In this new series, "Distinct Districts," we will highlight some of our favorite local corridors – thoroughfares ripe with clusters of unique businesses, interesting architecture or use of space and other factors that work in tandem to make Lexington a wonderful place to live, shop, work and play. This first installment examines the impressive urban renewal project surrounding National Avenue, a hidden gem not far from Chevy Chase.
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National Avenue corridor transitions to thriving small-business community
When David Hungerford, an established independent jeweler who operated an upscale shop in Palomar Center, first saw a property for rent on North Ashland Avenue, near the corner of National Avenue, he didn’t believe it could possibly work for his business.
“It was a dusty old warehouse, and I remembered from the past that the whole area had a reputation of being rundown and almost creepy,” he said of the building, which was formerly a GE Supply warehouse.
Fortunately, Hungerford’s friend and colleague Cindy Hicks, who was also looking for a new place, had better vision. Following her lead, Hungerford signed the lease and moved his business, David Hungerford Fine Jewelers, in a year ago.
“I’m glad I did,” he said. “It turned out to be a perfect place for my business: affordable, fun, fashionable and convenient.”
Hicks, who owns Designs Unlimited Fine Jewelers with her husband, Bill, said that in the beginning her husband, too, was skeptical about renting on North Ashland, until he realized how much the area had changed recently, for the better.
As for the building at 309 North Ashland, the renovated warehouse where the Hicks’ and Hungerford’s businesses are now located, it looks nothing like a “dusty old warehouse” after being renovated by development, leasing and property management group Walker Properties. The local developers have put years of effort into the “National corridor” –– which includes portions of Walton and North Ashland avenues as well as National Avenue –– following a vision of transforming the former industrial area into a hub for artists, eateries, studios and other creative businesses.
The former warehouse on North Ashland is only one of a number of old industrial structures in the area that have been renovated within the past few years. Others include the old Perry Lumber Company at 250 Walton Ave., which now houses upscale art and advertising businesses, and the former 7-Up, Orange Crush and beer bottling depot, which is now the well-appointed French bakery, restaurant and beer hall National Provisions. By the end of the year, the sprawling storefront will expand to also include a brasserie restaurant and a food market.
The 12-acre area, east of downtown and adjacent to the Mentelle Park and Kenwick neighborhoods, is in the process of becoming a booming business area that brings new vibrant energy to downtown Lexington.
“It used to be very industrial, and now it’s eclectic, upbeat and very charming. It’s like a tiny downtown within downtown,” said Kelly Stoddart, who owns Ashland Avenue’s Seasons Catering & Special Occasions with her husband, Mike.
Andrea Sims, who along with her husband, Krim Boughalem, owns and operates National Provisions, said that “it’s easier to build a new building than find use of the existing one, but that’s how you lose history.”
“The Walkers did a great job seeing the value of the old industrial buildings and finding ways of using them,” she added.
Business owners credit the Walkers for more than just saving the industrial structures that are part of Lexington’s past.
“They want us to grow and succeed,” said Stoddart. “They always have a bigger picture in mind and plan carefully, making sure that new tenants won’t interfere with the existing businesses.”
Greg Walker agreed that his company’s vision goes beyond straightforward redevelopment.
“It’s not like you move into a strip mall and don’t know people around you,” he said. “Our idea is building a community.”
Walker said that his company recently completed phase two of the three-phase plan. “We’re now moving into the largest and most exciting final phase of the area renovation plan,” he said. “This phase focuses on the National Avenue part of the cluster.”
The pinnacle of the phase three, Walker said, is the renovation of the Old Sportsman Liquor Store on the corner of National and Walton. The building will become a local eatery. In addition, a new building will be constructed “from the ground up.”
“We’re already having a lot of interest from local businesses,” said Walker. He said he can’t disclose what kind of new places will be open on National Avenue in the future but assured that “it’s going to make the area even more vibrant.”
In the meantime, the district already offers a whole lot for Lexingtonians.
On the other side of Designs Unlimited is Centered, a yoga, massage, meditation and tai chi studio, which also hosts painting parties and monthly music art events. Next door is Dry Art, a hair salon; and in a walking distance are the Rag Peddler Fabric Store; House, a gift and design shop; several fitness establishments; and the Picket Brass, a unique shop that has already gained national acclaim making mouthpieces for brass instruments.
Shaun Ring, owner of Shaun Ring Photography studio, said he appreciates “being close to the like-minded business owners who want something new and fresh.”
Holly Hanna, an independent interior designer whose business resides next door to the Hicks’ Designs Unlimited Fine Jewelers, said that while being “artsy, eclectic and upscale,” the business community is “not exclusive.”
“It’s people-oriented; it’s warm and inviting,” she said.
Lauren Higdon, owner of Centered, said the area has gone through a “complete transformation.”
“It used to be a cut-through, and now it’s a destination for many people. It is so inspiring,” she said.
Michelle Newby Armstrong, who lives on Aurora Avenue, a short walking distance from the area, likes what its become. In addition to having her personal art exhibited at Centered, she takes yoga classes, while her husband, Patrick, comes for massage sessions and their 8-year-old son, Bren, accompanies them to every music and art event they go to.
“It’s exciting to see the area change so much,” she said.