Two new business set to open this fall in Cathedral Heights

Cathedral Heights is once again welcoming new businesses to Wisconsin Avenue, adding to the rapid development at Cathedral Commons, City Ridge, and Upton Place.

The Indian restaurant Botiwalla by Chai Pani, from James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani, will open this fall in D.C. No official opening date has been set.

In addition, brokerage firm Charles Schwab is relocating from downtown to Wisconsin Avenue.

According to the Schwab’s official website, the brokerage will relocate from 1100 H St NW, Suite 100, to 4000 Wisconsin Ave NW and will be opening at the new location on Sept. 28.

The rapid growth brought by the new residential and commercial developments has changed the neighborhood and daily life for Cathedral Heights long term residents.

Stephanie Nieves, a real estate agent with Upton Place, said the newer developments have introduced a more modern and contemporary feel to the area, attracting a new generation of residents.

According to Nieves, Cathedral Heights has become a desirable destination not only for families but for students, young professionals and international residents.

“Overall, the neighborhood appeals to people at many different stages of life because of its location, accessibility and residential atmosphere,” said Nieves.

Since the surge of new residencies along Wisconsin Avenue, local residents have noticed significant changes that have affected their everyday lives.

Francisco, an area resident who only gave his first name, said this section of Wisconsin Avenue has become dangerous, as people don’t obey traffic signs, putting small children at risk.

“Mainly I am concerned about all the children who cross the street and all these cars that don’t stop,” said Jennifer Keller, another resident.

“Safety for me is important. I don’t feel safe like I did before. Especially at night. I never thought about safety before, but now I think about it,” said Keller.

These changes stand in sharp contrast to what the neighborhood used to be. Before the developments, the area was quiet and largely unknown, some locals said. Carmen, who also declined to give her surname, described the old Cathedral Heights as an “oasis.”

Locals also say that traffic has become a serious problem.

While the opening of Wegmans in 2022 was widely welcomed as a benefit for the community, residents say traffic has noticeably increased since then. Some suggest that 39th Street NW should be closed to cars and made pedestrian-only, with vehicle access limited to the parking lot entrance.

Nieve acknowledged that traffic has been one of the main concerns since the development opened.

“Since what we have seen, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic and interest compared to last year,” said Nieves.

Yet not everyone sees the changes as negative. Longtime resident Catherine, who declined to give her full name, said the new developments have brought positive energy to the neighborhood.

“City Ridge adds a lot of energy,” said Catherine.

The tension between development and neighborhood character is not new.

According to the DC Comprehensive Plan’s Rock Creek West Area Element, the Wisconsin Avenue corridor has long been identified as a site for new development, with the District acknowledging that “issues of height, scale, character, and density remain a source of concern” among residents.