About MLK Gateway Phase I
The MLK Gateway Project will be a two-phased development.
The first phase will comprise 20,000 square feet of office above 14,600 square feet of community-facing retail. The second phase will comprise approximately 100,000 +/- square feet mixed-use buildings.
In 2016, Mayor Bowser issued an RFP seeking partners to redevelop what is now known as the first phase of the Project. A development team led by the Menkiti Group was selected and broke ground on the Project in December of 2019. The first phase is projected to deliver in the last quarter of 2021.
Please follow our blog and The Menkiti Group Facebook page for project updates and information.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROPOSED USES
The Menkiti Group will curate a strong mix of community facing retail. The first phase of the MLK Gateway Project bring numerous employment opportunities encouraging economic development.
Office Tenant:
Enlightened, Inc. ("Enlightened") is an award-winning, HUBZone certified, Information Technology (IT) and Management Consulting firm dedicated to helping our clients achieve success in meeting their objectives and solving their problems.
Retail Tenants:
Proposed retail mix may include:
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Café/Coffee House
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Financial Institution
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Sit-down restaurant
Team
The Menkiti Group has partnered with Washington, DC-based Enlightened, Inc. to create a true gateway at the most prominent intersection in Southeast DC.
Together, the two minority-owned companies are committed to delivering a project that engages local residents in pathways to opportunity in this rapidly evolving market.
In an unprecedented move for DC's tech sector, Enlightened will relocate company headquarters from the downtown CBD to MLK Gateway. The company will also operate a technology incubator and jobs training center at 1909 MLK Jr Ave.
Learn more about the partnership companies below.
Enlightened, Inc. ("Enlightened") is an award-winning, HUBZone certified, Information Technology (IT) and Management Consulting firm dedicated to helping our clients achieve success in meeting their objectives and solving their problems.
Enlightened, Inc. partners with clients to solve their toughest problems and protect their most valuable assets. They take pride in providing intelligent solutions that address the needs of the evolving business space.
With decades of expertise in providing agile cybersecurity, management consulting and software development integration, success for Enlightened, Inc. is about discerning and responding to clients’ unique challenges, then designing high-impact information technology solutions to empower business success. Their experienced leadership team is always responsive and accessible, and all employees are empowered to take rapid and responsive action to resolve emerging needs.
The Menkiti Group is an integrated real estate services company dedicated to enhancing the fabric of life in America’s urban neighborhoods through the strategic development, management, and sale of residential and commercial property.
A minority-owned Certified Business Enterprise headquartered in the District of Columbia, The Menkiti Group was founded in 2004 with a mission to transform lives, careers, and communities through real estate.
The company’s approach to urban neighborhood transformation and investment is centered upon residential and commercial development, residential sales, and commercial brokerage. The Menkiti Group builds and sells high-quality housing and invests in commercial properties along emerging neighborhood corridors, and transform abandoned and underutilized properties into exciting and affordable homes and workspaces.
Menkiti Group projects range from single-family residential renovations to new condominium projects, the development and tenanting of main street commercial properties, to large-scale mixed-use transit-oriented development projects.
PHASE I DETAILS
PHASE I BRINGS
A new home to minority-owned tech firm HQ
+ Job training and business accelerator for ward 7 & 8 residents and small businesses in tech & real estate
20 COMPANIES ENGAGED
In the design, marketing, and development of the project
15 DC-based
14 minority/women-owned
13 CBE’s
83% OF NEW HIRES ARE DC RESIDENTS
60% of whom have been Ward 8 residents
67% are from Wards 7 & 8
2 WARD 8 SUB CONTRACTORS
20 RESIDENTS OF WARDS 7 & 8
Are already employed on construction of Phase I
*numbers from 10/2020
