Curious Cats Spring 2010: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B Meeting

Within the last couple of years many restaurants in the D.C. area are looking to expand in order to accommodate more guests and the growing popularity of the nation’s capital. Masa 14, a fusion restaurant located at 14^th and T Street, plans to add an outdoor dining space on the rooftop this spring. However, local residents are worried that the expansion will result in more noise after midnight.

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B met in the U street corridor and Commissioner E. Gail Anderson Holness, the committee’s newly elected chairperson, led the meeting. There were about thirty-to-forty community members and organization representatives present.

On behalf of owner Richard Sandoval, restaurant representatives presented the benefits of the expansion with packets of historical information and blueprints of the site. The proposal includes a rooftop dining space that will be open until one o’clock in the morning each evening. The fusion restaurant has done well since it’s grand opening in mid-October and would like to increase customer turnover through the expansion.

Masa 14 is a fusion restaurant, serving Latin and Asian dishes. The 5,000 square-foot restaurant will house one of the largest bars in the DC area with a 65-foot long, 74-seat bar/lounge, which is divided into three sections. Also, guests can view the open kitchen complete with a wood-fired brick oven.

Many local residents voiced their opinions on the expansion. Several residents believe that they (as residents) should revaluate whether or not they’re comfortable with the changing environment on U Street. This is an environment filled with clubs, bars and lounges. Noise, is the primary issue concerning neighbors. In response, representatives from Masa 14say noise will be at a minimum because it is a restaurant and not a club. Still, residents rolled their eyes and laughed at his statement.

Due to time constraints, the issue concerning Masa 14 was not fully resolved and was advanced to another city board for review. The owner and his business partners are very adamant about their expansion plans. However, in the closing statements, man who lives in a condominium complex next to the Donovan said, “the rooftop expansion of the Donovan has truly enhanced the neighborhood and the fabric of the community.”

Sandoval believes his establishment can restore an outdoor-dining experience that was present on T Street over 100 years ago. In the 1830s a restaurant named Geyer’s was one of the most popular restaurants in D.C. The restaurant was located in the very same lot as Masa 14, however, the residential landscape of the community has changed drastically since the 17^th century. Geyer’s was a two-story restaurant with a palm garden for outdoor dining. The team at Masa 14 believes that their restaurant has the potential to be one of the most popular restaurants on the block.

The historic U Street Corridor is known for being a "city within a city" for the African American community. In the 1920s and 1930s the area witnessed thriving cultural development with entertainers such as Sarah Vaughn, Pearl Bailey, Cab Calloway, and Edward "Duke" Ellington (a D.C. native.) Over the years the U Street neighborhood has transformed as a result of new populations moving into the area. With a clear growth in entertainment and dining locations, residence are concerned with the effect these evening destinations will have on their community.

ANC meetings serve the purpose to inform and develop communal bonds. Without the interest of the community in their own progression, these meetings would not serve a substantial purpose. There was an assortment of individuals in attendance from all walks of life interested in the Masa 14 expansion because it doesn’t affect a type of people; it affects a community of people. The next ANC meeting will take place in the same location March 4^th, 2010. For more information, feel free to browse the anc1b.org website.