Adams-Morgan African Arts Center Closing; Housing to Replace 10 Shops In Gentrifying Neighborhood

The Belmont Arts Center, a collaborative of African Americancultural merchants in rapidly gentrifying Adams-Morgan, will closethis week because the building's new owner wants to build high-endapartments or condominiums there.

For nine years, the brown brick structure at the corner of 18thStreet and Belmont Road NW has housed about 10 shops sellingpaintings, sculpture, ceramics, dolls and clothing.

The center hosted exhibitions and book signings and strengthenedthe bohemian flair of a neighborhood that once was known primarilyfor ethnic eateries and diversity but now is at least equally notablefor its sizzling luxury housing market. The arts center was createdby the late Jamal Mims, a jewelry designer who wanted to build abusiness incubator for aspiring black artists.

"It was the 'art' and soul of the neighborhood," quipped PatPatrick, a commercial real estate broker and past president of theAdams Morgan Business and Professional Association who has lived inthe neighborhood for 30 years. "And what it's going to be replacedwith is something that's beginning to split neighborhoods apart --gentrification."

The 5,700-square-foot building, assessed in 1999 at slightly morethan $600,000, was sold last month for $800,000. The buyer was alimited partnership called BN International, whose owner did not wantto be identified, said Chris Bosworth, a broker with CB Richard Elliswho represented the seller.

Bosworth said the new owner will keep the building's basementtenant, a hip store called "Shake Your Booty" that opens onto 18thStreet, but convert the three levels accessible from the row house'sBelmont Road entrance into a multi-unit residence.

Those new residences are part of a luxury housing boom echoingacross the center of Washington -- from downtown to Logan Circle,from U Street to Dupont. In Adams-Morgan alone, developers arebuilding 66 luxury condos and a parking garage just off 18th Streetat the site of what used to be the neighborhood's lone parking lot.Another 25 condos are under construction on nearby Champlain Street.

Tenants of the Belmont Arts Center received a letter from theirformer landlord, Leslie Alperstein, in mid-February, saying theirmonthly leases would end March 31.

The artists and merchants have spent the last few weeks packing,notifying customers and saying goodbye. Some will put their wares instorage while they seek new space, while others will reorient theirbusinesses to sell on the Internet or at craft fairs and trade shows.

"If I were to rent some place, I feel really threatened that thesame thing might happen to me again," said Millee Spears, who designsclothing made from textiles from the African diaspora and othercultures.

Spears, who lives and designs in Anacostia, paid about $550 amonth for a 400-square-foot shop on the first floor of the artscenter. She will now market her clothing at special events andthrough www.africancrafts.com.

Karl Graham, who sold a variety of African-themed works by morethan two dozen artists, said he hopes to buy new space somewhere inthe District but doubts that he can afford much in his currentneighborhood.

"I wouldn't have to worry about having to be uprooted," Grahamsaid of owning his own store. "I'd have more control, and that'simportant, I think."

The proliferation of high-priced housing in Adams-Morgan will putpressure on residents and commercial enterprises located in theneighborhood for years, Patrick said. Rents will rise, and newer,wealthier residents may prefer higher-end restaurants and retail tothe sometimes quirky mom-and-pop establishments that help to giveAdams-Morgan its offbeat flavor.

"You've seen the way they've been pushed out of Dupont Circle,"Patrick said. "You've seen the way they've been pushed out ofGeorgetown. Regrettably, Adams-Morgan's going to be next."

He and others lamented the loss of the arts center because of theglimpse it gave customers of the diversity within this city.

"It's a cultural venue, not just a shopping venue," said YvonneRobinson Darricarrere, who offers walking tours of the District for"the culturally and intellectually curious."

Darricarrere said she included the center on her tours as acounterpoint to the monuments, memorials and long-ago history thatdraws so many tourists to the nation's capital. Friday, she paid afinal visit.

"It's so sad," she said to no one in particular, descending thegrand central staircase. "I'm going to miss this."