Barry Farm Redevelopment Project Launches Retail Opportunities at The Edmonson
A key step in building a complete community, bringing jobs, services, and locally owned businesses to Barry Farm.
Washington, D.C. — The Barry Farm Redevelopment Project, led by Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) in partnership with the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), today announced the launch of applications for retail opportunities at The Edmonson, a new mixed-use development in Southeast Washington, D.C.
The Edmonson, currently under construction, will deliver 139 affordable homes alongside approximately 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, designed to serve both residents and the surrounding community. These retail opportunities are a key component of the broader redevelopment effort, which aims to create a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood rooted in economic opportunity, community identity, and long-term stability.
Through a collaborative ecosystem of partners; including the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), Building Bridges Across the River, and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, the retail program will provide entrepreneurs with access to affordable commercial space, technical assistance, legal support, and capital resources. This integrated approach is designed to ensure that local businesses, particularly those based in Wards 7 and 8, are positioned to grow and thrive as investment continues across the Anacostia River corridor.
“Retail is a critical part of building a complete and connected community,” said Maia Shanklin-Roberts, Vice President of Real Estate Development at POAH. “On the Barry Farm Redevelopment Project, we are intentionally creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in a space that reflects the culture, history, and future of this neighborhood. This is about more than leasing space, it’s about building pathways to economic mobility and ensuring that longtime residents and small business owners can share in the growth of their community.
Applications are now open for DC residents and DC businesses interested in securing space at The Edmonson. Priority will be given to local, independent businesses and neighborhood-serving retail concepts, including restaurants, service providers, and retail shops that contribute to a dynamic and inclusive commercial corridor.
The retail initiative builds on POAH’s broader commitment to equitable development at Barry Farm, which includes one-for-one replacement housing, right-to-return policies, and community-centered engagement practices. Together, these efforts ensure that the redevelopment delivers not only new housing, but also meaningful economic opportunity for residents and entrepreneurs alike.
Interested businesses can learn more and apply by visiting the Barry Farm Redevelopment Project website or email freddie@lewisreservices.com.
