Business Ins & Outs: Citibank, My Little Chamomile, J.Crew, Alfie’s
By • March 24, 2025 0 489
In: Citibank, Next to Martin’s
The Georgetown Citibank Center at 1258 Wisconsin Ave. NW is set for a soft opening on March 26, followed by a grand opening in May.
The New York-based bank now occupies the Greek Revival building, built in 1851, once known as Forrest Hall, where community gatherings occurred for decades. Mark Twain gave lectures there. The building served as a prison during the Civil War. Having most recently housed a Gap store, the historic building sits next to Martin’s Tavern.
Citi’s flagship, state-of-the-art two-story branch is totally 21st century, however.
“This investment reflects Citi’s deep commitment to our clients and the Greater Washington, D.C. community. Our new flagship location in Georgetown will serve the region as a hub for connection, growth, and opportunity through events, educational programs, and more,” Ed Patterson, Central Southeast Region Head at Citi, told The Georgetowner. “Its modern, flexible design and state-of-the-art features create a welcoming space where clients can meet with us and navigate change with confidence—all while reflecting Citi’s emphasis on community.”
The Georgetown Citibank Center features design details that are unique to the branch, including a biophilic wall, featuring the image of a cherry blossom branch and a Hero Wall that is a localized geographic reference to Georgetown.
The location will have approximately 10 Citibank employees, including Wealth colleagues. Citi has 32 branches located throughout the Washington area.
My Little Chamomile at 3210 Cherry Hill Lane NW. Courtesy My Little Chamomile.
In: My Little Chamomile … in the Alley
Green Almond Pantry at 3210 Grace St. NW has a sister restaurant — My Little Chamomile — part of the Grace Street Collective. Last week, chef-owner Çağla Önal opened the 42-seat restaurant in the same tucked away alleyway as the restaurant Reverie.
At 3210 Cherry Hill Lane NW, My Little Chamomile — a nickname for Önal by her mother — features homestyle Turkish-Mediterranean cooking for dinner. Originally from Istanbul, Önal is pleased to offer sit-down dinners, 5 to 10 p.m.
Moving: J.Crew Goes Down M
A little bit of musical chairs going on here with some retail.
The J.Crew clothing store at 3262 M St. NW, part of the Georgetown Park shopping complex, has closed. There are plans for it to move to 3077 M St. NW — in the old Brooks Brothers and Showfields space, as first reported by PoPville. Landlord EastBanc confirmed a reopening by early fall.
“We’re happy to see J.Crew further its commitment to Georgetown with this relocation,” said Philippe Lanier, principal at EastBanc. “When brand leaders such as J.Crew continue to commit to Georgetown, it strengthens the neighborhood’s reputation as a leading shopping destination and a place where businesses can thrive.”
Lululemon was temporarily at 31st and M during the remodeling phase of its first location at 3265 M St. NW, across from the former J.Crew space, which is reportedly being readied for the Japanese casual wear retailer Uniqlo.
Coming: Alfie’s in Hamilton Court
Alfie’s, the short-lived Thai pop-up restaurant from the chef behind Lucky Buns, will be resurrected in Georgetown this summer, according to the Washington Business Journal, which reported last week: “Chef Alex McCoy has inked a deal for space at 1228½ 31st St. NW, part of Hamilton Court, which is undergoing a major renovation from developers Ezra and Jessica Glass, as The Georgetowner recently reported. McCoy is teaming up on the second iteration of Alfie’s with chef Justin Ahn of Annandale Korean fusion restaurant Incheon.”
McCoy and Ahn promise a new and improved Alfie’s when the roughly 1,000-square-foot restaurant opens. “What we have now is the benefit of almost eight years of innovation since the original menus,” McCoy told WBJ.
Coming: Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret is coming to 1220 Wisconsin Ave. NW, according to plans filed with the Old Georgetown Board, Topher Mathews reports. The building formerly held a Massimo Dutti shop that closed in 2019.
