Uline Arena Redevelopment Work Has Begun

Preliminary construction on the Uline Arena redevelopment in NoMa appeared to start today (Monday), as developers prepare to tell locals about the plan.

A crane was in place this afternoon near the historic arena, located on the southwest corner of 3rd and M streets NE. Douglas Development Corp. is planning three stories of offices and a single level of retail on the 2.5-acre lot, according to their website. The company will present the planned construction schedule at an ANC 6C meeting Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Foundation (214 Massachusetts Ave. NE).

The property includes the arena — which was the site of the first Beatles concert in the U.S. — the Ice House building and two commercial buildings that have been used for parking. First called the Uline Ice Arena, the arena was later named the Washington Coliseum and was home to sporting events and performances.

The arena closed in 1986, was bought by Waste Management and then was bought in 2004 by Douglas Development, ANC 6C Commissioner Tony Goodman wrote for Greater Greater Washington.

Douglas Development did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

Photo via Douglas Development Corp.