Axios D.C. PM

September 14, 2026
You did it. You almost made it through Monday.
- Now let's talk shop.
📺 First, what's on the tube? It's a rare one: D.C. teams are off.
- Thank goodness for Monday Night Football. Broncos vs. Chiefs, 8:15pm, ESPN/ABC.
Today's newsletter is 543 words, a 2-minute read.
1 big thing: 🛍️ Urban malls multiply
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.
2. Catch up quick: ⌛️ Kennedy Center watch
👀 The Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees will vote tomorrow on a recommendation to close its main building immediately, per documents first reported by the Washington Post.
- The center's leaders, appointed by President Trump, warn trustees that keeping the deteriorating building open could put people in danger.
- They also warn of the institution's imminent "financial collapse" and say that putting Trump's name on the building's facade could secure his fundraising help to avoid bankruptcy.
🏟️ The Commanders and D.C. released new designs for two massive parking garages at the team's new stadium, including one with a facade inspired by wild rice that grows in the Anacostia watershed.
- They're headed for federal review, where planners have raised concerns about the garages blocking views. (WBJ)
🍸 Trendy cocktails come and go, but Washingtonian's Jessica Sidman says the espresso martini has staying power.
- It's one of Jane Jane's bestselling cocktails and it's not even on the menu. The Commodore runs through so many they put it on draft.
- And spots from Cana to La' Shukran are riffing on the recipe.
3. 🤷 Caption this: An L, but ...
We lost.*
*By two. In Philly. After that incredible play.
So ... Hail yeah or hail no?
- You know you're a Commanders fan when you lose and think, "Honestly ... not bad!"
📸 Caption this photo: Give us your best shot.
- Make us laugh and you might make the newsletter.
📖 Mimi is in New York for her book tour.
🎧 Alexa is having an Alabama Shakes day.
This newsletter was edited by Alexa Mencia Orozco and Mike Szvetitz.




