrance to the Metro station due to the pressing need for enhanced accessibility and connectivity, the entrance was officially approved in 2024, with construction to begin in 2028. Maura and the rest of the NoMa BID team are excited for the new entrance to support their mission of an even more accessible and connected future for the neighborhood.

Continuing down 3rd Street NE, Maura pointed out various newly opened or upcoming businesses and events, including Manifest, Lucy Bar, PumpkinPalooza, and the Thursday Farmers Market. The NoMa BID is constantly hosting and promoting events in the neighborhood in their mission to make NoMa known as a place where people want to be! Keep up with NoMa events here.

Rendering of the proposed metro entrance at 1240 Third Street, NE. Source: https://www.popville.com/2024/06/new-entrance-for-noma-gallaudet-metro-approved-in-dc-budget/

STOP 8: 3RD AND M STREET NE

We finish our tour where we began, at the corner of 3rd and M Street NE, but with an entirely new perspective on the neighborhood. In just a short lap around the block, we were overwhelmed by the opportunities for employers, residents, visitors, and anyone in between. 

Thank you to Maura Brophy and the team at NoMa BID for giving us an inside look into this dynamic and accessible neighborhood in Northeast Washington, DC. The BID has done an incredible job of transforming NoMa into a neighborhood where people want to be! Whether you think NoMa could be the right fit for your company's office space or you’re still exploring your options, connect with Cresa to find the neighborhood that best supports your people and goals.