WASHINGTON — A group of D.C. neighbors rallying to save a century-old corner store are asking for the public's help to bring their community project to life.
Mott's Market opened on 12th Street, Southeast on Capitol Hill in 1916. The last family to own the corner store sold it to developers just two years ago. That is when the community invested in preserving this history and is now offering a chance for others to be part of the store's future.
Just blocks from Eastern Market sits another market that is a bit more unassuming, but just as valuable to the life and fabric of the Capitol Hill community. Now, neighbors are investing in Motts Market, each other and their future.
“Community is the thing that makes us feel like we belong,” said co-owner Michael Skinner.
“We’re putting our money where our hope is,” added new neighbor and investor Lexi Shultz.
When the fate of the historic market was in jeopardy, 80 neighbors rallied to save Motts Market by buying the beloved corner store back from developers for $1.3 million. For two years, neighbors have worked to renovate the market and hope to open it by the end of this summer.
“It’s an investment in community, not just an investment in the market,” Shultz said.
“We really have to credit Peyton Sherwood who's going to run Motts Market," Skinner added. "He's keeping the name, and is responsible for other great places around the city."
Skinner said the vision is to create a community space for neighbors to not only shop, but to connect, expanding the traditional market wares to offer fresh local produce, espresso, sandwiches, even wine and beer for a neighborhood happy hour.
“Because we’ll have a coffee bar, because we’ll have a sandwich bar, because we’ll have wine and beer – we can keep the market items affordable for neighbors to buy," Skinner said. “During the pandemic, people realized community was something they were missing and they weren't allowed to have it, so now I think I think post-pandemic people are really hungry for it.”
There will also be a few throwbacks to remind folks of the market’s history like some D.C. artifacts and a gumball machine.
“Kids will be able to come and ask for a quarter at the counter because no one has quarters anymore!” Skinner laughed.
Out back there will be a new covered patio where residents can have a stake in building brick by brick.
The neighbors are in the final days of their “buy a brick” campaign. They need to raise $100,000 to complete the renovation, so they're selling bricks for $500 that residents can have inscribed. Those bricks will be used to build the patio and will be visible for all to see and read.
“Some people are honoring their family or someone who's passed away," Skinner said. "One of the great quotes is, ‘our neighborhood is what we make it’ and that says it all I think."
Those interested have until April 30 to buy a brick here.