OCF Realty will be opening a second OCF Café location at 2001 Federal Street (the first location will be opening soon at 18th and South). They have been in talks with the city for about two years now to purchase the property directly behind the locale for development of a garden for additional outdoor seating for the coffee shop. OCF is also trying for the lots across the street (East Side of 20th) for the construction of four duplexes that will overlook a central courtyard.

The interior of OCF Cafe at 18th and South

According to OCF Realty, working with the city and local civic association hasn’t been a walk in the park, but they are finally starting to make some headway with project. They have also made it clear that they would not be moving so aggressively to develop this part of town if it weren’t for John Longacre doing the same thing just two blocks away at 18th and Federal. Longacre’s dedication to revitalizing that corner with his American Sardine Bar project inspired OCF to push through all of the roadblocks in order to do what they felt would best improve the neighborhood.

Construction at 2001 Federal has been in full swing for six months; the four upstairs apartments are a few weeks away from completion and will marketed for lease the beginning next month. The first floor of the coffee shop is planned to be complete in May and will have accordion windows which will open up to plenty of outdoor space and seating. The cafe is being designed by JT Christensen of Studio Christensen, the same designer who is to thank for the aesthetic at the 18th and South OCF Cafe.

We are definitely excited to see some more positive development on Federal, so we will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of OCF Café (numero dos) late this summer! Looks like the south side of Washington is giving Graduate Hospital a run for its money.