January 21, 2000
Mayor Williams and Members of City Council Confirm Kmart Considering Locating in District of Columbia
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams and members of the City Council today confirmed that national retailer Kmart is considering locating a store in Northeast Washington. Kmart has begun to study the feasibility of opening a store on a site in the Northeast corridor of Ward 5.
"Our citizens have spoken clearly that building and sustaining strong neighborhoods where people can dine, shop, work and play, is their top priority for the city," said Mayor Williams. "I am pleased that Kmart has accepted our invitation to take advantage of the retail opportunities in the city. Its leadership in opening up these dynamic new markets encourages other major retailers to locate their businesses in our city."
"The visit of city leaders to the International Council of Shopping Centers, ICSC, in Las Vegas last year has quickly borne fruit. Kmart's interest in putting down stakes in Washington, DC neighborhoods is a result of those efforts," said Councilmember Charlene Drew Jarvis, Chair, Committee on Economic Development.
"I am very excited about the possibility of Kmart locating in Ward 5," said Councilmember Vincent G. Orange, Sr, Ward 5 Councilmember. "The interest shown by Kmart demonstrates that Ward 5 is now being appreciated for the vibrant, growing community it is. I remain committed to making economic development a reality for Ward 5 as well as all of our neighborhoods throughout the city."
If Kmart decides to move to the city it could mean several hundred jobs for residents. Representatives of Kmart are working with the city to explore a Northeast location for its first store in the city.
