Can a milk tree bring foot traffic to Friendship Heights?

Can a milk tree bring people back to Friendship Height’s commercial strip?

The Friendship Heights Alliance hopes so. 

The alliance helped Robin Bell, a D.C. based artist, find a vacant store front to become a studio space. The centerpiece of Bell’s studio is a plant that gives the space it’s name, Milk Tree. 

According to Bell, the alliance and the landlord gave him the space to help bring something different and creative to the area. 

“Milk Tree is exactly the creative use we need for Friendship Heights,” Rachel L Davis, the marketing and communication director for the Friendship Heights Alliance, said. 

Friendship Heights’ strip of Wisconsin Avenue NW has become a shell of its former self. Previously known for being a shopping destination in the DMV, empty store fronts occupy both sides of the street overwhelming the neighborhood with a sense of emptiness.  

Despite this, locals are working to revive the neighborhood. Among these vacant retail spaces and occasional businesses is Milk Tree. 

The studio focuses on a milk tree and its many propagations. It first opened in 2024 as something to attract more traffic into Friendship Heights. Though originally planned to run for six months, it was extended due to being favored by the public and local organizations.  

With a display window full of hanging disco ball planters with small milk trees, the fun and eclectic display grabs pedestrians’ attention. Bell transformed the empty retail space into a studio space and exhibit. 

Colorful canvases hang on the wall and below, more canvases line the floor, covering the perimeter of the studio. Projections of Bell’s other works play throughout the studio, showcasing the multitude of his talents. 

“The landlord and the Friendship Heights Alliance liked Milk Tree, and thought it looked better than an empty storefront,” Bell said.  

Bell occasionally holds open houses at the studio, allowing residents and visitors to interact with him and view the Milk Tree exhibit and his other artworks. Bell said he wants to show hope through his art and inspire others. 

The last Milk Tree open house for 2026 will be on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.  

But, the alliance and Bell will hold a Milk Tree Scavenger Hunt Dec. 11 through 13 in the neighborhood. 

In addition to Milk Tree, the alliance plans and promotes other events in Friendship Heights to help bring more people and businesses to the neighborhood.  

Sunday Commons, a weekly market organized by the alliance and TrishtanFoods, is helping bring more foot traffic to the area and supporting local businesses. One the many businesses taking advantage of the weekly market is Crains Dégun, a seller of French soaps and toiletries. 

Estelle Roche, the owners’ daughter, said these local events and markets have been helping bring more foot traffic to Wisconsin Ave and helping local businesses. 

“Maybe having a few more booths would be great, so it attracts more people because there’s more diversity in products,” Roche told the Wash. 

The last Sunday Commons in 2026 will be Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.  

The alliance also is promoting its annual Holiday Makers Market scheduled for Nov. 14th. The market will host over 40 makers and vendors at the event.  

The nonprofit is working on more and different events for 2027. 

“The Friendship Heights Alliance is always planning more creative and exciting events,” Davis said. 

Pallavi Chandra of TrishtanFoods, a local event organizer, was unavailable for comment.