Nesso Plaza urban mall plans second D.C. location in Tenleytown

Mimi Montgomery

Grayscale isometric rendering of a multi-story urban building with a rooftop terrace, balconies, and a long row of outdoor dining along the sidewalk; surrounding blocks visible in the background. — A rendering of the future Tenleytown project. Image: Courtesy of Square 134

The developers behind an "urban mall" coming to H Street Northeast are already planning a second — this time in Tenleytown.

Why it matters: Nesso Plaza is trying to solve a problem for D.C.'s small businesses: finding storefronts that actually fit their needs.

State of play: The H Street site is expected to open next year, with tenants lined up including Bread Par Avion and Qualia Coffee.

And a second Nesso Plaza is in the works on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown, with plans to open in spring 2028, says Jonathan Askarinam, one of the project's developers.
The site: A former PNC Bank that Askarinam calls "a dead zone" and hopes to revive.

What they're saying: "It's hard to find well-designed, appropriately sized spaces in DC [for smaller businesses]," he says. "So if we're able to create spaces that are small but workable, it can give independent operators a chance to really succeed."

Zoom in: Plans for the Tenleytown site include a rooftop restaurant, bar and event space, plus a revamped backlot for outdoor dining and gathering.

Tenants are still TBD, but expect a focus on local food and beverage, wellness, retail and kids-focused businesses, says Askarinam
One possibility: A wellness spot like a sauna or bathhouse or a golf simulator in the bank's former basement.

What we're watching: Construction is expected to start next year and finish up by 2028, says Askarinam.

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Nesso Plaza urban mall plans second D.C. location in Tenleytown

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