DC’s Union Station Is Witnessing a Retail Revival. But a Court Battle Looms
With Starbucks and others returning to the capital’s transit hub, Union Station’s commercial landlord is fighting a retail takeover by Amtrak.
Travelers at Union Station in Washington, DC, on July 3.
Photographer: Bloomberg
Two years after Starbucks closed its doors at Union Station in Washington, DC, citing concerns about public safety, the company is plotting its return to the city’s transit hub.
Starbucks expects to begin building out its store there this month, according to Rexmark, the New York–based real estate investment manager and current retail landlord for the site. A spokesperson for Starbucks confirmed the store is aiming for a September opening. Rexmark is citing the return of the coffee giant and others as evidence of a change of fortunes since the company took over retail at Union Station two years ago.