Enlightened, Inc. And Menkiti Group Chosen For MLK Gateway Development Project
WASHINGTON (December 19): The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) for the District of Columbia announced on Friday, December 16th that Enlightened, Inc. and The Menkiti Group in partnership as MLK Gateway Community Partners, LLC (MGCP) have been selected to lead the development of MLK Gateway, a partnership between DMPED and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the District of Columbia, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE and Good Hope Road SE.
MGCP proposed a 100% commercial project across three sites at this marquee intersection with a total of over 50,500 sf of new development. This will include over 28,500 sf of commercial office space and nearly 22,000 sf of restaurant, grocery, and retail space. The development is projected to generate 50 new jobs and over $21 million in new tax revenues during its first 15 years of operation.
The site located on Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE will include a Keller Williams brokerage office with a Real Estate Entrepreneurship Career Academy and office space for Enlightened Inc.’s technology incubator – the first of its kind in Anacostia – aligning with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commitment to make DC a national model for tech inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Enlightened Inc., a successful CBE information technology firm with a specialization in cybersecurity, software development & integration and management consulting, will also move its headquarters from downtown DC to a new office and retail development on the Good Hope Road parcels, bringing 150 jobs to Ward 8. Enlightened’s technology incubator will provide mentorship, training and development for the creation of local CBE technology firms. The site will also include home-grown retailers Filter Coffee, Good Food Markets, Smith Commons, and City First Bank.
The Menkiti Group will also contribute to the vibrancy of this commercial corridor by redeveloping its own property at 1301 Good Hope Road to include a new Retro Fitness gym and office space for Menkiti Residential. The retail amenities at MLK Gateway will bring valuable services to the Anacostia community and generate activity at this critical intersection. Altogether, the construction of a new flagship building honors, adapts, and renews the existing assets of Anacostia while providing opportunities for the future of this historic neighborhood.
“MLK Gateway gives Ward 8 a great reason to celebrate this holiday season,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian T. Kenner. “This development delivers on our mission to drive economic development in all corners of the District so every resident can share in our city’s prosperity. I look forward to seeing MLK Gateway reach its full potential and ensuring this historic community has access to the quality retail and jobs they need and deserve.”
Antwanye Ford, President & CEO of Enlightened, Inc. stated, “As a native Washingtonian, it has been a lifelong dream to support investment and development of neighborhoods in my community. I am deeply honored to have been selected in conjunction with The Menkiti Group, to develop the MLK Gateway. Together, we hope to create a prosperous, diverse, and flourishing community for the citizens and businesses of Ward 8.”
About Enlightened
Enlightened is an award winning company that provides Cyber Security, IT and management solutions to resolve complex business problems for federal, state, and local government agencies. Enlightened holds GSA IT-70 and MOBIS schedule contracts, HUBZone and Small Business certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and rated CMMI-DEV Level 3 and CMMI-SVC Level 2 by the CMMI Institute. For more information please visit www.enlightened.com.
Media Contacts:
Enlightened, Inc.
Ameena Layous, Marketing Support
1101 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC. 20036
(202) 728-7190
news@enlightened.com
www.enlightened.com