The Menkiti Group

MLK Gateway Phase I

Project at a Glance
Location

Washington, DC

Architect

Hickok Cole; Studios Architecture

Project Type

Addition
Base Building Infrastructure
Fit-out
New Construction
Renovation
Restoration

Project Overview

  • First project in the country to utilize a combination of Opportunity Zone Funding and New Market Tax Credits, serving as a national model for economic development
  • Extensive community integration and involvement effort including quarterly Project Opportunity Fairs and local hiring goals
  • Managing construction in a bustling urban neighborhood at the corner of a highly traveled intersection

The MLK Gateway is situated on the corner of MLK Jr. Avenue and Good Hope Road––the most prominent intersection in historic Anacostia. The development will enhance Ward 8’s economic landscape by introducing commercial, shopping and gathering opportunities to the community. Enlightened, Inc, a technology and cybersecurity firm, will serve as the development’s anchor tenant and occupy 20,000 sq. ft. of space with its 150 employees. Phase One (presently underway) features the renovation of a historic retail building and a vertical addition to introduce two floors of office space. Phase Two will require the construction of a new building featuring street-level retail and restaurant space with offices above. When complete, the MLK Gateway will serve as a prominent office and incubator hub, real estate educational and career training academy and vibrant community gathering center.

The MLK Gateway is located at the most prominent intersection of Washington, DC’s historic Anacostia neighborhood. It is the first project in the country to combine Opportunity Zone Funding and New Market Tax Credits, serving as a new model for economic development. Throughout the project there has been extensive community integration and involvements such as quarterly opportunity fairs and local hiring goals. Phase Two involves construction of an out-of-the ground retail and restaurant space with offices on the upper floors. Enlightened, Inc, a technology and cybersecurity firm, will be the anchor tenant for this new office and incubator hub that will also include a real estate career training academy and community gathering space.