Chipotle has turned down an offer to operate rent-free in Fairlawn in SE, according to the Washington Post and Washington City Paper.

“Developer Tim Chapman offered retail space in the new 118-unit residential complex to Chipotle rent free,” Lydia DePillis of City Paper wrote.  ”That’s practically begging. Still, the burrito chain turned him down. And, verily, Chipotle has no locations outside of Northwest Washington, though that will change (barely) when a store opens in Union Station.”

The revelation is a troubling one, as many were hoping this to be the year that Southeast’s development took off.

Southeast is an area that is in transition, and there’s no denying it.  After years of being ridden by violence and crime, many believe that Southeast is primed for a rebirth.  When the Washington Nationals professional baseball team moved into the district in 2005, it was looked at as an opportunity to give Southeast a kickstart.  The New Nationals Park is just one of the additions to the community.

But a damaged economy has stunted the area’s growth, and businesses like Chipotle are left timid to move in.

One thing that has developed quickly in the region are the DC Condominium complexes.

Go to CondoDomain DC to see some of our fantastic Southeast DC Condos!