After much anticipation, MOM's Organic Market on the Van Ness campus is officially open for business. UDC and the new retail kid on the block held a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 4, to mark the occasion.
The grand opening marks a new chapter for MOM’s, a Rockville-based natural and organic grocery store focused on sustainable and healthy consumerism. The store occupies over 16,000 square feet of retail space with 85 exclusive parking spaces in the garage off Windom Place.
According to UDC President Maurice Edington, the MOM's initiative perfectly exemplifies UDC’s strategic plan, “Delivering on the Promise.”
“MOM’s Organic on the Van Ness campus is more than just a grocery store—it exemplifies UDC’s role as a vibrant community anchor and a catalyst for economic development in the District,” Edington said. “This initiative underscores our strategic commitment to expanding opportunity and delivering lasting impact for our students and the communities we serve.”
The opening has already been well received. UDC student James Rose shared his excitement: “What amazing news because it gives us more options. We’ll have dynamic choices now,” he said.
David Wineberg, a longtime Van Ness resident, agreed.
“This is good for the neighborhood, and having all the retail spaces filled out here will be great,” Wineberg said.
The Office of Facilities & Real Estate Management (OFREM), which oversaw the MOM’s project, will continue to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the Van Ness campus.
As for what's next, Javier Dussan, vice president of OFREM, says the opening of MOM’s is just the beginning.
“MOM’s will be an important retail anchor here on the Van Ness campus,” he noted. “We have a lot more in store, and I’m excited to continue working on bringing new businesses to the university campus and be part of what comes next for this section of the Connecticut Avenue corridor."