Jenkins Row on December 8, 2015. Photo by María Helena Carey
Update: THIH reader and Twitter friend Corey just told us, “Per building permit B160241, it’s going to be an AT&T store.” Thanks, Corey!
A few weeks ago, THIH reader James asked, “I went by GameStop at Jenkins Row about an hour ago and they were closed with the metal gates drawn down. Signs in the window said ‘we’re moving.’ Any news on this? Not that I’ll miss them, just hoping for a coffee spot.”
Curious as to what would become of the busy, well-placed spot at 1391 Pennsylvania Avenue SE –and completely agreeing with James that a coffeeshop would be a great thing to fill in that spot– I first contacted GameStop. Dominic, a worker at the H Street NE GameStop, 817 H Street NE, answered my most immediate query, saying that all the inventory from the Pennsylvania Avenue store had been moved permanently to H Street. Afterward, I emailed ANC commissioners Daniel Chao and Nick Burger, who informed me that for the next three months, GameStop has moved out so Edens (the firm that manages Jenkins Row) can fix the foundation around the store. There is still doubt as to whether GameStop will return, but we will wait and see.
I visited the space earlier in the week and although Mario and Lara Croft still beam from the side, all other GameStop fixtures are gone, starting with the sign. There is active work going on and an electrical permit pasted to the window.
We can all still wish for a coffeeshop, James. Thanks for sending in your question!
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