Other noteworthy data from the JLL report include that two-thirds of announced retail openings in 2019 have been located east of 16th Street. The highest density of openings was concentrated in the Market District, which accounted for 10% of the city's openings, in particular with the upcoming arrival of the new Union Market food hall, La Cosecha. Other eastern neighborhoods that have driven storefront net openings included Mount Vernon Triangle, Columbia Heights, Ballpark and Shaw, with each micro-market accounting for 4%-6% of net storefront openings, the report states.

JLL adds that net storefront openings in traditional, western, slower population growth neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Dupont Circle, have slowed. Retail openings in those two neighborhoods as of mid-May accounted for only 13% of all announced openings and the largest turnover was in Dupont Circle where restaurants accounted for 7% of all openings and 16% of all closings.

Smith says that leasing will continue to follow population growth eastward into the southeast, southwest and northeast quadrants.

“In addition to Union Market, which will be a leader in net openings over the next few years, Ballpark openings will outpace closings at a rate of close to 5 to 1,” Smith states in the report. “Finally, expect East of the River, particularly at Congress Heights, to see some of the most dramatic uptick in new activity over the next 48 months.”