A Fresh Opening WFM Florida Avenue
DESIGN BRIEF | August 2020
A Fresh Opening – Whole Foods Market – Florida Avenue
MV+A projects are often inspired by the context that surrounds them. In this case, the recently opened Whole Foods Market on Florida Avenue in Washington, D.C. is inspired by the rich, long history of the surrounding neighborhood. The store is located along the U Street corridor, once known as “Black Broadway,” which showcased the talents of many African American artists in the beginning of the 20th Century and started D.C.’s Black Renaissance.
Anchored by the Lincoln Theater, the newly restored Howard Theater, and the historic Howard University, this supermarket plays off the theater concept to act as a showcase for the array of products sold at Whole Foods. A black and white canvas with pops of color in each department greets shoppers as they navigate through the interior. Near the back of the store, a black box beer and wine department as well as a framed venue showcasing local vendors is the final act before exiting the store. An indoor café is also featured with a self-service coffee bar with a view of the nearby Howard University dorms.
The theater analogy extends to the exterior design concept where MV+A assisted the Architect of Record with the design of the retail exterior. An elevated mezzanine terrace with seating, outdoor sidewalk seating, and floor to ceiling windows all serve to act as tiered theater seating with a window to view the constantly evolving Shaw/U street neighborhood. Read more about the design of the building exterior here.
Thank you to our team members who worked tirelessly to get this new Whole Foods Market location ready for opening last month. As we work from home and experience the restrictions forced by COVID-19, we are continually grateful and proud for what our team is able to accomplish.
