The National Building Museum has announced a panel discussion on the effects of allowing big box retail to establish a presence in D.C.’s historically mixed-use or industrial neighborhoods. The press release notes big box retail is typically built in suburban or rural communities, but increasingly the retail model is being applied to urban areas. And let’s face it — by big box they mean Wal-Mart.
True, Target and Home Depot have set up shop in D.C. over the last decade, but few major retailers have seen the pushback Wal-Mart has been getting since it announced plans to open four locations in D.C. within the next few years. Not surprisingly, the location in the most residential area (Brightwood) has been the most controversial. Plans are moving along for that location and another along New York Avenue in a former industrial district.
