Isabella BariasA new business is coming to Brookland’s 12th Street, a commercial corridor recently marked by closed store fronts.
The business, 12th Street Thrift, is expected to open soon, near the intersection with Hamlin Street, NE.
However, residents would like to see even more businesses come to the retail corridor after a long period of closures and vacancies stretching from Michigan Avenue to Rhode Island Avenue.
The Brookland neighborhood has long been known for its small businesses and local restaurants, but due to recent closures, the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association and its residents are advocating for more small businesses bringing life back to Brookland.
One of the few remaining long-term businesses in the neighborhood is Masala Story, an Indian restaurant that has been nestled on the corner of 12th Street and Kearny Street NE for nearly nine years.
It is owned by the Berry Family, and Amrinal Berry, the eldest brother, said he has seen businesses change a lot over the years.
“We have seen every business go along this neighborhood. We are the only one left,” said Berry.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular Alice’s Jazz House & Cultural Society permanently closed.
And, Brookland’s Finest Kitchen and Bar closed in 2025 after 11 years.
Berry said, “It was heartbreaking to see the Brookland’s Finest go; the owner was a friend of mine.”
However, recently things have started to change. An Irish pub, The Harp, opened last October in Brookland Finest’s former space.
Still, three to four spaces along Brookland’s 12th Street remain vacant.
BNCA has taken the initiative to advocate for the retail corridor, aiming to improve the street’s aesthetic and create safer walkways for its residents.
On Oct. 30, 2025, the neighborhood group gathered residents and current business owners for a roundtable discussion about the decline of Brookland’s 12th Street. The BNCA conducted a survey, to which 340 residents gave responses, asking what prevents residents from spending more money on 12th Street, finding that more than 250 responses cited the lack of appealing business options, while the rest of the votes were for alternative businesses away from Brookland.
In March, the BNCA issued a report, “Say Yes, to 12th Street,” stating, “BNCA also recommends larger policy reforms, such as expanding the small retail property tax credit for qualifying leases, calibrating the vacancy tax at the storefront level, and piloting a tenant‑improvement loan/guarantee program.”
At a BNCA meeting held on April 21, 2026, the association partnered with Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker to propose a $200,000 grant to improve the corridor and support local businesses. Parker’s office did not return calls for comment.
BNCA’s Vice President John Leibovitz, said the grant will not be in effect until the next fiscal year. The group is working to determine where the money will be spent. Brookland families have expressed interest in more family-friendly hangouts, cafes, and playgrounds.
“We want the full potential of 12th Street for the future,” Leibovitz said.
Architect Edward M. Johnson said he attends almost every BNCA meeting. Johnson owns an architectural firm on 12th Street and has lived in the Brookland area for 50 years.
He said he hopes more businesses open in the Brookland area because of the increase in residential buildings being built, adding that small businesses are the key to the neighborhood.
“Absolutely devastating to see some of the businesses go, and it is a reflection of the economy,” said Johnson.
According to BNCA’s survey, residents referred to 12th Street as “unpleasant” and unsafe due to traffic, speeding, and loud trucks. Residents want to see more appealing businesses and safer walkways around the corridor, the survey found.
One survey response said, “The small, independent businesses are what make Brookland feel special; I’d hate to see it turn into another strip of chain stores.”
Another issue BNCA included in its survey was a theme of an increase in rent costs, inconsistency in hours, and payroll rates, which the association said has made it difficult for businesses to keep doors open.
Residents have complained about inconsistent store hours, determining whether stores look open or closed. Leibovitz said another Brookland business association had advocated for more businesses to be brought in; however, the group is no longer active.
The BNCA is a small neighborhood group, working to address the residents’ issues and concerns about the appeal and economic decline of 12th Street, bringing back Brookland’s main street.
“Whatever happens to Brookland, 12th Street remains the center main street for 100 years, and hope we can remain for the next 100 years,” Leibovitz said
Ashayla Byrd
Alyssa Summers
Hiba Alkhersam
I live directly on 12 street, 2 blocks from every single bit of this. I’ve seen businesses come and go. I’ve seen masala story change hands. Many times from different businesses from nates, comfort lounge to many other businesses. Since then until masala opened. I have never been asked any questions about the neighborhood. No one has ever knocked on my door so I don’t know who the still have one fifty people are, to answer questions about the neighborhood because for some odd reason, we’re never included in these neighborhoods, which I think it’s kind of crazy. Because i’ve been here for forty years, but doesn’t that you guys do what you want with the neighborhood like, you always do.