EDENS announced late last month, a slate of 10 new partners arriving in Union Market’s burgeoning retail district. The rapidly expanding merchant roster represents a curated mix of homegrown businesses, global brands and culinary stars that will occupy more than 34,000 square feet of storefront in this historic northeast D.C. neighborhood.
Iconic New York restaurants Minetta Tavern and Pastis are among EDENS’ newly inked deals: a first in D.C., Keith McNally (Balthazar, Café Luxembourg, Odeon) will bring Minetta Tavern to 1287 4th Street NE; STARR Restaurant Group (St. Anselm, Bread Alley) is expanding its partnership with EDENS to include the first location in D.C. for Pastis at 1323 4th Street NE.
Locally grown District Tattoo and SOMEWHERE® have arrived, along with luxury wedding dress brand Grace Loves Lace and international clothing brand Scotch & Soda in their D.C. debuts. Herman Miller, Warby Parker, Glosslab and Maman have also joined EDENS’ Union Market District (UMD) portfolio.
The breadth of these new partnerships represents EDENS’ long-held vision for this vital hub of the city, as it continues to evolve into a well-balanced ecosystem of dynamic enterprise, creative expression and authentic community engagement.
“More than ever, people want to gather in person and share experiences and this sentiment is translating into strong momentum for Union Market District as a vital economic platform,” said Jess Bruner, Managing Director, EDENS. “Our partners see a unique opportunity to tap into the energy of this community and bolster its growing reputation as a world-class destination.”
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the re-opening of the D.C. Farmers Market, now known as “the Market.” The 14,500 square-foot facility is widely recognized as the culinary epicenter of D.C. and has inspired chefs and restaurateurs to call the broader Union Market District home. In the past decade, the 45 acres surrounding this historic landmark have transformed into a thriving retail, residential and commercial district.
UMD’s retail curation also reflects the evolving needs and expectations of the neighborhood’s growing residential and office population. Since EDENS opened the Market in 2012, nearly 6,000 residential units and 300,00 square feet of office space have been built or are under construction, with an additional 4,000 residential units and 600,000 square feet of office space in the pipeline. At full build out (est. 2028), an additional 700,000 square feet of retail space is anticipated, 400,000 square feet of which will be owned and operated by EDENS.
Pioneering vision is the driving force behind Union Market District, an historically relevant neighborhood of sights, sounds and tastes that continues to thrive today. Expanding beyond its origins as a food market to include shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and community events year-round, Union Market District is a discovery destination—a place for creative enterprise and authentic experiences.
More than 35 independent merchants and purveyors of food and drink operate within the Market, alongside a unique mix of small businesses, nationally recognized retail brands and highly rated restaurants located throughout the broader Union Market District. La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace and culinary embassy located in UMD, is designed for community and conversation—carried by a philanthropic mission to foster business education throughout Latin America. An open-air rooftop bar and green space with stunning 360-degree city views distinguishes Union Market District as a destination like no other.
EDENS is a retail real estate owner, operator, and developer of a nationally leading portfolio of 110 places. Our purpose is to enrich community through human engagement. We know that when people come together, they feel a part of something bigger than themselves and prosperity follows—economically, socially, culturally, and soulfully.
